Culture Shock: My First Visit Back to America After 4 Months in Sicily

[@anywherewithkristen]

If you have ever traveled overseas and then come back to your home country, what are the things that shocked you?

[@e.urbach7780]

Never been to Sicily; that's a bucket list thing for me! I have been to Canada & Mexico when I was a child, and England when I was in college. The longest amount of time that I spent out of the country was the 7 weeks I spent in England, and I don't really remember anything that shocked me about coming back to the U.S., but I did make a few changes in how I did things at home, and I did notice differences. For example, all of the shops in England closed at 5 p.m., unlike in the U.S.; also the English shops were completely closed at 5 on the dot, lights out, doors locked, all staff finished and on the way home, unlike in the U.S., where they would just be locking the door at 5, but the staff would still be there finishing up with the last customers, so if you ran in a minute or two before 5, you could still get in and shop if you hurried. I also got used to having an electric kettle in the dorm where I was living, and bought one by mail order (this was the early 2000s and no stores had them yet) for my kitchen, and have had one ever since. I tried several different kinds of English foods that I ended up liking so much that I keep buying or making them every once in a while. Everyone expected me to have an English accent when I came back to the U.S., and while I don't think I ever had one, I do remember people I talked with in shops, etc. in England not knowing where my accent was from, by the end of my time there. I also want to go back; I was part of a study abroad program then and had reading and homework to do, and there were so many places I wanted to see that I didn't have time to visit!

[@annettecinquemanifalbo17]

​@@e.urbach7780Interesting! Yes our store hours policies really do very here in the US!

[@BecomingaGreenstalker]

The very first time I traveled to Europe I was really happy to get home! The customs official looked at me and said you are the only one smiling! Everyone else is miserable that their trip is over. What’s up with you? I said I missed the USA! I missed all the things that are convenient and wonderful about this country! ❤ There is just no place like home!

[@anywherewithkristen]

That is awesome. Living abroad changes a person. And it doesn't have to be in a huge way. And the foods, though different, do grow on you! What was your favorite English food?

[@anywherewithkristen]

There is a truthy that! I don't regret living or growing up in the United States. Its made me who I am, but I also find myself thriving here.

[@sebastianotumminello9150]

Sono nato in Sicilia ma emigrato da oltre 50 anni a Milano. Capisco la tua meraviglia in riguardo ai cani. La Sicilia ha il più grande fenomeno di randagismo in Italia. Ogni anno migliaia di cani del Sud vengono adottati da famiglie del Nord Italia. Più si sale la penisola italiana e più c'è il rispetto e l'amore per gli animali. Più si sale verso il Nord Europa e più questo amore aumenta. Al paese dove sono nato pian piano aumentano le persone che adorano i cani come propri figli....ma è un percorso ancora molto lungo da colmare. Spero che la nuova generazione sia più sensibile per l'amore per natura e degli animali.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Per essere chiari, non è tanto che la gente del paese in cui vivo maltratti i cani; è che hanno fiducia che i cani sappiano dove appartengono e possano trovare la strada di casa. Il cane nel video ha chiaramente un proprietario poiché ha il collare. Direi che a Caccamo ci sono più gatti randagi che cani.

[@enricacantori2984]

Mia figlia di ritorno dalla Sicilia, dove è andata ospite di amici, mi ha raccontato dei cani randagi: assurdo, non volevo crederci, mai avrei pensato una roba del genere...

[@sebastianotumminello9150]

@enricacantori2984 vado dove sono nato ogni 4-5 anni pur avendo una casa. Circa 8 anni fa sono salito a un santuario ( chiuso ) in cima a una montagna. Li ho trovato due cuccioli di 2 mesi adottati da una cagnetta randagia ( mi sono informato). Gli ho dato del cibo ( ho il mio cane sempre con me) e dell'acqua. Erano pieni di parassiti e li fa caldo di giorno e freddo la notte. Il giorno dopo ho comprato gli antiparassitari e dal veterinario l'occorrente per sverminare i cuccioli. Mancavano 5 giorni al mio ritorno in Lombardia e.....non riuscivo più a stare in spiaggia con mia moglie. Pensavo sempre a quei tre cani abbandonati. Così che tutti i giorni salivo per la montagna per 30 km tra andata e ritorno ( lasciando mia moglie e il mio cane in spiaggia). Nel frattempo ho chiesto a dei conoscenti se potevano adottarli in un casale. Ho avuto il mio sollievo quando un mio amico ha trovato un'anima gentile disposto a tenerli nella sua proprietà. Pensarli abbandonati in quel luogo sperduto mi avrebbe tormentato a lungo.

[@ilmatanela1816]

​@@sebastianotumminello9150vorrei esprimerti il nostro (mio e di mia moglie) più grande apprezzamento per ciò che hai fatto.

[@19ture79]

Non c'entra nulla il rispetto per gli animali, semplicemente al sud non ci sono soldi per canili e sterilizzazioni. Non è che se trovi una strada dissestata pensi "ah, qui non hanno rispetto per gli automobilisti" (per quello ci pensano i siciliani da se), semplicemente non ci sono soldi per sistemarle.

[@aliciamorales7718]

brava Kristen, devi sentirti fiera di te per aver abbracciato questa esperienza. Non soltanto per la possibilità di acquistare la tua cittadinanza italiana ma di arricchire la tua vita sviluppando conoscenze di persone e abitudini diversi. Io ho vissuto 18 anni agli Stati Uniti è stata un'esperienza importante nella mia maniera di guardare il mondo. La tua follower peruviana~italiana

[@anywherewithkristen]

Grazie mille per le tue gentili parole e dal Perù! È fantastico. Grazie per la visione. Penso che ogni volta che usciamo dalla nostra normalità, dal nostro contesto, dal modo in cui siamo cresciuti e abbiamo vissuto il mondo, e ci trasferiamo in un altro paese, in un'altra cultura, siamo sfidati a ridefinire ciò che è normale, cosa significa, e a rivalutare il modo in cui abbiamo fatto le cose, il modo in cui le facciamo, e mantenere ciò che è buono dal modo in cui siamo cresciuti e abbracciare il buono nel nuovo, permettendogli di ampliarci.

[@reneeoconnell4606]

Have really enjoyed watching your journey🥰You touch on such great topics. I just got my dual and we plan on retirement somewhere in Italy in the next two years. I love your last comment about fear, what if etc.While I have never been fearful of going to live there I am guily of overthinking where to live due to the what ifs.

[@anywherewithkristen]

You and me both. I do tend to analyze everything seemingly, sometimes to an extreme extent. In the end, there is a kind of go with the flow mentality that's required when you move overseas. You can do all the planning you want and really try to make the best decisions. But there are things that will cause your your plans to change, and they aren't bad; they're just different.

[@anywherewithkristen]

BTW, where are you thinking of moving to in italy?

[@reneeoconnell4606]

@@anywherewithkristen 2 years and counting! Where? We are still exploring…Do you think you and your family will eventually?

[@anywherewithkristen]

I think our initial stay in Europe maybe more Northern, but we are looking at properties in Sicily, so who knows?

[@missymoppel]

A refreshingly genuine video, really enjoyed hearing about your experiences, reminds me a lot of Chris from Super Savvy Travelers, she's also very genuine and down to earth. I'm pleased that KZbin recommended you to me.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I have not heard of her and will check her out! KZbin is a wide and vast place with many, many content creators I have still yet to find.

[@snowbirdlady7221]

How interesting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. I've had 4 visits to Italy and the last one was to Sicily for a month. This was in 2013. I planned the trip myself, traveled solo, rented a car and loved it. The Sicilians were so welcoming, helpful, friendly, kind and were very interested in me traveling solo. They loved that I knew a little Italian, but no Sicilian dialect. When I came home I actually experienced culture shock. Nothing seemed right and I felt like a stranger. Very uncomfortable. It look me about 2 weeks to feel at home in my own home, job and country! A very surprising outcome.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Can you believe it? Sicily was changing you after just one month. As you mentioned, we eventually do adjust back to our own culture. I think that challenge when we return, is to keep the good that we experienced, that things we learned while living abroad, and to incorporate them as a part of our lives in a way that do not forget. That in my opinion is the hard part.

[@Dragonsandragoons]

Kristen: you sound pretty normal. After visiting famila en Potenza the only caffe served was Caffe Barbone. I'm ruined....it was fantastic. Much better than coffee I could find in the states. Like you, I started the process of Italian citizenship. My journey started in 2014... I finally got my Italian passport in June 2024. I listened to your talk about returning to the US... what fascinates me is how many Italian Americans are returning to Italia. It's hundreds of thousands of people. My family comes from Potenza en Basilicata. Very similar culturally to what's going on in Sicily. If you want a career or want to make money, you've got to go North. Love your content, ciao bella

[@anywherewithkristen]

@Dragonsandragoons thanks for your kind words. It took you 10 years to get your citizenship? Way to stick with it. I think many times I talk to people who like the idea of getting dual citizenship, but they do not understand how long and arduous of a task it is and how much work actually goes into it. I suppose in this case, the old adage rings true. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it.

[@sharonbarresi9725]

Happy 2025! I am always struck that there is no one out in the street in the USA. Not a soul at any of my children's homes. My descriptive word for you is "genuine". You don't try to sugar coat the Sicilian life. It is what it is. Try hot water bottles.

[@anywherewithkristen]

That so true! People are always our here, weather permitting. Where I live at least people are inside their houses. Great catch. Thanks for the compliment!

[@italianspoken]

Thanks for sharing your experience!! I love it and have experienced very similar (if not the same) culture shocks with my family being from Calabria! I'm so curious, will you incorporate both cultures into your life or lean to one more than the other?

[@anywherewithkristen]

Thanks for watching and following my journey. How are your conversational Italian KZbin videos going? My hope is that when I return to the US and that when we eventually move abroad, that I will corporate what has been meaningful and valuable into my life and that of my family's life.

[@italianspoken]

@@anywherewithkristen That's wonderful! Both cultures have amazing aspects. Thank you for asking about my channel! I love love love helping others be able to connect and bond with family and friends in Italian...it's just really meaningful to me. Your videos are great to follow! ☺

[@janmarsh5643]

This discussion was very interesting. You have learnt a lot as a result of your living in Italy and now being confronted by the life lived in your country. Has that meant you are revisiting your values of life? Have felt privileged to be part of your journey.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Great question. And thanks for following along! Yeah, I think daily living here I have been forced to reevaluate what is important. Its a different sort of normal. Part of me would argue that the way I did life for many years had its benefits, but is hard not to see value in what I am learning here and how life is done here.

[@janmarsh5643]

Wow, a deeper meaning of living life. Do you think you may have a deeper insight to your ancestors? It will be very interesting where this route will lead to from a personal and cultural perspective. Living this part of your life is not coincidence but fleshing out your life into something wise and beautiful.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Awe, thanks for the kind words. I couldn't agree more! Part of me realizes the sacrifices they were making just to survive, a way of life, the rich cultural heritage. It does make me appreciate them in a different way.

[@leohernandez2672]

You do a wonderful job of communicating your experience on something lots of us would love to do!

[@anywherewithkristen]

Thanks so much. Maybe some day for you?

[@LeeMoraglio]

Hi Kristen. I've heard that our taste buds do change fairly quickly, especially when it comes to sugar. There's a fair amount of sugar in the creamer you used in the U.S. and, after 4 months in Sicily, that sweetness seemed excessive given what your tongue had grown accustomed to, at least with coffee, in Italy. I was wondering if young people in Italy are glued to their smartphones and use social media as much as they do in the U.S.? When I see young people in Italy on KZbin, it doesn't seem like they are as addicted to their phones as they are in the U.S. Even middle-aged people in the U.S. can't seem to resist using their phone at all times when they are waiting for something. So I am curious about your observations when it comes to smartphone use in Sicily vs. in the U.S. Italians definitely seem to be more culturally social than we Americans, so I hope that also means they don't feel the need to use social media quite as much. Congratulations on your success in getting dual citizenship!

[@anywherewithkristen]

I've noticed that Italians are more present in the moment. I can only speak the area of Italy I'm living in. In the big cities like Milan Rome or Florence, it might be a little bit different. And good point on the amount of sweeteners that's in stuff in the United States. I'm sure that was part of the issue with my palate adjusting.

[@tonimariehurley]

It's funny. I was just talking to my husband about how Italians focus on family and food. Of course, God is at the center of it all! Here in the US, if you mention God, you're liable to be verbally attacked. I'm off of social media now trying to regain my focus. KZbin is my only social outlet now.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I get it. My husband at times has separated himself from social media. Many many reasons to step away. But food and family does seem to be Paramount for the italians. And because of it I think the develops stronger relationships

[@Isimud]

God is at the center of it all?! For the most Italians this would sound ridiculously American. The catholic church in the South of Italy might still have an important role, but it is much more about tradition with a cosmos of saints and mother Mary than about some very puritan belief in god the almighty.

[@GianniPT]

Thanks for keeping us posted on your progress. I am working on my Italian citizenship too, but I am unable to move to Italy yet- but if I cannot get an appointment at the consulate then my wife and I will move and stay through a retirement visa and then apply there.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I, too, was unable to get my appointment; hence, I am here. Agata Wolyniec, with the Boccadutri Law Firm in Palermo, is the lawyer helping me with my case if you ever decide to pursue it overseas. www.boccadutri.com/people/agata-wolyniec/

[@GianniPT]

@ Grazie mille!

[@westwoodcoronado]

We (family of 4) traveled the world as a family from 2005-2011. Sicily included. Now that are boys are married, and we are retired (2014) we have continued our world travels. We will be in Sicily around March heading to Calamonaci where my great father/mother left for the US in 1902. Enjoy your videos.

[@anywherewithkristen]

That is fantastic. My husband is looking at retiring in a few months and then we are going to be moving overseas. Initially is to do some traveling although we will have a home base over in Europe

[@Zongroned]

I will also be in Sicily in March 2025

[@denasutera]

THANK YOU for sharing. I had no other choice to acquire my Dual Citizenship for myself and “adult” children and “adult grandchildren then going to court and appealing for the 1948 case. But, I would have loved to had your experience - living in Sciacca where both my grandparents were born. My maternal grandparents are from Valgunera Carope..So, although I’m 100% Siciliano …. I have to go through the expense to obtain citizenship.🇮🇹🇺🇸. Thanks again for taking us on your journey. Brava

[@anywherewithkristen]

Thanks so much for watching. I looked at doing it the way you did, through the 1948 case. However, because I was trying to get my son citizenship before he was no longer a minor, this seemed to be the quickest way. It has not been without its challenges as I am sure I will share in a future video. I think its awesome that you did that, despite the expense. What a gift, for your children and grandchildren!

[@MatthGulins8555]

I am Sicilian from the province of Palermo, my town is called Carini, I know well the difficulties of Sicily compared to northern Italy, but the negative things don't end there, they have made a bill called differentiated autonomy, this will mean that the regions of Italy they will be increasingly richer while the southern regions will be increasingly poorer, because this law means that the regions will keep more economic resources in their territory, therefore there will be more and more disparity between the regions of Italy.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I will have to look into differentiated autonomy. I do not know a lot about it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!

[@MatthGulins8555]

@ It's an old story, since they united Italy in 1860 southern Italy has always been robbed of its potential. I told you about the differentiated economy because you were talking about the bridge they don't build between Sicily and Calabria, and the reason is that the south in this country is abandoned to itself. anyway thanks for answering me.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

First of all, we need to stop saying that southern Italy is poor. It is NOT that. While the more developed regions (not economically, but organizationally) are treated like incompetent children, Sicily has the privilege of being autonomous and what has it achieved? If all regions learn to live mainly with their own resources, they will be encouraged to make better use of what they have and to develop their own initiatives instead of waiting for financial help from elsewhere. And what does “the south is abandoned to itself” mean? Will they forever need a chaperone? Don’t forget that the majority of politicians (including European representatives) have always come from southern Italy.

[@MatthGulins8555]

@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505 puoi scrivermelo in italiano? Grazie

[@annaharpster5664]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. My husband and I retired to Costa Rica a couple of years ago and experience the same reaction from friends and family at home - fear of the unknown. They're always saying "be safe", "make sure it's safe" as if the U.S. was so safe - NOT! We're also going to be pursuing our Italian dual citizenship thru juris sanguini when we move to Italy. If you would please do some videos that focus on the details of what you did locally to apply, it sure would help us. Grazie mille cara!

[@anywherewithkristen]

In the upcoming months I will talk more about the process of my dual citizenship and some of the challenges I faced with mine. And you are not wrong. I feel as safe here as I did in the United States,

[@gamacaluso]

Love all the information you share 🍋

[@anywherewithkristen]

Grazie mille! I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@claudioarbib6828]

Hi Kristen, thanks for this nice and interesting discussion! I am Italian and live in Rome. I'd like to add a word on the Messina bridge. You know why it has not been built so far: the main reason is, because it is useless. It would waste a huge amount of public money (+13 billion € as for today) just to save 1/2 hour ferry, and you observed that you can reach Rome by plane for less than 50€. Most freight go by ship, and would not benefit from a bridge that could ensure just a negligible fraction of extra capacity. Instead, have you experienced public transports in Rome or Naples? These towns sum up some 6 million people (an amount comparable to Sicily) and don't have a decent tube system. Not to speak of the eternal problems Sicily itself has with internal transports, or water supply... On top, consider that once you have crossed Messina straits, you are just at the beginning of your travel: you've still to traverse Calabria, which is nothing but an underpopulated, beautiful mountain range thrown in the Mediterranean Sea! 11:32 11:32

[@GianniPT]

Sì esatto!

[@anywherewithkristen]

Yes. I posted elsewhere in the comments on a video saying much the same thing you pointed out about the bridge. What you say makes sense. Perhaps the person who was pontificating about the bridge was not considering some of the things you are saying. I crossed the ferry many years ago, and did traverse up the Amalfi coast. I have spent time in Naples, Rome, Florence, Milan, and Capri. There is definitely more to Italy than what I am talking about. I am just sharing about Sicily, in particular, Caccamo, since this is the area I am currently living.

[@chiaracarnovale4811]

exactly, you said it right, the bridge is useless. I commuted between Calabria and Sicily for years. It would have been much better if that money had been invested in improving the aqueducts, healthcare and schools

[@anywherewithkristen]

@chiaracarnovale4811 You have a point there.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

Such a gigantic bridge would also destroy nature and the environment and pose an unforeseen danger from terrorists and property speculators.

[@uccelloteschiorosso]

Hi there, I liked your video sharing your experience here, it feels very authentic! About the bridge, there is also to consider that in that area is between two tectonic plates and there have been earthquakes in the past (not so long ago when I was child there was 2), so I would still prefer the fery to go to the mainland probably

[@anywherewithkristen]

You know I thought about that after I recorded the video. That definitely presents challenges. Mt. Etna is not far away from that area. So perhaps is it safer via ferry??? And thanks for your kind words. I try to be realistic.

[@uccelloteschiorosso]

​@@anywherewithkristen it's good question haha, I heard they can make such bridge that can resist earth quakes, but I don't know about it in detail, and in my case I would still prefer to use the ferry option, not that far after all and it sure won't sail if sea conditions are not good enough

[@anywherewithkristen]

I did find this information. We'll see! kzbin.info/www/bejne/raWUhGdsntZ1d7s

[@luciagonzalez4899]

Go for it, what an adventure!! I want to get mine too, it seems very daunting! It seems confusing to get started, are you using an attorney or company to help you? I mentioned I will travel to Sicily this year to visit my ancestral home of Godrano, I hope that I can gather documents that I will need.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Godrano is really nearby Caccamo. Unfortunately, because of the roads, its not a straight shot. An hour and 6 minutes of driving. Still that's not far. I used an attorney form Sicily to help me in my process. Let me know if you want their information. I gathered 95% of the documents ahead of time based on video I watched and information I found online and in Facebook groups. After gathering the information, I tried for one year to get an appointment through the Philadelphia consulate. Finally, I hire a Sicilian lawyer to help me finish the process abroad. I wasn't initially planning on living here; however, I have few regrets that I am. I feel that it has truly helped me discover myself in a different way.

[@anywherewithkristen]

BTW I work with the Boccadutri Italian law out of Palermo. Specifically, I work with Agata Wolyniec who has done an fantastic job. You can find out more information here: www.boccadutri.com/. Tell them Cristina Anselmo sent you! 😉

[@luciagonzalez4899]

@@anywherewithkristen Thank you so much for this info! I am doing so much research, so watching your videos has been so helpful in terms of understanding what it takes to get dual citizenship and actually live in Sicily. Keep the videos coming!

[@Marco-ww1ht]

you are talking about a small town in Sicily, not about Italy, many many differences about animals or belts and in many other things, for example no one in milan or tourin or bologna, drives without belt, many treat dogs and cats like children, and many travel around the world

[@anywherewithkristen]

yes, I am definitely talking about Sicily, and perhaps more specifically Caccamo, the small medieval town where I am living.

[@Marco-ww1ht]

@@anywherewithkristen yes I just meant to say that in general Italy is very different region from region, in particular the small towns are a very particular thing, and more to south you go more particular they are, but i think USA are the same

[@salvatoreemma]

Can’t wait for Season Two of awK 🎬

[@anywherewithkristen]

LOL I still feel like I'm in season 1! But I'll take you along on my next adventure!

[@Barbaralatrevisana]

I am italian, when I come back to the USA where I moved to many years ago, I just notice how large people really are. I miss Italy when I am here in the USA. I hate American coffee, and also all the huge waste in this country. In Italy in 3 months we throw out one bucket full of garbage at the end of our trip, all the rest is recycled. Here people have these humongous garbage bins and they throw out a bin full every week! Please do not equate your small village with the rest of Sicily, and even less the rest of Italy. Things are very different elsewhere. I imagine that village has a whole lot of older people and not so many young ones. I have a bunch of nephews in northern Italy and one niece, in their late teens all the way to 28, and they all travel in Italy and abroad and all speak English. Also you don’t see a lot of stray dogs in northern Italy. Dryers are very wasteful, in Italy I don’t mind at all hanging my clothes to dry. Looks like you live in a very old house, modern homes have a much better heating system. But you are right, the cold, and hot, are different, because it is humid! I am not sure why you chose that small village to stay for an extended period of time. I understand you are from there, but you could have made it a more fun experience elsewhere I feel. You must buckle up in Italy it is illegal not to. It shows what kind of people live in that village! So behind the times…

[@anywherewithkristen]

I have done a lot of work in Haiti. Often when I returned from there, I too, noticed how large people were. When I came home from Italy for a bit, it was also one of the things that resonated with me. Totally agree with you. Another viewer also pointed that some of what I said is situational. And I get that. I can only share my experience, but that doesn't mean that my experience will be true of everyone who visits Sicily or Italy, or that all Sicilians or Italians are the same. The reason I choose Caccamo is that I had visited here three times prior and do have family still here. The relationships I have built, i would trade for living in somewhere more picturesque. Its not that I do not want to see those areas, its just that I cannot express adequately how important the relationships are I developed here. And the Sicilians that live around me agree with you. They cannot believe I want to live in an older house when there are newer houses with more adequate heating! LoL. I guess I just like old things!🤣

[@elbattyluego]

You got most of it right, some things were wrong but perhaps is just situational. But I'm happy to see that you are getting what "la dolce vita" is about. Keep it going!

[@anywherewithkristen]

Than ks for your encouragement. I am finding that my experience is. not necessarily true of all experiences, even in a country like Italy, or even in Sicily! Some of it IS situational. Doesn't make it any less true for me, but more so that it is not a blanket experience for everyone.

[@elenaleonardi2254]

Great video. Very genuine. Thank you

[@anywherewithkristen]

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it. I appreciate you watching. Anything in particular surprise you?

[@brianc.612]

Thanks for the video.

[@anywherewithkristen]

You are welcome! I appreciate you watching. Have you experienced anything Culture shock like in your own life?

[@zve482]

It’s like the wine there, the coffee is amazing along with the tomatoes, olives, fruit and numerous others.

[@anywherewithkristen]

@zve482 I agree with everything you said, except I find the coffee particularly strong for my taste. Do you live in Italy? 🇮🇹

[@zve482]

@ no. I have a guy I work with and his parents are from Sicily. They have passed recently. His brother is a nurse in Rome and the whole family are tremendously gracious people. I love them. Great place and am thinking of retiring soon to Italy, Sicily or Spain. Amazing area in the world, so much culture.

[@anywherewithkristen]

@zve482 That is awesome! Go ahead and do it! I loved Spain when I visited a few years ago, especially Toledo and Cuenca!

[@zve482]

@@anywherewithkristen thank you.

[@ascaniosobrero]

It seems you are showing the right attitude. Nothing is perfect, but to enjoy different cultures with the right "acceptance" spirit makes the best out of it. Sicily is quite different from the rest of Italy, in the best way as the way of living, less in the jobs/economics aspect, as you may guess from the fact that your ancestors emigrated to US. It depends on what you are looking for. In any case, it is a wonderful region. Coffee is a story apart: I can't stand american coffee, but I have local friends really enjoying it, so it's a matter of taste

[@anywherewithkristen]

I agree on the coffee point. It's a matter of taste! And the economy is one reason to not stay in Sicily, but in my opinion, there seems to be a trade off with getting ahead in life and valuing family and cultural identity. Ideally I would love to see the best of both worlds for Sicily. Is this even possible? I don't know.

[@ascaniosobrero]

@@anywherewithkristen I don't think it's really possible, at least in real life. The search for money (in any form) requires a commitment detaching you from a good life. In Italy, the northern you go, the wealthier you may get (not for all) but the worse the quality of life becomes. Maybe in center Italy you could find some balance, but there are still large disparities

[@fabioborio2901]

The bridge is only an excuse they invented. Calabria is in the same situation, even worse, but is on the continent.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Just curious. Could you expand upon how they view it as an excuse? Just trying to gain some perspective here.

[@fabioborio2901]

@anywherewithkristen the bridge will change nothing. Sometimes people search an easy and convenient explanation to difficult problems.

[@quercus5398]

Life between the south and the north is like night and day,every person that goes to the north wether for studies or work, 90% will come back to the south for holidays, feasts,etc and the food.

[@anywherewithkristen]

You are not wrong. There ARE clear difference between Northern Italy and Southern Italy. Family, I suspect, is what continues to draw them back.

[@Zongroned]

Love your video 😘

[@anywherewithkristen]

Thanks so much for watching. Have you ever traveled? Or experienced anything that shocked you culturally?

[@Zongroned]

@@anywherewithkristen yes....I am also in Italy (Calabria & Sicily) Whenever I return to New York it is an adjustment to the people, the landscape, the environment, the cost and the food.

[@lindalove2956]

Just wanted to mention that many, many European Countries allow dual citizenship and have for years. In case anyone watching is interested in another country. Italy actually came late to the dual citizenship party, but we are all happy it did.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I think the reason I choose Italy is because I was getting my Italian Dual Citizenship by descent. What other countries would you recommend for Dual Citizenship? Which ones are most open to it?

[@vittoriaolsen767]

Hey congrats! I am interested in how you set this all up from home? The apt stay the registration. How did you know they would take your application if it’s not too personal could you go thru the steps pretend I am 5? I have most of my docs but the stepping off point is a stumbling block for me. Our consulate SF is impossible no appts extra steps want to do it in Italy instead. I am retired teacher my pension is the median income of Italy but I cannot afford to keep my apt in California but will be comfortable in Italy like si said it is the jumping off point that is stopping me courage! Thanks if you have time to run one or more shows with these details thank you Victoria

[@anywherewithkristen]

I totally understand, and I have a future video that will be out in a few weeks that addresses some of your questions. I, too, was stymied by the consulate, in y case Philadelphia. I had all my documents, but due to the nature of the lottery system, I was unable to get an appointment. Hence, a little under a year ago, I began the process of doing my citizenship from here. My starting point was a working with Agata Wolyniec from the Boccadutri Law firm out of Palermo. You can find out more here: boccadutri.com. I'll try to answer some of your other questions in a future video.

[@RosyJacobin-xt8jd]

I was born in Asmara ( colonized by Italy in the 20th century) I’m part Italian, dad from Torino) . I received my Italian citizenship/ passport while living in Asmara. Now , I’m applying Italian Passport for my two children born in California. We want to visit family in Torino and Switzerland. And maybe purchase a vacation home in Lago-di-Garda

[@anywherewithkristen]

Ooooo that is a beautiful area of Italy to buy property in. BTW I had to look up where Asmara was. I never realized Italy had a colony there. Thanks for sharing!

[@RosyJacobin-xt8jd]

@ You very welcome 🙂👍

[@taradavis3889]

To go box = scatola. And we love that little dog!! M wanted to bring it home, it eventually was reunited with its owner!

[@anywherewithkristen]

The dogs in Sicily, especially in Caccamo, eventually find their way home. Unfortunately, because I fed it, it still frequently visits me.

[@serendipitylife15]

Yes! I am so picky about coffee since I have had it in Italy. The coffee in the US is not good, sorry not sorry. Christmas in the states is all about excess and it is not fun. I worked in retail for almost 20 years and it really used to ruin Christmas for me. I would be completely happy not exchanging loads of gifts and just spending time relaxing with simple, good food and not tons of it! Also the little dog is adorable, I would do the same thing.

[@anywherewithkristen]

The older I get, the more I appreciate a more simple Christmas, I do enjoy the music and the pageantry of it; just not the frenetic pace of it all. I like the idea of relaxing with simple good food. And thank you, that dog is Pepper! One of the loves of my life! Thanks so much for following along.

[@MatthGulins8555]

so I want to make an announcement to Americans who want to take a holiday in Italy, don't do it in northern Italy, come to Sicily it will be a wonderful adventure with crystal clear sea, and extraordinary medieval towns, and welcoming people

[@anywherewithkristen]

I agree with you. The north has its own charm however. So I personally wouldn't dismiss it. Sicily is where I am at for the moment, its where my family is from, so it gives me a different connection to this area.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

I like that you deal with the differences between life in Italy and the USA with a sense of humor and a bit differently from the usual "culture shock" videos. I know American coffee, at first I found it disgusting too, then I stopped comparing it to "real" coffee and considered it a drink in its own right: without sugar I could swallow it (even if not with enthusiasm). As for seat belts, don't be afraid if people feel "offended" when you use them: the young Sicilians who go to other parts of Italy to study WILL HAVE to learn to use them. Sicily is not the only Italian island, the lack of a bridge to Calabria should not be an excuse for backwardness and... not using seat belts.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I think my Sicilian friends are beginning to understand and don't mention much about it when I DO wear a seatbelt. And I am glad you like my humor. Just trying to be me!

[@chiccachannel]

Uno dei problemi del ponte è il suolo dove dovrebbe poggiare. E' troppo instabile perchè non abbia problemi (terremoto, correnti marine, etc.). In generale però, e questo è un consiglio, non dare per scontato che quello che fanno in Sicilia sia la stessa cosa che si fa in altre parti d'Italia: ogni regione ha la sua identità.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Stavo dialogando con un altro spettatore su questo. Anche loro dicevano più o meno la stessa cosa, anche se ho trovato questo video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/raWUhGdsntZ1d7s Sono d'accordo. So che ciò che sto vivendo non è necessariamente vero per tutti gli italiani o persino per tutti i siciliani. Parte di ciò si basa sulla città in cui mi trovo, sulle persone con cui ho costruito relazioni e sulla mia interpretazione di quelle esperienze. Ma sono aperto a far sì che tutto ciò si estenda e si sviluppi mentre continuo a vivere in Italia e a comprendere meglio la cultura e la sua gente.

[@irenecosta563]

Ciao... Non generalizzare quello che vedi in un paesino della Sicilia con tutto il paese: ci sono differenze di abitudini e culturali anche all'interno dello stesso paese. Nel centro- nord Italia i cani sono ammessi anche in molti supermercati(ci sono carrelli per la spesa apposta per portare il cane con te) e molto facilmente sono considerati membri della famiglia. Stesso discorso puoi farlo per le cinture di sicurezza, o per il rispetto delle regole stradali: prova ad andare in Veneto o in Lombardia, per esempio, ed avrai un altro shock culturale 😄😅

[@anywherewithkristen]

Verissimo, verissimo. Ho trascorso un po' di tempo a nord di Napoli a un certo punto della mia vita, e la cultura lì era persino diversa da quella qui. So che ciò che ho condiviso riflette di più la Sicilia, e forse anche in questo, riflette di più la città rurale in cui vivo. Immagino che questo sia vero indipendentemente da dove viviamo. Il luogo comune della cultura del posto in cui vivo in America non è lo stesso in tutto il paese.

[@pile333]

😂 Nice eyeglasses, matched with the nice shirt. 👌

[@anywherewithkristen]

Thanks. I am amazed at the amount people who love my eyeglasses. Thanks for watching too!

[@vittoriaolsen767]

Seatbelt ticket $150 in California 30 years ago and one crown also $250 from an accident wear them esp small cars in Italy

[@anywherewithkristen]

It's especially important the way some of the Italians drive. I'm actually amazed in my small town that the way people drive there are not more accidents. 😁

[@lucapolidori8817]

The bridge is first of all too expensive. With the same money you could renew the whole railroad system of Sicily. Secondly it would lay on a sismic fracture close to a volcano, not the best place for a structure of tha kind. Last but not least, 2.3 miles aren't an easy thing.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Thanks for sharing! Someone else also mentioned that. mI was just going off the conversation I was having with some Sicilians. I am sure it is much more complete than i made it. Thanks so much for pointing this out!

[@umbertostabia]

Tips with coffee , you made little mountain in coffee machine than live from fire , one finger before full out.

[@anywherewithkristen]

The coffee being made in the video is actually being made by my Italian cousin. But thanks for the advice! I'll keep that in mind.

[@zedtrek]

I'm Italian, I take my food home when I don't finish the whole meal.

[@anywherewithkristen]

It could be that this attitude is more specific to Sicily or ever the area of Caccamo I am living in. Its not that they do not have take away, its just that it seems frowned upon to request.

[@zedtrek]

@anywherewithkristen could be, Italy is a big country, culture can change quite drastically.

[@Zongroned]

Me too 😊

[@anywherewithkristen]

😁

[@amystarnes9385]

After Espresso in Italy regular coffee at home tasted like watered dirt

[@anywherewithkristen]

A thousand likes this. However, I can't say that I am a huge fan of Italian Expresso.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

@@anywherewithkristen No 'X' in Italian.

[@RosaDimaggio-jw4jj]

NON PERDERE IL LEGAME CON QUESTA MERAVIGLIOSA REGIONE, DOPOTUTTO E PARTE DEL TUO MONDO ANCHE SE NON LO SAPEVO, PERCHÉ NON ACQUISTI QUALCHE PICCOLA CASA CHE SIA OK PER TE? SAREBBE LA VOSTRA BASE DI APPOGGIO PER VOI È I VISTRI DISCENDENTI, 😊 CIAO

[@anywherewithkristen]

My husband and I are looking at properties and are open to the idea of buying property in Caccamo. We don't know if it will be in the time I am currently here. But I would love to have property here.

[@russko118]

as italian myself i would say it's super wrong not putting the seatbelt, that is really backminded, don't do that use your seatbelt and don't let people force you. it's dangerous not using it especially if they get offended if you do it, they are the ones in the wrong and shoud be corrected

[@anywherewithkristen]

@russko118 you're not wrong. And I do typically use my seatbelt and my friends have gotten used to me using it and don't say too much anymore. I agree with you. And perhaps me being in a more rural town that made that even an issue.

[@quercus5398]

Italians and coffee,Italy ‘s population is 62 millions 100 million coffee’s are served in bars per day!

[@anywherewithkristen]

Wow! I did not know that! Thanks for sharing!

[@peggygraham6129]

Seatbelts are important!.Don't like that attitude at all

[@anywherewithkristen]

Lol. I totally agree with you. Anytime I'm driving by myself, my seatbelt is on, and certainly in America, where I'm from seat belts are used all the time. And perhaps it's just a more rural small town that this sort of feeling about seat belts exists.

[@RosaDimaggio-jw4jj]

SALVE, E UNA OTTIMA IDEA LA DOPPIA CITTADINANZA!, UNA COSA IMPORTANTE È CHE DI ITALIE C'È NE SONO ALMENO QUANTE SONO LE PROVINCIE E ANCHE DI PIÙ, APRI IL TUO SGUARDO SU ALTRE REGIONI E VEDRAI DIVERSISSIMI MODI DI ESSERE CON UNA BASE COMUNE A TUTTI. NON SI PARLA DI ITALIA , MA DI ITALIE! CIAO

[@anywherewithkristen]

The same rings true for America. There is not one United States but many areas and many ways of doing things.

[@justjessygirl]

Wear the seat belt. 🤪

[@anywherewithkristen]

Jess, But I wouldn't want to offend my hosts???? 😉. I typically do where a seatbelt. Remember how crazy Naples driving was? Not all that different!

[@justjessygirl]

@ yes, I definitely remember that! We were recently in Costa Rica and that was some of the scariest driving of my life. I was so thankful Andrew was driving.

[@danielaferrari1380]

​@@anywherewithkristen i'm from northern Italy and we wear seat belts, always. Who cares if you offend someone. Explain that it is for your own safety and peace of mind and the LAW !! It's in situations like this that I understand that the south and the north are two different worlds.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Was he driving manual? I remember him learning that!

[@anywherewithkristen]

I suspect it might also vary throughout Sicily. I am in a more rural town.

[@darlenebonura6569]

The answer Is Easy, food Is genuine in sicily, as its not in the states

[@anywherewithkristen]

@@darlenebonura6569 you're not wrong. I actually talked about in a future episode about the importance of food in Italian culture

[@midnightchannel111]

(Well, it's actually agaisnt the law to not wear seat belts in the States, you know. You can be ticketed and fined...)

[@anywherewithkristen]

@midnightchannel111 I'm well aware it's against the law in the United States. To my understanding, in the United States police don't necessarily stop you for not wearing a seatbelt but if they stop you for speeding and you're not wearing a seatbelt then they ticket you for that as well. It was in Italy that I was talking about. According to some Italians, it's against the law in Italy as well, although the people I live around think it's kind of optional. :-)

[@gianlu64]

You are talking about "Italy" but you should say "Sicily". Italy is very different in many aspects. Spend just one month in the north and then you can post another "culture shock" about that. Some american people come to these little places in the south and talk about how living in Italy has been, but it's a reductive point of view.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

​@@anywherewithkristen Pointing out differences does not mean that Sicilians are not Italians. It just means that people should not forget that Italy and Italians have many facets and traditions like the different cities of Italy. The country is not divided: the caffè is the same (Italians don't call it 'espresso') and no eggs for breakfast in Lombardy, Puglia, etc.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I appreciate your thoughts. I do feel that I make it very clear in the second sentence of this video that I am not only located in a medieval village in Sicily, but also I make it clear that I am referring to that location in detail since this has been where I’m living for three months. 😊 This is my own personal experience and not the experience of other people. Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same?

[@2quintly]

Ben fatto.

[@anywherewithkristen]

Grazie mille. E grazie per aver guardato. Forse alla fine il mio italiano sarà abbastanza buono da registrare un intero video in italiano?

[@trattogatto]

The seat belt must be a sicilian thing, yet another display of backwardness. Not only it is required by law but here in Veneto we always wear the seat belts for safety, and it is normal habit since decades ago. Also, some cars bother you with annoying sounds if someone doesn't wear the seat belt.

[@anywherewithkristen]

@trattogatto I hear you. I'm assuming it's law here in Sicily, too. It might just be the people that I'm riding with that don't wear it. I'm assuming that the reason they put the strap behind them and connect itinto the seat belt lock is so that it doesn't make the seat belt beeping sound.

[@lonewolf-6_EN]

I live in the Veneto region, in the southern part. Seatbelts seem to be a law, but here, not an observed law, even for elementary aged children. I'm also going through the citizenship process, and my children are in the local school. I'm amazed at the parents and grandparents who drive off with grade 1-5 kids in the front seat without a car seat or booster, and without a seatbelt. I've gone as far as seeing kids sitting sideways in the front seat or with their backpacks still on ... And they drive right by the local police at the intersection who don't bat an eye.

[@trattogatto]

@ Yes, I forgot, Rovigo is more like savage countrymen style, another curious place is Chioggia, mad fishermen. Every region has its less civilized zones, I guess.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

@@lonewolf-6_EN There are also stupid people in Italy....

[@giuliamor1]

Sicily is NOT Italy, please do not generalize

[@anywherewithkristen]

I hear you. I can only speak from my experience. There are not only difference between mainland Italy and Sicily, but also within Sicily itself.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

It is Italy, but not the whole of it.

[@graziellagranata5776]

mi spiace che tu dica "in Italia si fa così" ( ad esempio: non si usano le cinture di sicurezza, o non hanno l'asciugatrice) quando la tua esperienza è limitata ad un paesino siciliano nel mezzo del nulla

[@anywherewithkristen]

In un certo senso hai ragione; IO sto parlando della Sicilia, e più specificatamente della città medievale di Caccamo dove vivo. So che ciò che sto vivendo non è vero per tutta l'Italia. Ho vissuto a Napoli per un po' e ho trascorso un po' di tempo a Firenze, Roma e Milano.

[@BCMZ]

You don't know nothing about italian of sud and north histroy....latifondo vs mezzadria .

[@anywherewithkristen]

It's not so much I'm not aware of the huge differences between the North and South Italy. I mentioned in other videos how much of a difference there is culturally as well as in the cuisine of North and South Italy. It just wasn't so much the point I was trying to make in this video.

[@listo888]

It's not Italy, it's Sicily. In northern Italy, unfortunately, we treat pets like children, just like you said. In Sicily, on the contrary, they are famous for their insensitivity towards animals.

[@anywherewithkristen]

I hear you. I didn't feel like when I was talking to the Sicilians in my area that is was so much that they didn't care about the pets but that they trusted that the pets would find their own way home. It was just different from what I grew up with and what I've been around most of my life.

[@solinvictus1234]

And the question that matter is: is right to humanize animals? I'm Italian too, not Sicilian and i really love my animals (two cats, male brothers). But i ubderstand the Sicilian point of view, that is not rude at all, but they simply don't want to humanize animals...rightly i should say, there's boundaties that if trespassed will lead you to merge the reality of things with the illusion you dif yourself of it, and that's highly wrong.

[@buliotube]

Dovevi anche aggiunge che al contrario di noi, nel nord Italia siete dei pezzi di merda razzisti contro tutto quello che è diverso da voi. Adesso dimmi che non è vero dai!

[@electronik808]

americano coffee Is shit period :-)

[@anywherewithkristen]

Well, after returning to America, and then coming back to Italy, I can't say i disagree.

[@electronik808]

@@anywherewithkristen anyway you can try filtered coffee or barley coffee -> they sell filtered coffee kit also in italy and is usually more similar in taste to the moka

[@anywherewithkristen]

@electronik808 That is a great idea....are there brands I should be looking for

[@OKuusava]

Mokapot is not that easy. I have real espresso-machine, but when at summer cottage, my tech with mokapot is to make many many turns, that the newborn coming up coffe is minimum time in pot, thayt the heat is not affecting too long to it and making taste "burned". Here too, in Finland, people are getting more those strange "coffe to carry with" mugs, what I do not get at all. To me coffee could be fast or slow, but it is not anywhere-stuff, I do not want mix things like that, there is places to coffe and places to other things. I do put always seatbelt on whatever driver thinks. I' 65 so I have had my share of accidents, not wanting more. That cold, you are just right, it is the humidity in Italian houses and no wonder, there is sea all around you. nd wise versa, compared to houses here in Finland, we have alla too dry air inside. And the Italian sun, when it is in shadows "same like home" then wanking other side of street: oh, it is darn hot! Recalling when we were in desember in Bergamo, the apartment was like 40c in evening...and 12 in the morning, and next to Venezia;alla cafes and reastaurants were like that, and then a little tipsy to hotel, which had the 15 deg at most, and humid cold that creeps to yoour bones! That family stuff is interesting, but we here have this "when I'm 18 I want to move to my own!" thinking here in Nordic. Many youngster living in Rome sure thinks that too, but they have no change, they have no way to cope living their own. I moved actually already on 16 years old, but admit I had re return after an year to learn some mote grown up things, and as 21 I moved to another town. My parents were kind of the same, my mopther actually lived in another country, so I saw her few times a year, and she was always proud of me, like mothers tend to be. But about Italy, as I was 10 when first time in Italy, Capri, and the 2 times more and Rome, so I got the bite, and always wantedto move there...but newer got it done...but stillhave been there quite active, likes 20 times with my better half, week, 2 weeks, onth, once 3 months in Rome, and we are going to do that again next winter -so waiting for...the cold humid feel!? ;-)

[@anywherewithkristen]

I never thought about the to go cup culture where I am from. Here in Sicily, they do not have a to go cup culture either. Like you said, "To me coffee could be fast or slow." I wonder if the frenetic pace of American life has resulted in this sort of treatment towards coffee. My son is the same way. When he turns 18, he wants to live on his own. However, he does see that logic of living with us for a bit. Thanks for sharing all your thought! And thanks for watching.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

Like Linus from the old 'Peanuts' comics, who always carried a blanket with him, it seems that Americans walk around with something in their hand to feel comforted. It could be a huge coffee mug with a lid that they take a sip from every 5 minutes, or a bottle of water. It’s like toddlers who need their baby bottle...