Each month we introduce you to someone who has made the dream of picking up and moving to the Bel Paese a reality. In their own words they share the good parts, the bad parts and the just plain absurd moments of day-to-day life in Italy.
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ID Card:
Marjorie Taylor, a Real Estate Broker from Manhattan, NY. I am also a licensed broker in the state of Florida. I am engaged to marry a wonderful Italian man from Venice, who is working in Rome. I have an adult daughter living in Florida.
How (or why) did you get here from there?
I came to Rome in Jan. 2001 to help my fianc? pack and move. He was in negotiation with a US company to open a new division. The job fell through, however, I stayed!
What role did language skills play in your experience?
Unfortunately, I had no language skills. I think learning the language is very important in feeling at home.
Your biggest challenge:
One of my biggest challenges has been driving in Rome. I thought I could handle it after living and driving in busy Manhattan. The drivers here make up their own rules. However, I have not given up!
What did you do to feel at home or adapt here?
I joined two organizations that are quite different from each other with varied and diverse memberships. The American Women?s Association (AWAR) provides a multiple number of social and cultural functions and has given me an excellent start in my new adventure. The second group I joined is the Hash House Harriers (HASH), a crazy running club comprised of members from all over the globe. These groups have helped me to connect to other ex pats here and learn from their experiences, and most importantly, make new friends.
What do you still have to get used to/learn?
The language. I?ve taken a few months of Italian lessons and find it challenging as well as frustrating to carry a conversation in Italian. I find this most exasperating because I am a person with a lot to say!
Compare an aspect of your home town (or other place you’ve lived) to current town.
Housing, is costly In Rome. A small two-bedroom apartment is difficult to find for less than 4 million Lire, monthly, in the center. It is time consuming and often difficult to locate an apartment just as it is in NYC. Some of my friends have had good luck by consulting bulletin boards of the various English language schools, bookstores and churches as well as the FAO and WFO of the UN. The public transportation is wonderful and inexpensive. You can get just about any where you want to by bus, tram or train. The only problem is that trains and trams do not operate 24 hours a day.
Latest pursuits:
Since I am not working, my latest pursuit is trying to fill my days with productive activities. After the busy lifestyle of a Manhattan Real Estate Broker, I find it a bit difficult with so much time on my hands. I would like to investigate what is involved with opening my own business here.
A preconceived notion about Italians/Italy that is not true:
That they are all short, my fianc? is 6?7!
A preconceived notion about Italians/Italy that is true:
That they are warm and friendly. They are also accepting and appreciative of us foreigners when we butcher their beautiful language. But the truest preconceived notion is that the men are very romantic and love women.
Your response to the following question: “I really want to live here, but I don’t speak Italian or have a job. What do you think?”
Unless you are a citizen of the European Community, finding a job is difficult without the necessary papers. You must apply for an entrance visa at your nearest Italian Consular Office in the US and wait until it has been granted. This process will take several weeks so do this well in advance. Additionally, start to learn the language. Although many Italians speak a little English, it is most helpful to acclimate if you learn the language first. (I wish I did!) At least enough to get along with your basic daily activities.
How would you sum up your Italian experience in a word (and why)?
Unbelievable! If you would have told me last year that I would be living in Rome, exploring Italy and Europe, learning a new culture and language, I would have declared you insane. However, I find it to be the most unbelievable and incredible experiences in my life. Even though my friends and family think I am nuts to give up my job and apartment, I feel quite fortunate for this unique opportunity.
Italy’s best kept secret (music, culture, food, way to get round things)
Outdoor festivals during the summer. There is something going on every evening here in Rome. Food, games, exhibits, all sorts of music from small local bands, to big name stars. A lot of them are free!
