Interview with Nigel in Naples

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Name: Nigel Harford

Date of Interview: February 21, 2007

Area of Italy you live in?

Naples

Let us know a little about yourself?

From New Zealand. I am married to Carla. We live in Naples, in the historical center. I am an English teacher, Carla works as a receptionist/ manager at a hostel here in Naples.

Why did you decide to move to Italy?

I originally came for a holiday but decided to stay for a while and do some teaching. I met Carla and decided to saty a bit longer. Many years ago I studied Italian at university and have always had an interest in the country and its culture and people.

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

Originally I was here illegally (after the initial 90 days that is) but after we were married I recieved my permesso di soggiorno per motivi familiari.

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

I had no real problems and apart from the long waits for applications to be processed we found the whole process relatively easy. I believe it would have been much more difficult if we had done the same in NZ. For example in NZ we would have had to be married and living together for  1 year before Carla became eligible for permanent residence and 3 years before she could apply for citizenship. From what I've seen the queues at immigration are pretty bad too.

How long have you been here?

I've been in Italy for nearly 3 years.

What type of adjustment problems have you had?

I've found it very easy to adjust to living here.

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

Nothing really. Although Italy is quite different from the romantic image usually associated with it this has not been a disappointment.

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

Nothing that they can't already find on this website.

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

No.

What has changed about you since you have been here ?

I am now a demon on a motorino and am even considering getting a motorcycle. I have (despite all the corruption and caos) rekindled my love for football, a childhood passion that was beaten out of me on the high school rugby field.

Do you think that you will stay forever?

For now Yes. Ask me again when I have children and I have to think about sending them to school.