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Italy Trip Summer 2011
Travel & Leisure: Europe

Why do you want to do this?

I was stationed in Sigonella in the mid 1980s and loved it so much that I have always dreamed of returning. My family is from Umbria and since learning this (why my parents never talked of this I'll never know) combined with my fantastic memories I feel the need to return here to try to find where I want to move. I feel at peace, at home, like I belong in Italy. In the United States I'm so out of place. People find me intimidating, not in Italy. We're all family in Italy, and family/friends is what it's all about for me!

What three things will you need to make this happen?

Money. I am currently going through a divorce, and I'm afraid he's going to withhold money to keep me from my dreams. I booked a cruise, but so far don't have the money for the airfare. I'm trying to sell some furniture on craigslist, but no one is calling yet.

Somewhere to stay after the cruise. My cruise ends in Civitivecchia and I will have 5 days that I have to figure out what I'm doing before I arrive in Praiano. Of course, money plays a role here too. I won't have enough money to cover a hotel for 5 nights, and this is making me contemplate cancelling the trip.

Knowing I have the funds to cover my class in Florence in August. I registered for a teaching certificate class (TEFL) to teach English as a foreign language. I'm afraid to book my airfare until I know I can afford to pay for the rest of the class, and the apartment.

What is the biggest barrier to your achieving this?

MONEY. Once I've sold enough furniture, collected enough from soon to be ex-husband, or got creative with getting some money I'll feel better. First thing is I need money to cover expenses on the cruise, then money to cover whatever I'm doing for those five days between the cruise and the villa in Praiano, then money to do something for two weeks in Praiano, then money to get from Praiano to Florence, then money to cover tuition and apartment. I only have 22 days to figure this out.

6/12/2011 9:05:09 PM

It sounds like this is a great opportunity for you...so keep this dream alive...positive spirits will allow you to fulfil this dream...and I have faith in you that your $ situation will all come together.

A good friend of mine did just what you are planning to do...with little money, she followed her dream to go and live and work in Italy, and is now teaching English in the Abruzzo region, and married an italian to boot!  When she arrived, she stayed with a friend's relative for about 2 weeks (did not know them, but they were welcoming!) before she settled into working in a shop in Roma, helping with the english tourists. she got paid under the table, and did tutoring and teaching English on the side to make $.

You are going to have a fabulous time - Italy is one of my favourite places to visit...and like you, it feels like home...you will be close to Rome when your cruise ends, so I am sure that you will find a place to settle into...there are some great bed and breakfasts that may work well for you, along with pensiones (convents and montastries that rent rooms for about 40 euros/night).

I wish you all the best on your adventure...it sounds like a great "next step" in your self discovery!

6/15/2011 7:15:41 PM

 I booked the airfare today! I booked my return for September 3rd, after the TEFL class is over. I know this is going to happen. It's going to work out for me. I still have a little stress about the entire trip, and I will have to do it on the CHEAP. But, I am going to do it!

I still have to have money for:

  • Shipboard gratuities
  • Somewhere to stay, food, etc for the 5 days post-cruise
  • Spending money in Praiano for 2 weeks
  • Transportation from Praiano to Florence
  • The money to cover my apartment in Florence
  • Food in Florence

 

6/21/2011 9:22:36 PM

This is such an exciting post.  Thanks for sharing your plans with us.  It sounds like you're piecing this whole thing together and following your heart to the land of your ancestors.  Do you have any relatives at all in any of those places you mention?  I'm asking because perhaps they can recommend places where you'll be able to stay for less or have connections to people who'd be willing to help you out with your gaps in travel time.  Congratulations on getting that airfare booked.  Wishing you a fantastic journey.

7/3/2011 10:39:23 AM

I have Italy on my list too, so I hope you'll continue to share your experiences as you go! Keep track of all the wonderful things you see and do so you, also, can look back and appreciate how far you've come. Freedom is an incredible thing that will help you grow. I wish you so much luck.

7/3/2011 7:56:38 PM

 It amazes me how things always work out!

I received a phone call from Princess Cruises on Wednesday last week to see if I would move to the September 4, 2011 cruise on the same ship from Athens to Venice. This cruise goes into the Black Sea, which I thought was interesting. In exchange they would refund 1/2 my cruise fare as an on board credit ($799 and if I don't use it I get cash back at the end of the cruise), upgrade me from an inside cabin to a balcony, and pay up to $300 in air change fees. I accepted because now I don't have to worry about those 5 days in between Rome and Praiano. It also gives me money to spend on the cruise.

I am regretting the decision now, because I really wanted to be in the Mediterranean, and I really wanted to leave sooner rather than later. But, this is the best decision as far as money is concerned.

My friend, Walter from Roma, said he would help me find a place to stay in/near Florence. He has an apartment in Lucca, an hour train ride from Florence, but he said chances are very good that I could stay there. That frees up 600 euros.

It's coming together!

7/3/2011 8:05:20 PM

 Holy crow, it really is coming together.  It's amazing how things will take a turn toward the outcome you desire just by starting to talk about it or write about it.  I really believe we bring about what we think about.  Congratulations once again and please keep us posted.  I'm so excited for you.  

"Life is a daring,bold adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller.

7/20/2011 10:03:03 AM

 I'm only two short days away from my flight to Roma now.

On Sunday I discovered that the villa I am staying in with some friends in Praiano is for one week, and not two like I was originally told. This added some stress, like where am I going to stay for that second week. 

Walter confirmed for me last night that I can stay in his/his brothers apartment in Lucca, and the extra week is not a problem. 

Now I just need to know that the money for food and transportation will magically appear in the next two days...

7/20/2011 10:11:18 AM

Ohhh, so exciting.  Wishing you a fantastic journey.  Hope you'll keep us posted Kym.  All the best to you.

7/20/2011 2:47:44 PM

Good luck, Kym! Have a wonderful trip!

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