22 Comments
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Michael Rossini's avatar

Hi Tino, you successfully managed the process and now you are an Italian citizen, again😊. It is not easy to make a move like you have, I’m sure it can be quite scary to undertake such a life change. As you know, we are visiting Tuscany again this September, and then travelling south. The time we spent in Tuscany last year, and with you, has made Lis and me want to do it over again. This time we are bringing another couple with us, so I can show our country off to them. You do inspire.

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hi Mike, I’ll be honest there was a time where I questioned myself if it was all worth it. But I don’t give up easily and so glad I din’t. I’m looking forward seeing you Liz and friends again in September. There are few news wineries I discovered. 🥴🍷

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Leslie Sisman's avatar

Great summary and a fun read. Even though my expat home is in Portugal, I love reading your take, and I can truly relate. A Portuguese version of becoming an expat would have most of the same elements with a slightly different twist... and a more frustrating language!

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Thank you Leslie, I’ve heard lots of beautiful things and similarities with Portugal. A country I must visit very soon.

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Catherine Harkness's avatar

Hi Tino.

I am happy for you.It must feel good being back in your home country.

It is quite the journey after having left the country as a young boy.

Adapting to a culture you’ve been away from for decades can be just as hard as moving to a completely new one.

In your case you seem to have adjusted well.

You already have a good knowledge of the language.So that is a big plus.

Tuscany looks like a beautiful place.ENJOY😄

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hi Catherine, thank you for your note. You said it well, readapting to your own country after almost 60 years it’s almost a new emigration. Except I kind of knew what I was up too. Also this makes me realize how great of country is Canada. Fair, respectful, with great opportunities.

My choice to spend 8 or 9 months a year in Italy felt kind of natural and closes the loop. Hope all is well with you and the boys. 😘

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Francine Boilard's avatar

C’est un projet qui demande de la persévérance. Je suis heureuse de ton succès et, chanceux, j’aimerais moi aussi que mon docteur soit abonné à mon infolettre! 😆

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Allo Francine, Oui, effectivement Il faut être patient quand on entreprend un tel projet. Mais surtout il faut le vouloir.

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Claudia's avatar

Once again a beautiful story you share .

♥️💕♥️💕

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hi Super C. Thank you 🙏

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Loretta Di Vita's avatar

Thanks, Tino, for sharing some valuable information and stoking my fantasy of moving (again) to Italy. 😉

I never attempted to drive when living in Rome, but had I known driving tests could be so hilarious, I would have jumped on the opportunity. 😆

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François's avatar

Bon, à première vue……ou plutôt après la lecture, voici la réflexion qui me vient à l’esprit: comment faire simple quand on peut faire compliqué……

Mais ce qui est important, c’est ce que tu découvres à la fin du processus .😍😎✌🏻💃🏻🌞🍷

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Exactement, F. Je le dis tout le temps : ils ont le don de compliquer les trucs simples ! Mais bon…

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Pia Whitmartlet's avatar

We just got started! My partner discovered an Irish grandfather, which entitled him to an Irish passport and yesterday all we had to do was to rock up and one stamp later he's Italian resident. I'm going the ERV route, so it will take me slightly longer.

But oh, waking up under Italian skies will always be so worth it!

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hi Pia, what a beautiful combination — Irish and Italian. My three sons share that blend and are so proud of their heritage. Enjoy!

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Brant Huddleston's avatar

A lovely summary! I am just a few years behind you — I renew my residency this week. The language lessons are coming along piano piano, and I’m dreading the driver’s test, but everything else is tutto bene!

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Bravo Brant, which region are you from?

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Brant Huddleston's avatar

Ciao Tino. @Fabiana and I live in Lombardy just outside of Milano. I am a US citizen and she is Italian 😎

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Francesca Sensi's avatar

Tino. All the time I read about you, it makes me happy you are here in Italy. More, you underline my desire to escape form this Country. All is possible in life and you are the witness of the process of change!! Thank you so much to share with everybody you troubles, and your joy. Your Chicca

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Ciao Chicca, che piacere leggerti.

Your help and advice have been invaluable in easing my transition into life in Italy. From buying a car to introducing me to key people, to inspiring my e-bike tour experience — and so much more.

You’ve helped iron out many of the wrinkles one encounters in this beautiful and intriguing country, making the path much smoother for me to walk on. Un infinito grazie. A presto ☕️ 🥰

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Tino Masecchia's avatar

Hello Loretta, I can just imagine you in the driving classes! You would be amused and irritated at the same time. Eventually the first one would take over, because all of a sudden it makes one understand to root of Italian culture.

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Marushka's avatar

Merci de nous présenter ce labyrinthe :) Tous ces repairs forment un voyage en soi. Tout est pertinent.

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