Life as Sicilian Expats (it doesn't suck)

Join us on our Sicilian Expat adventure!
We're Elizabeth and Brian, a retired American couple from Oregon who quit working in our fifties to pursue our dream of living abroad-- and that led us to Sicily. So far? Although there have been some bumps along the way, it has been a dream come true. Follow along as we fix up our abandoned old Sicilian farmhouse, discover our surroundings and learn about Sicilian wine and cuisine. Amuninni!
This week Massimo plows our vineyard, we have some visitors and experience Palazzolo Acreide at it's finest during the festival di San Paolo.
View all of our Sicily Farm House videos:
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For regular updates, and what Beth likes to call "pretty stuff" you can follow us on Instagram:
/ beeseurotravel

[@linred-10]

Here is a tip for dealing with the San Marzano tomatoes. You probably don’t have much freezer space, but if you cut the stem end of the tomato off and then freeze in plastic bags. When you need to use them just take them out of the freezer and let them thaw. Then all you do is squeeze the tomato out of the skin. How neat is that no boiling or peeling. Also, since I’m Italian you make sauce by putting olive oil in the pot first, then add chopped garlic, then tomatoes spices and water if needed. I like the fact that you are adventurous and make almond milk and butter etc. I think that is really cool. Keep up the good work!

[@cherylgann1993]

You two are adventurous!! What fun you are having!

[@beeseurotravel]

You’re right. I should’ve done that first 😊

[@user-ql7lv6kb8u]

❤😊

[@anne4083]

Sicilians do love their nightlife!! Loved it when you said 'the pope mobile' 😂😂😂😂

[@suewellings4500]

Hi Beth and Brian, greetings from Nova Scotia 🇨🇦. We just found you 2 days ago and have binge watched all your videos and love your channel, so are now new subscribers. I have always dreamed of visiting and living the Italian life, but as ex-Brits, have not yet been there. Of course we are now planning a trip in the future to Sicily, thanks to you guys. Massimo is a delight and you are so lucky to have him as a neighbour. Your farm is wonderful and we love the work you have done so far with the trees, terrace and house. We would love to see how the garden is coming along, me being a gardener. Sounds as if you have some great veggies coming. Love the liquors you’re making and can’t wait to see the progress with the vineyard. The transformation of the landscape in your weekly videos is amazing, turning from green to brown, just beautiful. Love your zest for life and so happy that you have found this paradise. Now we have to wait till Sunday for another episode…….darn! 🤣 Take care and can’t wait to see what this week has bought to you.

[@beeseurotravel]

Wow! Thanks for all of the kind words and happy that you like the videos. Beth’s family is from Nova Scotia and she still has lots of relatives there! Good luck planning your trip. It’s an amazing island 😍

[@suewellings4500]

@@beeseurotravel OMG. Small world! We live in Liverpool on the south Shore. Hope to meet you one day in Sicily…..or Nova Scotia 😊

[@leestalling7983]

The wild animals are loving that you're bringing the Estate back to life. They're enjoying it with you guys🖤🖤🖤🤸🏾🤸🏾 soo cool.

[@TraciKyle]

You guys are so tanned !!! Soaking up that sicilian sun like a Marzano. 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

We are using sunscreen and avoiding lots of direct sunlight but it just happens here!

[@janetlombardi2314]

Love your videos with your different clips!! How lucky are you to see a fox? They are my favourite creatures. I always endeavour to feed them. Hedgehogs are great to have around. They keep crops and plants in good health. Please put a dish of water out for them. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

Great idea. Thanks

[@ilovebeautychristine]

Fabulous, I absorb all the little seaside villages you mention to stay on my visit this October. I prefer smaller villages than larger cities. If you have any other suggestions for small seaside fishing villages?❤ love you both.😁

[@beeseurotravel]

Ok 😊 Thanks

[@jocelyneboutot5722]

Well aren't you two the new "Sicily Partiers". Sounds like you are getting acclimated with your new life and it's adventures. So happy to share another good Sunday with you. I love the procession and how they celebrate their patron Saints in each village. Good to see the crowds. See you next week!

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣 Thanks

[@RodFraserMusician]

Thank you for sharing! I really enjoy watching your videos. I live with a friend in Miami after growing up in northern NY and traveling the country for 30 years. I have an Italian/ American Mom who goes to Italy frequently with my Dad and other family members. and loves it. She is a ton of fun and an amazing cook! I was in the Navy in the Mediterranean back in 88-91 and have wanted to return all my life. Now that I'm 56 I'd love to return and possibly even live a simple life there. Your channel gives me hope...thank you! I hope you continue to enjoy your days. Your joy with one another is obviously and infectious. Its beautiful to witness! I just thought I should tell you that. Thanks for sharing the love! Peace...Rod

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks, Rod. That’s very nice of you 😊 Best of luck with your plans. You only go thru once so… why not? You can always go back if it doesn’t work out!!

[@mariaward9401]

Love watching you guys dance off each other!!!! Very enjoyable enjoy the moments

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@SandiHooper]

Another great video. I was so excited to see it pop up on my feed bright and early Sunday morning. I love how your video flows from banter, description, clip, reflection. Feels like a visit from old friends. 🥰

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. That’s really kind of you 😊

[@babzblu]

Well look at you two go 🎉 I don't think I could hack the pace 😂 Love what you're doing on the home front...crisp white walls, the tiles and the vineyard. No rocks. What a blessing.

[@beeseurotravel]

In 2046 it should be a masterpiece 🤣

[@babzblu]

@@beeseurotravel 😆 👍

[@lindadez5532]

Look forward to your videos. So much great information. Thank you

[@beeseurotravel]

Glad you like them! 😊

[@connycatlady7429]

What a wonderful life you have. 😍 Are your American friends jealous? I could Imagine that 😂. You deserve it. You could fill the tomatosauce in bottles. Your hedgehog was cute. 😍. Have a good week 🌹

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 And great idea!

[@AnahataYogaCentre]

Looks like another incredible week. Those late nights though. Im not sure id manage.

[@beeseurotravel]

Yeah… we’re trying but I’m just not used to staying out that late. And my body rhythm rarely lets me sleep late so we take naps. Could be a lot worse.

[@LiveLifeTraveler]

Thank you so much for continuing to share your experiences. I truly appreciate it as I am contemplating moving there whether it’s in the next few years or for retirement. All of your videos are so helpful! Thank you again!!

[@beeseurotravel]

Our pleasure 😊

[@liberatedlifetime3584]

Just found your channel & must tell you how much fun your videos are! I feel as if we are already friends! Loved your ability to shift & transition-the French house is amazing with your hard work! Wow. But alas, Sicily! Bravo-the house is just perfect & allows for down time to have beach days. Perfect! European lifestyle is fabulous & speaks to my soul. Heading back in November & making Sicily a priority! Who knows, maybe we’ll run in to each other! Keep up the great videos. Your property is stunning and I secretly want to meet Massimo

[@beeseurotravel]

Good! You’ll love Sicily if you like the European lifestyle. Yeah, the French house was a mistake. Live and learn but now we are in a much better place 😊 Glad you like the videos. Thanks for watching

[@peggyjoyce7763]

You guys are so much fun to listen to....love the footage of the fireworks and parade. I wanna be your neighbor.

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣 Thanks. And thanks for watching.

[@thewebhorse]

Hello Guys, I and my family was really happy have met you. That time we spent together was very pleasant, hopefully to meet you again next time. About tomatoes, you know, in Sicily there is a great tradition. Mostly on villages (on the towns less) on August and or September, many families used to store tomatoes sauce inside old glass bottles (mostly beer or even mineral water), to make preserves to eat in other seasons. The tomatoes were boiled, squizzed and closed inside bottles. That were boiled or put inside some wool blanket to keep the hot and kill bacteria inside sauce. Such preserves are very useful on winter to cook dishes wich require tomato. It might be a good idea for you, mostly you have your tomatoes grew in your own P. S. Thank you so much for your olive oil..... even today we put it inside salade. Delicious! 😋

[@beeseurotravel]

Same here 😊 and looking forward to the next time! I’ve seen Massimo’s family use beer bottles to store the tomatoes. We have plans to do the same, and have saved some bottles but we need to get an exterior gas burner first. Soon! And glad you like the oil. Although it was better last year we really like it, too!

[@traveltirement]

Those fireworks were insane! Felt like I was back at Epcot. 😂 Keep up the great work!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. U2

[@KristinNaso]

Enjoying your videos ! We are coming to Catania from NY to live a month in February. Looking forward 😊 Thank you for sharing

[@beeseurotravel]

Catania takes a little getting used to but we love the city 😍

[@annafinnegan3840]

Another great video and thanks again for sharing your adventures, wow those fireworks were amazing!

[@beeseurotravel]

Right? And I had to take the volume WAY down! 😂 It was amazing AND there’s an even bigger event coming to our town in a couple of weeks 😝 Can’t wait.

[@annafinnegan3840]

@@beeseurotravel looking forward to seeing that too👍😁

[@angela64355]

The hedgehog could have been looking for water. Great video of San Paolo 😊

[@sarahlovesdonuts9601]

The storage/shelves that you are planning for around your bed reminds me of the storage that waterbeds had back in the day. Waterbeds left a scar in my memory 😂😂😂. The background of this video is so beautiful that it doesn’t seem real.😘😘

[@beeseurotravel]

Right? That’s why we bought the place. The house is tiny and needs lots of attention and an addition. Soon 😊

[@PaulC4656]

Man, it's been ages since I last attended San Paolo. That video brought back many memories. Thank you for sharing that with us. I'm glad to see you're getting more and more into the groove. Was the bee completely black-dark purple, and pretty big? If so that was a carpenter bee. In Sicily people call it U' Calabruni' the sting can be very dangerous and deadly on sensitive people so that was a good call from the Sicilian dude. You see them once in a while in Siicly (thankfulyy not as often as the honey bee), if you see them leave them be they are very good for the environment, but if close to you yeah get the hell out. Complimenti per il tuo italiano Brian! Passi da gigante ;)

[@beeseurotravel]

Not really. But THANK YOU! I really appreciate your kind words. I haven’t been putting enough time into learning and I really need to change that. I’m really happy that we were able to bring back some nice memories 😍 All we want to do is make people happy with our videos. And yes. I think she had a U’Calabruni (thank you). I will be sure to leave them be 😊

[@TheSicilianLife]

Always enjoy seeing you both! What great progress on your garden project. I want to grow 'San Marzano' tomatoes too even though I don't live in the region of Agro Sarnese-Nocerino. They are truly the best. Before shooing the bee from her butt, you should have taken a pic for your new profile pic on YT. Would fit so well with your handle. LOL Thanks for sharing. 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

I BLEW IT! 🤣🤣 Thanks 😊

[@giuseppediblasi7892]

you dit the right tyings move to sicily.enjoy sicilia so much to see.i am a sizilian born my name is pino.i leve in frisco for 20 jahrs .i am dual citizen also.i am happy to see you enjoi

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks! 😊

[@RosarioPulvirenti71]

My wife and I are coming to Sicily in September for 6 weeks to visit family. Our dream is to purchase a holiday home there when we retire. We are really enjoying watching you videos.

[@beeseurotravel]

I’m glad you like them. Thanks. We don’t know what we’re doing but we’re having fun. Mostly. Until there are tech issues for which, admittedly, I lack patience! When you start spending time here I suspect it will become harder and harder to leave. This place has a mysterious pull that is hard to define. But I’ve never felt so alive here 😊

[@RosarioPulvirenti71]

@@beeseurotravel Every time I have been to visit family its exactly like you said hard to leave and suspect this time will be no different. Keep enjoying life that's what keeps you healthy.

[@dangozo8167]

Hi Beth and Brian, Love the story so far, you pair really are enjoying yourselves. We're in the process of buying in Testa Dell 'Acqua, hopefully complete in September. A few months back you went to the Nursery to buy your trees, is that far away as it looks like we should be giving them a visit.

[@beeseurotravel]

Lol. Congrats! There are lots of people moving to that area. And no, it’s not that far away at all. Here’s the link. www.vivaigiannuso.com

[@dangozo8167]

@@beeseurotravel Thank You so much thats fantastic. I can see why lots are moving there, we love it. Like you though the house part will probably take a back seat. All The Best Dan & Emily.

[@SandyLewis-jn6ck]

Wow. Just wow.

[@pile333]

Welcome and thanks for moving here.

[@RavenARPG]

Was thinking maybe the Fox came out during day and nearby to you because looking for water? I heard about Sicily been in a drought this year. Maybe the Fox was looking for water? Just a thought!

[@gamacaluso]

Happy Sunday ! 🥰 I think it’s great that you have a fox that visits your property it must have good energy. 😄How is the little boy that fell in the well …ok?? I’m confused What town does the Fiesta di San Pablo take place? I’m planning a trip to Sicily next year and I’m working through the different areas and what festivals to visit. 🫶🏻I just figured out it’s the town and Basilica di San Paolo 😄✌️

[@ji3946]

Sadly the young boy passed

[@camcorp]

hello i love the fireworks

[@beeseurotravel]

Right? Best ever for us.

[@amyfaith2350]

I did not know they had hedgehogs in Italy!

[@beeseurotravel]

Neither did we! 😆

[@effdpaul1815]

Wow!! The Sicilians really know how to party ... but, we already knew that.

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣

[@lagringa7518]

They do indeed love their explosives down south. 🤣

[@floridastitcher1]

Those fireworks and streamers! I’ve never seen anything like it. What city was that?

[@beeseurotravel]

Right? Palazzolo Acreide.

[@user-kc1uf4og8m]

Haha I just watched one of your earlier posts. And wow the colour change is funny I take it your enjoying the sunshine

[@beeseurotravel]

Yes 😊

[@antoninoragazzo9055]

These days I hear a lot about water shortages in Sicily,😮 especially in the area of Agrigento. Are you also affected? 😮 I hope not! 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

We’re ok for now. Thanks. But there are places hard hit like Agrigento. And Milan has been drenched. Hopefully it’s a one off and not an omen of things to come.

[@josephfulciniti314]

Love the background

[@timothyshortnacy7550]

Love watching your videos!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@barbiec4312]

What’s great week! ❤

[@beeseurotravel]

Crazy. It’s too hot to work much, so… 😊

[@kathybastianelli6982]

I love the candid videos and thank you for sharing! Random question, when you moved from the States to Europe, how did you handle the plug ins, many converters? or bought new stuff, things that plug in, in Europe?

[@beeseurotravel]

We mostly bought new stuff but for most things that don’t suck a lot of energy there are converters.

[@R12390]

Such a lovely couple. Commenting for the algorithm 😂

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 Sadly I think the algorithm has quit rewarding us 😝 We grew pretty fast at the beginning, but just treading water these days 🤷‍♂️

[@nancyplath5222]

Love your shows!! Flying over the pond and September 9th..doing a week on lake Garda debating to take an easy jet to Sicily ???

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks! Why not? I don’t think you’ll be disappointed 😊

[@paolomontalbano6549]

You both look nice and tanned. Looking well😊

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. I’m learning to be present 😊😉

[@TheBluebellMoon2]

A fox! Really enjoy your weekly updates! Grazie ❤️. Very curious about your backstory & wondering if you have any Sicilian relatives?

[@beeseurotravel]

Nope. I’m mostly French and Beth is mostly Anglo. Grew up in NH, raised a family in OR and when they were off on their own we decided it was time to quit the rat race and do something fun.

[@TheBluebellMoon2]

@@beeseurotravel Looking forward to seeing your vineyard take shape in the future. Love vino Siciliano ❤

[@beeseurotravel]

@@TheBluebellMoon2 Us, too! But it has been slow to develop. Depending on too many people for help us. Might be time to take the bill by the horns….

[@bernadettehumby7844]

Good afternoon Brian,Good afternoon Beth , I have been following you for the past few months and together with my Wife are now big fans,Question , what made you choose your location and secondly We had the pleasure of visiting Sicily many years ago in March , but in the late afternoon and evening it was really cold for us , so my question is ,how cold can it get in the Winter there . Keep up the good work you’re doing and keep the videos coming .John.

[@beeseurotravel]

Hi John. Glad you like the videos. Thanks. It can get down to 10C 50F at night and in the early morning. But it quickly get up to 15/60+ most days and it always feels warm in the sun. Kind of like a New England fall.

[@bernadettehumby7844]

Good evening Beth, Good evening Brian, Thank you so much for your reply. We are both getting on in life here in the Netherlands , but we have seriously been thinking of moving away to Sicily, In or around Ragusa, we intend to take a long weekend later this year to get the feel of it all although we enjoyed our vacation there a long time ago. We look forward to your videos and to have such wonderful neighbours is a bonus ,stay well and fit and keep going . John & Sandra 👏

[@antoninoragazzo9055]

Buona sera! Sorry, can understand the name of that little fishing village you went after marina di Ragusa, is it Brucoli?

[@beeseurotravel]

Yes

[@gracevittoria9467]

I love your weekly videos. Italians do love their Saints. Those feasts are crazy. lol Can I ask if you have EU citizenship? As Italian descendants, we looked into it and can not get it due to my parents revoking theirs when they came to Canada. I am always curious how others are getting to Italy and the logistics of it. Keep up the videos, they are great!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks. We have an Elective Residency visa. It wasn’t very difficult. The hardest part is showing that you have enough passive income to support yourself.

[@dianamartin9558]

Great video. We also posted one today. Hey where’s the medieval festival? We might try and go, if we can rent a car. Thanks again!

[@beeseurotravel]

Send us a link!

[@dianamartin9558]

@@beeseurotravel the Sicily adventure Now we are just starting out and don’t have much experience. Please be kind!

[@beeseurotravel]

We found you and just watched a couple of your videos. I can’t wait to see how you remodel the apartment. It looks like there is a ton of potential 😍😍

[@dianamartin9558]

@@beeseurotravel thank you for watching . I hope you will subscribe! We would love to get over your way some day.

[@beeseurotravel]

We subscribed! 🥰

[@MattMcDaniel-x3d]

Buonasera, you guys are lovely, and we really enjoy your videos. We are a couple from Oregon here in Sicily for a month, staying in the Messina area as "home base" and we are going to be heading back thru your area again in the next few days and I wonder if you might have any recommendations for us in Modica or in that area? We spent a couple days already in Noto and Regusa, and did a short visit to Ortigia and Siracusa. But upon arriving back at home base we were told we have to go back for chocolate in Modica. Any help you could offer would be great, otherwise thanks for content and keep up the good work you two. Grazie

[@beeseurotravel]

Hi Guys. I have to admit we don’t know Modica very well. We climbed to the cathedral one day (spectacular) and hit a couple of chocolate shops. One was by the cathedral (Sabadi) and the other one was the “famous” one (Bonajuto). They were both really good. Modica is a nice place! But by the time you’re done with your visit you’ll know more than us!! Have fun 😊

[@MattMcDaniel-x3d]

Grazie per aver condiviso la tua esperienza. Ho avuto un Massimo nella mia vita quando ero giovane, che dono. Che Dio ti benedica nel tuo viaggio agricolo, arrivederci per ora.

[@jewelsd1]

Hey Guys! Love catching up with you both every week. I’m heading back to Sicily in September. I’m planning out my trip and would love to meet you both. Let me know if your open to it. If not, no worries. If so, I could adjust my schedule. Solo traveler 5th trip to Sicily. Never been to Noto.

[@beeseurotravel]

Are you a weirdo? 🤣🤣 If not then sure we could meet up for a drink 🤣🤣

[@ji3946]

@@beeseurotravel no sugarcoating it, that's the New England in you!

[@beeseurotravel]

@@ji3946just having fun with you. Noto is nice to see but it’s touristic. A good base to explore though.

[@jewelsd1]

@@beeseurotravel How can I contact you to discuss. Do you have a Facebook page?

[@jewelsd1]

@@beeseurotravel the weirdest! 🤪 JK

[@bonnyvondolores2647]

Watching you2 are like a long hot Sicilian afternoon (ha ha I really dont know!)…. Its definitely a slowed life!

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣😍Come see for yourself. Great to be out of the rat race

[@erinfield1943]

You guys are cute.

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣

[@TimJohnston911]

What was the dark liquid you poured into the tomato sauce? Balsamic vinegar?

[@beeseurotravel]

Red wine

[@dorismeusburger4219]

Was this in Notó? (fireworks)

[@beeseurotravel]

Palazzolo Acreide

[@dorismeusburger4219]

What kind of camera do you use?

[@beeseurotravel]

Sony 7iii and an iPhone

[@FrippoBeyondComporta]

It looks like you are not affected by the infamous Sicilian drought?

[@beeseurotravel]

No. Plenty of water here right now AND a massive aquifer was just discovered under Palazzolo. Enough water to solve the entire islands problem and its accessible from 700-2,000 meters. Great news for the island!

[@gulayguthre9939]

Your show is getting much better thank you and is this time those Italian people blow so much money on firecrackers when they could feed a lot of poor people