So I’ve recently been infected with the "travel bug" and am ready to try Europe. My friend and I are ready to actually sell our belongings here and live for a few years in Europe, starting in Italy. I am trying to make contacts over there and talk to people who have been. Any insights, contacts, pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

genevieve

Hello there,

How exciting.
I’m new to this group and haven’t read any other posts so sorry if this is a repeat of anyone else...

I recommend that you do a lot of research about "Expats living in Italy" before you go. There’s a lot of buracracy(sp) in Italy. There is a wealth of information out there about what to expect and what you’ll need to do before you leave and when you’re there. I assume you were planning on getting a job there?...it seems that illegal jobs are out there (working under the table, I guess), but to get a job legally you need paperwork, but to get the paperwork you first need the place that you want to work to sponsor you and why would they go through the trouble when they can just hire a non-immigrant?! Connections and who you know seems to be a big thing and opens doors and speeds things up. Check w/our Italian embassy website regarding the specific visa you’ll need to get. Length of stay visa/work visa/student visa/etc.

But, I don’t want to sound discouraging. I think it would be an amazing adventure. You only live once, right?!

There are a lot of blogs from american women currently living there that are pretty interesting and fun to read!

Have you thought at all about what city/cities/towns you might be interested in?

I’m currently sort-of, kind-of thinking about the same thing. I met a man who soon became my b.f. during my last day in Rome, Sept 07. Lots of phone conversations later I visited him again in May ’08..planning another trip in January ’09. He wants me to move there and live with him. I’m interested in the idea, yet scared because that’s such a huge move! What would I do about my house that I love, all my belongings, my 401K and this and that!! And it seems that I’d be "giving up" America and my friends and family. I’ve always been a ’play it safe’ kinda gal so I struggle with what to do.

Good luck! :-)

Ciao,
Karen

Hi again,
I just re-read your post and you also mention Europe, in general..

While, I didn’t live in Europe, I spent 4 weeks backpacking through there. I kind of went in an S pattern from The Netherlands to England through Germany, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic and finally Italy.

It’s amazing. And surreal..going from country to country..the different languages...the old architecture and buildings...amazing museums and famous locations...hopping on and off trains at new destinations..new foods to try and delight in. Sure, there are things along the way that will happen that will suck, but in the end what you remember most are the good times. At least for me anyway.

That’s great that you would have a friend to go with. That would make it a little less daunting, I think.

There’s one website in particular that I used to check regularly when I was planning my trip. travelblog.org. People who go backpacking whether it be for a week or a year keep their journals online with photos and update regularly. If you find one u like u can subscribe to them and you’ll get an email with their latest post. And you can comment on their journals or ask questions to them. It’s a well organized site and fun to read people’s adventures and insights and see their cool photos. It’ll make you even more antsy to get over there. :)

At the end of my 4 weeks I was sad and didn’t want to go home. It was too much fun living out of a backpack and seeing a different old town/castle/etc every couple days or so. I was with my brother half of the time and we stayed in backpacker/youth hostels which is way cheaper than hotels. Also in hostels you get to meet other travels like yourself and make mini friendships which is nice.

"A few years", you say! I’m jealous. :-)

p.s. I recommend a bike chain to chain around your backpack and bed/whatever in case their isn’t a locker for your backpack. Also, bring a regular lock for a locker. Don’t forget a European electrical adapter. :)