Once upon a time in Texas, there was a girl with an appetite and a dream...
That means doubt. I've been so happy to be back, but after a few weeks of 100+ temps and no beach in sight, I'm questioning the sanity in trading one South for another.
posted by Tracie P. at 7/03/2008 12:10:00 AM
Does leaving your former life to live in paradise really need much explanation? I had a dream to live in Italy. After four years of teaching and almost as many summers traveling, I knew that something had to be done. I needed to cook every day with that fresh, locally-grown produce. I needed to connect with people who made their own wine and bought their whole chickens with the feet still on. I wanted to live in a culture whose inherent passion for gastronomy was not born of pretense, but of the knowledge that what is so fundamental to life should also be ENJOYED. This, for me, is the definition of "la dolce vita Italiana." While it may not always be sweet, it is always Italian.
23 Comments:
tracie B is it cooler by Lake Austin (I know it's not the same as the blue sea of the Amalfi coast)?
I don't know if one can have it all. Maybe you can work as some kind of wine consultant or for an import/export company. You would get to travel to Italy or maybe be based here but then travel to the States or be paid by an American company?
There has got to be a way to get you back here. :)
7/03/2008 1:27 AM
If it's any consolation, the euro/dollar rate is making it IMPOSSIBLE to have ANY fun over here.
7/03/2008 5:38 AM
Tracie B come back!! We'll make it work ;)
I was in New Mexico (and El Paso) last week - it IS hot! :) Now San Diego is a bit shocking...fog and cold!
7/03/2008 10:54 AM
Lake Austin is located in Austin? right.
7/03/2008 7:26 PM
To be blogger above, Lake Austin in located in Dallas.
7/03/2008 7:27 PM
I do not know what those two are talking about, but are you enjoying being back home?
7/03/2008 10:10 PM
anon, "lake austin" IS actually in austin, but not a lake. and yes i am enjoying being home! mostly :)
nyc--workin' on it
miss e--i bet. there's always the sea!
ms. a--you sweet talker, you
7/03/2008 11:03 PM
I would think the Gulf is not as nice as the Med. Sea. hehe it is so hot here I don't even want to get out in the pool until it cools off a bit. Always good to see you post though.
unfortunately I've no suggestions. we are debating the same thing - here or italy. sigh
7/04/2008 11:53 AM
hey ragazza
your cabana and pool are here for you, with a stocked wine (and limoncello) cellar next to the guest room.
7/04/2008 12:06 PM
sounds like a good compromise!
7/04/2008 12:45 PM
Yeah, come back! I found your post a little sad because I decided to go back once, but I pined for Italy. That's why even on bad days here, I know I attempted going back but I missed Italy too much.
Some do manage to live in both places - usually with a job that sends you abroad. Aren't there any wine linked jobs there linked to Italy? But part of me also thinks that you need to decided where to live and make a true go of things where you decide. Hmmmm.
Ps It's baking hot here :(
7/04/2008 12:50 PM
ciao! soon i'll be leaving italy to start a tour of texas. the neighbor's grass is always greener :)
7/05/2008 8:07 PM
Hi Tracie,
I'm not sure of the exact reason for your leaving. I hope whatever you want, you find a way. One observation, which you probably know...have you thought of returning and living in the north.
Employment/economy is better, less chaotic, less of a difference in culture. As best I can figure from your postings the economy and some of the extremes of Southern Italy took their toll.
Amalfi Coast is beautiful, but just too extreme for what we know as Americans.
If it your dream still lives on, I wish you well in getting back, perhaps under slightly different terms.
7/08/2008 11:03 AM
Howdy Tracie! I feel sympathetic, although my dream is to move from Italy to Austin... even if it's hotter and cedar pollen count goes off the chart way too often. I don't drink, but.. if you happen to get the import/export business started (or anything else, for that matter), I'd be glad to help in case you need someone to stay there permanently while you enjoy Italy. ;-)
BTW I too agree with the anonymous who said it would be easier to stay in the northern areas of Italy and travel south whenever you feel like it.
To the other anonymous who's coming to TX: if you're from Italy I would suggest a quick stop at Italy, TX (between Waco & Dallas). Not much to see, but I went there to take pics of the signs and back home everyone had a kick out of it. Oh, and while on I-35, don't miss the Czech stop in West for their Kolaches. Enjoy.
Gee, I sure miss TX !!
7/09/2008 5:22 PM
I have been reading your blog for about a year and a 1/2 and was dismayed by your absence. I am glad you are okay and following your heart as to where you need to be.
Hopefully at the right time you will be wherever you desire again.
I too like so many of you readers desire to move to Italy.
However, I plan to start my "second career" (one not so demanding as my present) there in about 5-8 years. I am in a little different situation and stage of life.
I would be curious what non-personal matters you might share with us for your return to the US...ie economy, cultural differences as has been alluded to if the time is right for you.
By the way, I found your posting on "precisa" quite amusing.
7/11/2008 1:05 PM
Hey Tracie.
I sent you an email. Did you have a chance to read it?
franca
7/15/2008 10:56 PM
"Non dubitare mai della provvidenza", mi disse una volta una suora nello scompartimento di un treno diretto a Firenza da Roma Termini. Allora non avevo quattrini abbastanza da pagare il biglietto da Firenze a Padova e la suora mi offrì un panino col prosciutto cotto e un chinotto. A Firenze guadagnai abbastanza suonando sul Ponte Vecchio da poter salire sul treno. Aveva ragione quella suora.
Hang tough Stella in Cucina, the weather will change! Buon rientro...
7/17/2008 2:01 PM
Tra Tra come by and pick your niece up and we can hit the beach in Galveston. Good deal, huh?!!!!
7/18/2008 10:22 AM
I've only just found you. Can't offer any advice - sorry. These are things we work out for ourselves - either by serendipity/fate, or sheer determination.
Also sorry to hear that you're leaving now that I've found you!
I'll say this, though: the folk who left messages re. North/Central Italy do have a point.
In any case, I wish you well and hope you'll be happy wherever you decide to go. Best wishes, Sally
7/20/2008 8:40 AM
ciao...i wanted to thank marco for taking the time to give me those 2 suggestions (of course i did not take note of them cause i haven't checked this blog before leaving for tx!)
and thanks tracie for entertaining us...grazie assai!!
8/14/2008 8:29 PM
you're welcome! hope you had a good time in spite of the heat. :)
8/15/2008 7:35 AM
anon--who are you? where'd ya go? thanks for visiting!
hi marco!
8/15/2008 7:56 AM
-marco: i think i managed to handle the hot weather quite well...i cannot say the same for dolly (had to leave south padre!!!)
-tracie: my name's giuseppe. my itin turned out to be dfw-houston-gulf area-san antonio-austin (not to mention various towns along the way)
8/15/2008 6:02 PM
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