Interview with Marilaura in Florence

Do you like our content? We are upported by community readers like you, for just €2 a month, you can have unlimited access to all the articles, the discussion and classified ad functions; and you can help us to keep the web server up and running and produce new contents.

Name: Laura

Date of Interview: July 29, 2007

Area of Italy you live in?

Firenze

Let us know a little about yourself?

I have been married for 7 years.  I have a six year old daughter.

Why did you decide to move to Italy?

I moved to Italy to be with my Italian husband.

What type of process did you go through to be able to move here?

Neither my husband nor I had any idea what a permesso di soggiorno was.  Luckily, I met another foreigner who was able to give me all the information I needed..just in time. I had no problems.  The process was only time consuming. I don't think I'll ever forget standing outside the questera from 6am to who knows when to get in just to stand in another line and another... My best advice to anyone who must go...bring a really good book.  Now, I'm waiting for my citizenship.  I put in all the paperword about two years ago.

What problems did you run into during the initial process and how were you able to fix them ?

I wished there were more services through the consulates for expats who need things like criminal backround checks (ie citizenship forms).

How long have you been here?

I moved here in 1999.

What type of adjustment problems have you had?

I have gone through a rollercoaster of emotions throughout the years as I've tried to adjust to just about every situation from looking for friends, work, and living as an outsider in an italian family.

What do you wish someone had told you before you made the leap?

(1) Living in Italy doesn't mean that you are obligated to host old family and friends who tend to pop up only during vacation time.

(2) Sometimes people will only want to know you so they can practice their English or they want to feel popular because they know the foreigner.   

What inside secret could you pass on to others looking to move over?

Learn Italian as fast as you can. In spite of all the negatives...make this all a big adventure!

Do you have any disappointments, things you thought would happen but haven't for whatever reasons ?

Sometimes, I can feel pretty isolated.

What has changed about you since you have been here ?

I have better fashion sense...really!  After all these years..I look back and still see the same Laura who arrived.

Do you think that you will stay forever?

Yes. This is my life adventure.