Living in Italy: Reflections on living abroad as an American.

What exactly is like to live abroad for 10 years? What is like living in Italy as an American after a decade? In this video I talk about living in Italy pros and cons from an American perspective. I've done my best to present a balanced and objective view of this scenario, but I do make it clear that this is just one man's opinion. There really is no one size fits all when it comes to opinions on living abroad and in this case, Italian culture. This is most likely the start of other cultural related videos and my hope is to inform people who have a love for everything Italy about the reality of living here.
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Healthcare correction: I'd like to repeat that the healthcare here is not free. We pay for it through our taxes. Also, I have not paid for my hospital visits (the ticket) because this is a charge that you don't always incur when you are admitted to the emergency room. If it's not an emergency you very well may have to pay something.
🔎🔎 Jump to a specific part of the video:
00:00 intro
00:56 Is Italy home?
01:21 Spying on me?
01:35 100% home?
02:01 differences between me and Italy
02:33 Soccer
03:11 Sports in Italy
03:43 Speak Italian?
04:18 Do you miss English?
05:29 Things I've had to get used to.
06:18 disorganization
06:50 smoking
07:18 driving
07:45 Healthcare
08:44 American celebrity
09:35 Advice for moving to America
09:53 Perks of Italy
10:16 Food
10:40 History
11:05 personal reflection
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[@doomblackdeath8888]

I also struggled with the "who am I?" question while living here in Italy for so long, and I've realized that people like us are simply "us". We are like ghosts; we don't really "fit" anywhere, we don't hold any particular reverence for any one thing, although there are certain things that we naturally gravitate towards. We live in the ether, able to adapt to almost any situation because we have become accustomed to doing that very thing. Some people are very frightened by the idea of not fully belonging anywhere, but I personally find it liberating.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That is an excellent perspective on how to view our existence. While I am not knocking belonging to a collective whole it should not define our existence, yes! . I feel Italians are the latter.

[@alexandersalazar7571]

Very true, I feel like whenever I go back to visit family in the US, I feel out of place, then here in Italy, I'm "l'amerihhano". Although I've learned the language and have integrated into the Florentine way of life, I will always be a "foreigner". Personally speaking, despite moments of feeling like being in a cultural purgatory, I'm starting to find a balance.

[@doomblackdeath8888]

@@alexandersalazar7571 This is precisely what happens. The key is to stop trying to not be the foreigner and just accept it; we will never not be "l'americano", no matter how much we integrate. That's ok, they don't view it as a negative thing, it's just how it is. Moreover, the reason you feel out of place when you go back home is because you are out of place, so while you may not technically be a foreigner in your own country, the reality of it is that you are. You have nothing more in common with people back home. You have to turn off the part of you that you have become and step back into your American shoes for the time you're back "home" in the states. They all ask the same questions, all have the same ideas of the rest of the world, and won't know what you're talking about if you were to not "dumb down" everything. I hate to use that term, as it's not really dumbing anything down and has nothing to do with intelligence, but you have to adapt yourself so as not to make them feel awkward. It's very difficult to strike this balance. People back home don't see the world through our eyes because they haven't had our experiences, and they simply can't relate. Personally, I feel incredibly bored and like life is on a loop when I go back home. There's nothing to discover, nothing stimulates me, and I find the things people get excited about puzzling. It's depressing to think of the things that are the highlights of people's day.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@doomblackdeath8888 To Alex and doomblackdeath. It’s so comforting to here others who have had similar experiences as mine both on a practical and, more importantly on an emotional level. You do indeed find a balance as the years go by and you accept who you are and who you aren’t. It’s important at that point to simple consider yourself just a human like anyone else with your hopes, dreams, faults and weaknesses. In essence it’s important to just focus on being the best version of ourselves and to take the best from both cultures. Yeah that is so true! When you go back home it’s so hard to find common ground with your old friends and there are some experiences which for them might be completely irrelevant. For example this could be your favorite bar (Italian bar)

[@thenobleone-3384]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hi I just wanted to ask what is the first process that I will have to do to move to Naples? I'm not trying to move now but I'm an American also it will most likely be in about 3 yrs. I currently live in Oregon. Could u give me a little advice please?

[@SlabtheKiller89]

Fun fact: Rome has barely 3 underground lines because wherever they dig they find pots, walls, statues and whatnot.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I am fascinated by all the treasures and mysteries that lie buried below us!

[@1977Timp]

It took 10 years for the 1st line.. 🤣

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@1977Timp line C Colosseo stop. Well the idea sounds nice !

[@yellow13_]

@@1977Timp E uno che deve rompere i coglioni lo troviamo sempre

[@STANIS-LA-ROCHELLE]

"Oh look we found a DOMUS AUREA...again"

[@nadiarossetti9004]

Hai parlato in lingua italiana perfettamente, con un leggero accento del sud italia..e non americano! Complimenti!...bye from Milan

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Ciao Nadia! Un caro saluto a te e a Milano che in questo periodo sta soffrendo tanto. Coraggio! Sono stato una volta a Milano per alcuni giorni e mi sono trovato bene. Grazie per il complimento, spero di non perdere mai questo piccolo accento particolare!

[@rainsound3543]

Il tuo cognome è italiano ? Sei di origine italiana ?.... (ho letto ora in alcune risposte che sei di origine italiana ! 😉😎)

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@rainsound3543 siiii! Il cognome deriva da Torre Del Greco

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@Pinzgauer Steyr bingo. Btw how do you know my wife’s name?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@Pinzgauer Steyr ah yes. Honestly I made this video over 7 months ago so I’ve forgotten some of the things I’ve said

[@AccendinoMCM]

You seem to have a Neapolitan accent lol, that's so interesting.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

It's gotten less noticeable over the years and I am sorry I lost what little I had. I love their way of speaking and I can only imagine what I'd sound like now had I remained in Campania

[@vgnlda]

It's not the accent only, also the cadence.

[@brucemartin8435]

I am living it right now. Coupled with speed of talking all I can say is wow!

[@maryoparabellum.3642]

Bel video..Bravo. Si sente un pò anche L'accento Campano. 😃😁👏👏

[@emanemanrus5835]

E' vero, molto simpatico.

[@alexandersalazar7571]

I've lived in Florence for 10 years and a lot of what you said resonates with my experience here! Italy truly is a cultural playground, and I'm glad to call this country home. I just got my driver's license here, I'm still trying to get used to how crazy Italians drive 😂😂

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I'd trade Rome for Florence! I made a few videos on how they drive here. Go check em out. Anyway to understand how they drive here you just need to jump into the deep end and eventually you'll get the hang of it. Oh if I may ask, how was the written driving test?

[@thenobleone-3384]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Are u able to help me? Right now I'm trying to move back to Chicago where I was last yr to stay there for the next 3 yrs. I am in a homeless shelter currently in Eugene Oregon. I have been unemployed since last October and I'm trying to start back working with Uber or Postmates. I did good in Chicago until I was laid off by a grocery company

[@maxinemm1607]

We just got back from vacation, and we spent a few days in Rome. I cannot believe how much history is in Rome. The city is so beautiful. While my husband was driving I was navigating and so many different things, such as temples, kept popping up in the middle of the city like it was no big deal. We’re in the country, so we’re surrounded by castles, but to see Roman history like that was just breathtaking. I cannot wait to return

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

You need to check out the neighborhoods of Aventino and San Saba which are actually right next to each other

[@lidia6052]

Ok but wait until the end of the pandemic emergency please 🤚

[@maxs1sross147]

@@lidia6052 lol

[@drewell2865]

I’ve been living in Rome for 4 years now, but my hometown is Verona (in the north side of Italy). Actually in the North people make fun of center/southern Italy disorganization. This country might be small, but it’s also culturally very different, from region to region.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That is something I've come to appreciate about Italy. It's smaller but it packs in much more cultural diversity than the USA.

[@duiliovalletta5659]

Italy it's as Arizona for km2 surface, so not big but very small, cheers from this lucky peninsula Drewell! Ciao!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@duiliovalletta5659 For me there is a lure to Arizona. Dry heat. Close to CA and LV, no snow and the houses seem more modern. I can live with that. Although a warm Christmas is rather depressing for me.

[@duiliovalletta5659]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly yeah! so close to wonderful places! but in I know let's it snow in AZ, is not true?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@duiliovalletta5659 I have no idea.

[@indiemusicvinyl]

Well balanced. You seem like the perfect mix of Italian and American. Great job!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hey James. I've felt like this for years: in the middle of both cultures. I used to be uncomfortable with this but now I have found peace. Thank you for stopping by!

[@ascaniosobrero]

Healthcare: with all the limitations people feels, I would never change this with another country's. Everyone has the right to be treated, the best way they can. In cancer treatments you can request a specific treatment (the best you can think of) despite any cost which will not be charged to you. I have been gone through this 12 years ago, and I am still here. Eye surgery: privately 4k € at least; through national system: 0€ with the best surgeon around.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I agree with the core concept of tax paid public medicine. Wow ! So you’re a cancer survivor ? I’m glad you’re here to share that with the rest of us.

[@Pomoscorzo]

When I moved to Germany at age 11, I was expected to become "integrated" within a few months. Integrated meaning that no one should notice you weren't born and raised there. So much for finding myself. If I had made a video like this after 10 years in Germany my own German family would have killed me in cold blood. My mother lived in Italy for 12 years (being married to an Italian) and she was fully German from start to finish. People are much more tolerant in Italy. It's a fact that is widely overlooked. Thank you for the video. I remember how much I loved the sunsets in Rome. Nothing like them. :-)

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Interesting. Why would your German family have killed you ??? I suppose Italians are indeed tolerant but they do expect some degree of integration here in Italy if you intend to do business or just have some sort of exchange with them especially when their interests are involved! The best sunsets are in Ostia and this month in particular is quiet nice.

[@Pomoscorzo]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly My German family is quite bigot. Though they are on a lesser social level than my Italian family they always were convinced that my mother was throwing herself away. When my parents separated she brought me to Germany and although I was forced to live on a far lower social level, got mobbed and was responsible for a sick mother, everybody was like, "Aren't you glad that you can live in Germany at last? Everybody wants to live here!" Many Germans are still convinced of being a superior race. Yes, I remember the sunsets. I guess there is a reason why most great Italian painters lived and worked in Rome.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@Pomoscorzo It's been very interesting reading about your experiences in Germany. Thank you! Unfortunately I've never been to Germany apart from airports numerous times and meeting lots of Germans in my lifetime. Indeed a lot of Italians speak highly of Germany. In the end I am not sure what I would prefer: the more relaxed yet disorganized Italian way of life or the reserved yet more organized German way of doing things. Granted there are always exceptions to every society. I could live with a mix of both I'd say: I like order, cleanliness and civil people yet a society that understands that human errors can occur. As far as superiority is concerned, I've met many Italians who think they are the best in the world on many fronts, namely food and culture.

[@Pomoscorzo]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly The trouble is that many Germans are not so proud of their food and culture but mostly of their attitude and mentality; they honestly believe that if the whole world was like them, we'd be living in a better place...

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@Pomoscorzo a lot of Americans think that way too. Although we do have a superiority complex on many fronts. I understand where they’re coming from but I try to remain objective

[@hubieheathertoes]

Good stuff. Thank you David for your insights!

[@eligottlieb3103]

This is an excellent, thoughtful and non judgmental take on a VERY slippery subject. Kudos to you. Ovvero, complimenti!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Wow !! What an incredible comment ! Thank you so much ! Out of curiosity though why do you feel it’s a slippery subject ?

[@eligottlieb3103]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly it's slippery because one can never tell how much one is being effected by the new language and cultural mores while still living there. one can try, but the real test is when you return to the states. speaking italian changes you neurologically. it's the most spatially centered of all the romance languages and when you speak it full-immersion for years it alters the way you carry your body. after a long time living in padova and never speaking english i returned to new york and my friends told me the shape of my head had changed!

[@tinag7381]

I agree 100% on the history! It blows me away whenever I'm in Italy! You are very fortunate to be living there and thank you for your videos. By the way, your Italian language skill is downright native fluency! Bravo🇮🇹

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

You must have caught me at a good moment! But thank you.

[@dietroaimemes4976]

It's really impressing that, since you first went to Naples, you have still a little bit of a Neapolitan accent when speaking Italian, that's very cool and as an Italian it really makes you appreciate the huge regional diversity we have here. Great video Btw!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi! Yeah my wife says I do too! I've kept because I like it and dont want to lose it. It's the sound of my ancestors. Definitely. I love Italy for the fact that it is so diverse from one region to another and there is so much to discover and explore here. Thank you for the compliment! What other types of videos would you like to see?

[@mikaylaford6818]

I just moved to Italy to be with my Roman boyfriend (although we're in Milan for his work). It's been about a month, and I needed to search on KZbin for some understanding of what these emotions are. Cheers for your video! I'm going through that Expat Depression - even though I am so grateful and excited to be here - and seeing people like yourself also share some of my feelings is so comforting. But boy, I'm excited to be able to speak the language (hopefully soon)!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

For some reason your comment was held for review by YT. So I approved it. Yeah, I agree we expats need to stick together and try to construct a bit of what we consider normal. English is the best unifying element.

[@TheRecoveringCreative]

Love this video! Especially from the viewpoint of a man, there’s lots of videos from women who’ve moved to Italy but I really appreciated how you express your experience of living there. 🙌🏾

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you! I never considered that mostly women were talking about their lives in Italy. I also made a video on how Italian women keep their maiden names. Check it out and let me know what you think, kzbin.info/www/bejne/g4mUZ3xqjNB_oZo

[@MrGrand2000]

Growing up in The Bronx we always found it amusing when our parents and grandparents spoke to each other in Italian..Now at the age of 54 and wanting to retire to Italy,I really regret that I would never be able to carry a conversation or understand ..

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

My dad said the same thing. He grew up in Boston and he never thought those days would end. Now he has a lot of nostalgia for those days. So in way, by moving here I am experiencing what he is missing.

[@Mimi-hz5sc]

It's never too late to start something sir!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@Mimi-hz5sc I’ve done everything late in life ! Ironically I’m very punctual with work and dates with friends

[@stephaniewukovitz2822]

I'm two years younger than you and learning Italian in anticipation of a move to Milan in the next year or two, are either one the details of the digital nomad visa or hammered out or my dual citizenship finally goes through. I haven't had long periods of focused time to devote to learning the language, but persistence, finding a conversation partner online, and willingness to sneak in a little bits of learning between other things can really make a difference. Also, throughout the isolation of the pandemic, when I've talked to myself I've tried to do it in Italian up to the limit of my vocabulary at the time, so there's that as well :-)

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Stephanie . Your approach to learning is very good and that’s exactly what you should be doing. That digital nomad visa is very interesting and if I weren’t an Italian citizen I would definitely be looking into it. I commend you for wanting to move to Italy at our age because at this point in life for some people it’s very difficult to up and leave their country. If I may ask what is your pull towards Italy?

[@gigi-jeff]

Love “double ostracized” “personal Space!” “Disorganization” ho capito!! 😂😂😂Thanks for sharing your thoughts! We’re in Sicily! So we’re enjoying the perks too!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

There are some days where I'd prefer to be in Sicily.

[@drooyrich1279]

Loved your video .. people like you are very welcome ! All the best !!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you very much!! ☺️

[@michaelsix9684]

great video, really helpful and fun

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you 😊

[@ducciovenegoni4897]

I love how, even though you say you're not perfect with Italian, you got a Roman accent and not an English accent

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Some say Roman, some say Napoli 😆

[@LucAbroad]

I am an Italian living in London (since 2009). Your accent is immaculate, and it is hard to spot that you are a non-native. Brave move moving to Italy 😅

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hey! Thank you! Oh I still have an American accent and if you talked to me in person you'd know right away. Yeah, a lot of people talk about moving here but not a lot of people do. It's not easy and it's not cut out for most people. In my opinion that is. How do you like living in London and do you get homesick?

[@flaviolofaro]

Grande! Molto interessante, atteggiamento positivo è quello che serve sempre! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Sono romano, vivo in uk da 6 anni e mi ritrovo in tutto quello che hai detto 👍🏻 Good luck buddy!!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Ciao! Grazie di cuore ! Ti manca Roma e come ti trovi in UK??

[@duhlike]

You are hands down the most informative and helpful channel on YT for Americans or Italian Americans seeking to move there. Love the content. Thank you!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That’s one of the best compliments I’ve got in a while ! Thank you 😊. I just try my best to not talk too too much about myself !

[@duhlike]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I'm also really interested in doing a Zoom call with you. I have basically exactly the same story as you (dual citizenship. Learned italian in college. Grew up with both heritages) and am finally ready to take the plunge over there. Am planning on even teaching English just like you haha. It's a good deal! Already have my CV and everything ready but I still had a few questions 🙃 I'll contact you soon on your buy me a cup of coffee page! Thanks David

[@lisabianconi1315]

The hardest thing about living in Rome for me was the lack of shared experiences from our childhood. That was the one thing that made me a bit sad and miss home. But other than that it was the best time of my life

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Oh yes. I mentioned this in the video and it's still true. The lack of these experiences does put some distance between me and Italians. For how many years did you live here? Were there any negative aspects for you?

[@lisabianconi1315]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly having to hitchhike to l’Eur to a client during a metro, bus and taxi strike. But I learned that creativity can solve any problem and there’s no need to freak out.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@lisabianconi1315 Yeah I had something similiar happen to me a few years ago. I was stuck in Eur during a strike and I had to get back to my apartment on the other side of town. I gave up on the bus and just splurged on a taxi. Fortunately I drive now and these strikes don’t really apply to me. Check out my driving videos! kzbin.info/aero/PL9RTA_49N-uYO_BsAnafTPyi6uh4EWzv5

[@DanieleLanza]

I am Italian living in the Netherlands since 5 years and have been living in Uk for 4 years, sometimes British and Dutch people ask me 'why did you move from Italy, is it not better over there?'...The answer is actually relative, each country has pros and cons and it's a matter of perspective and life priorities I guess. You also have a wife that as you said helps you to integrate there, generally, I would say the location is important but the people you surrounded by are of course more, so you can live in a great country but if you are not surrounded by people you like/love then is not going to work I believe.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

My dad once asked me “well if the USA isn’t the best country, what is ? “. I told him it doesn’t exist because that depends on perspective and what you want from life in that particular location. There’s nothing wrong with being an introvert and wanting to be alone but yes , if you’re going to move abroad and not socialize it almost defeats the purpose unless your new country offers everything you want as far as quality of life is concerned. Where are you living now, the Uk or the Netherlands ? Come ti trovi??

[@DanieleLanza]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I am now living in the Netherlands but thinking to go back to Italy as soon as the Corona situation get better (hopefully soon), in the Netherlands, everything works well (no bureaucracy, good salaries, safe and well-organized country) and I know Italy still has a lot of problems (not great salaries, a lot of bureaucracy messed up politic etc.) but I can strongly feel the cultural differences between the Nordics and the Mediterranean and I personally started to appreciate the Mediterranean more recently...I know Italians always complaining about their own country, they like to complain a lot :) but after a while living abroad, I can see that Italy is a great country, even with a lot of contradictions, still a beautiful country with a great history, art, nature, food, personality...

[@sarelito9202]

@@DanieleLanza my father who was Irish used to love Italy but his motto was : earn your money somewhere else, but spend it in Italy!

[@DanieleLanza]

@@sarelito9202 Haha, well a lot of Italian ex-pats think the way your father did :) I think it's a pity though if the country would be more prepared to welcome people from around the world, not just touristically but also from a living perspective, it would be beneficial for everyone, for the economy of the country first, and secondly for whoever loves Italian culture and want to live there. Unfortunately because of some barriers like language, bureaucracy, and salaries some not-Italian people can find it challenging.

[@sarelito9202]

@@DanieleLanza You're right. Unfortunately it's often hard to get ahead if you're not part of the system, although I think that the northern areas offer more scope for work but you pay the price in terms of weather. I live near Rome currently and despite my education and training, getting projects off the ground is next to near hopeless which is why I am now working abroad on internet. It's a pity, though, as you said.

[@oftengone]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I want to learn Italian because I heard they love Formula 1 there too. I'm glad you mentioned it in the video !

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

They say English is language you learn because it's necessary, Italian you learn because you love it. There is some truth to it. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!

[@Americafirst1984]

Love your videos. Cheers from Chicago

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you 😊

[@atapuma5756]

The personal space thing can be quite challenging especially in southern Europe. In north itlay people are a little colder and give more personal space. At least friends from england told me so

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Confirmed, the English greatly value personal space!

[@rodayodryve7998]

I'm American and so are you....even after 11 years of you living there & I've only been there three very short times. Here is where the "American" came out in you, at the very beginning when you asked your wife "Are you spying on me?" Well HELLLLLL YES she's spying on you.....even if she were an American Italian = they do the same thing here, that is what they DO. Our own mothers do the same with their kids, especially their boys....:) you can be sneaky and tell me that was a rhetorical question😉👍. On a more serious note, thank you for posting your observations, they were good to hear and well thought out. I love the country, but unsure as to whether I would go bat shit krazy if I were there for 11 years. I wish you all the best, wherever you call home.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

She said she wasn't spying on me! I guess I have to believe her heheh. Well Italy can be a paradise or a nightmare, it just depends on your life situation and what you do for work. But, you'll find that if you stay anywhere long enough, providing it isn't drammaticaly different than what you're used to, eventually you'll realize that you have an equal amounts of rewards and difficulties anywhere you go. Thank you for your kind words, I appreciate it!

[@fargneta]

Ottima analisi, fatta da una persona che vuole bene all'Italia piu' di tanti nostri connazionali...Riconoscere i nostri pregi ed i nostri difetti e' cio' che ci farebbe crescere.... Ciao David complimenti x il tuo Italiano e x il tuo canale. Excellent analysis, made by a person who loves Italy more than many of our compatriots ... Recognizing our strengths and our defects is what would make us grow .... Hello David congratulations x your Italian and for your channel.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi and I thank you sincerely for kind words like these ! Così vado avanti con la testa in alta !

[@DinoVaresano]

Cool video..nice content..same here buddy..been Living here for over 20..grew up in ny and i relativi so much to all you have said..thanks

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

It's so nice to hear from other people in my situation. Are you also in Rome?

[@AndreaIppolitoIppo]

GI Joe was one of the cartoons I used to watch on TV as a kid, people of my generation (late 80s) will definitely remember. Born and raised in Rome ;)

[@AndreaIppolitoIppo]

Proof: the Italian intro here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpPcqKRtaNujhqs 🙂

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I've just seen it. It's NOTHING like the American one!

[@littlebigjohn69]

david great video give us more with your experience there. i was born in colombia south america and i love colombia but with my job ive travelled throughout the world in the last 12 years which im fortunate and my 2 favourite countries are italy and japan in the world. i live in canada now which i also love and been here since i was 8 years old so i grew up with hockey and baseball, and believe me i hate both of them and i love soccer and f1 in cars and motorcycle which in reverse to you. im a history buff and italy is a dream to come to even if your not a history guy the country is just beautiful. your comments are right on with the characters of the people and the food is amazing going from small towns to small villages completely different .

[@littlebigjohn69]

one other thing ive was told i have italian blood in me and guess thats right because their are many italians in colombia .

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Your kind words made my day! Thank you! Oh yes, Italy is a history buff's playground and I never get tired of starting at the colosseum. I'd love to hear some of your stories from your global travels.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@littlebigjohn69 I'm not surprised. A lot of Italians immigrated to South America, in particular Brazil.

[@MarcellaRiva-ln3bn]

Amo il tuo video. I love your video 💖🇮🇹

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Grazie !!

[@Positivevibes0001gurhargarden]

First time ever on your interesting channel!! I lived in Italy for 12 years and moved to 🇨🇦 And of course!! Wishing to go back too!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Great channel name ! Thanks for the kind words ! What a coincidence since I’ve been here for 12 years. Where did you live in Italy?

[@sarelito9202]

Strangely, it's actually a good thing that you have not totally mastered the language to the point of seeming Italian. Since that is instead what happened to me, I can tell you that the downside of that is that no one knows you're constantly adapting and therefore expect you to be like them which is of course impossible. Although I'm half Italian I was brought up abroad and only speaking English at home (as well as the languages of the places we were living in) and although I learned Italian only later I am now extremely fluent, which although extremely handy because it allows you to penetrate the culture and really grasp it, nobody makes allowances for my background culture since it's not visible from the outside. People just think I'm from a different part of Italy to them, whenever I am! So there's pros and cons. I think you have struck a good balance.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Sarel! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on language and I must say your perspective on this topic is very interesting. You’ve presented an aspect of language learning that I hadn’t considered and that there is a downside to “sounding like them”. I can relate. Often I have to tell them “Sono americano non rincoglionito!” As soon as I say that I get much better treatment! I def want to mention this in a future video. Yeah, I also get the feeling that Italians tend to forget you’re a foreigner and that certain concepts, aspects of language and culture don’t come to you automatically. In those situations you need to remind them you’re not Italian. In certain situations I come off as a bit too direct but that’s prob the American in me coming out. Like I say in the video, in the end I’ve come to terms with who I am and I’m comfortable, but it took me years to get there.

[@sarelito9202]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hi there David! Thank you for replying. Yes, the part about being direct...so true! I've also noticed that they will quite happily cut the conversation short or make it go their way while pretending they are in fact carrying on from where you left off. A video on this topic could be interesting. Basically, on how speaking very fluently can make you be misunderstood and feel lonely!😂 PS. I also think that the more cultured the person is, the less that happens. Also, it possibly happens less in the north of Italy because they tend to be better mannered which in itself means taking others into account. Rome and the surrounding area are great from an easy going point of view, but respecting others isn't their strong point, which of course doesn't help!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@sarelito9202 Hi. Well it’s a good video idea but it would be a hard video to make because the problem isn’t just local to Italians, although I get it completely why you’re proposing this idea. I hate being interrupted. Same with the idea of Romans not respecting others. That’s kind of a broad statement. One thing I’m learning on this channel is to not generalize , and it’s easy to do. Too easy!

[@LS-li4fy]

First time I see a video of yours. I love it. Did anyone ever tell you that you got Neapolitan accent when you speak Italian?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you very much! It depends on who you talk to and how my mood is. Some say I've picked up the Roman way of speaking ( I don't hear it) some say I still have traces of Napoli. I used to say "We" and vabuo" much more often but it's died off since I've moved here to Rome.

[@LS-li4fy]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly , anyway your Italian accent is adorable (and quite close to be authentic, which is not easy for English native speakers).

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@LS-li4fy HA! thanks, no one has ever called it adorable before!

[@hyekerm]

I laughed at 'mi stai spiando?' 😂😂I'm from Salerno and I would have been happy to meet you.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you 😊 Unfortunately I haven’t been back to Salerno since well before the pandemic. Sure it would have been and would be a pleasure !

[@uc7639]

Hi David. I'm an Italian expact living abroad for 10 years too now.. i loved your video, but especially i could really relate to the point where you say you understood better who you are. Un abbraccio!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Umberto! Thank you ever so much for the kind words! I am glad others can relate to what I've experienced. Where are you now if I may ask?

[@uc7639]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I m in switzerland.. close to italy but very different.. and i lived in many other places in EU before arriving here. but to be honest i really miss Italy..

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@uc7639 What do you miss the most?

[@iulius951]

As the great journalist Vittorio Zucconi said to me once: in our situation we are not one thing or another anymore. We are a mix. And that's OK.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

As in there is no "pure" human being?

[@iulius951]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly as in "all experiences,, including living abroad for a long time, do change you and you cannot possibly be the same as you were." I think it would be impossible to live in another country for 20 years and not become somebody a bit different...

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@iulius951 definitely. I think that also comes with age. Aging and living abroad add to this unique recipe

[@suohfgh803]

I discovered that in foreign countries corsive writing is not really a thing, when I moved out sinde of Italy.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I find this very interesting. I wonder why this is.

[@ToniInSussex]

You're like watching an old friend. I completely identify with your line of thinking. 😊 Chi-Town in Sussex, UK!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

One of the best compliments I've received on this channel! thank you! It's nice to take comfort in seeing others who have lived similar lives.

[@costy0200]

great video. thank you.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you! What did you like in particular if I may ask?

[@elenav8453]

Ma non è meglio là? I think we italians are waaay to quick to elevate outher countries and therefore criticize our own. I was born in northen Italy and I am now living in Germany and everyone applauds me and says I have done the right thing. "You youngsters should leave while you have the chance" is a sentece I have heard way too often. And I hate that sentence! I never left because of work because, believe me, I never had it easier on the job side here in Germany. Never. I left purely to be with the person I love. For full disclosure, I am a freelance translator and I also teach Italian in a school where I am NOT hired but I have some kind of project contract (I sign a new contract every 12 weeks, which is the length of one course). And there are so many things about Germany that I find basically the same as in Italy. For example, if you don't live in Berlin or Munich, but somewhere in the countryside, good luck going somewhere relying only on privatre transportations. Here as well as in Italy there are rural areas where busses go only four times a day. Please, don't be so quick thinking that Italy is bad and the rest of Europe or the States are soo much better, because they aren't.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

As my dad always said, don’t listen to people and go to the source. Interesting bit about Germany. I think the word better is nonsense. Isn’t it better there is indeed a moronic question because it depends on what your version of better is. Do you go somewhere for the healthcare? For the food? For love? For a better paycheck? It’s all relative

[@qexxis]

dai l'idea di essere un figlio di italiani del sud.

[@Schcarraffone]

hi David. I assume probably you are from italian ancestry too... but can not help noticing your itaian accent is PERFECT!!! congrats

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Alessandro! Thank you for the compliment! But know that I make my fair share of errors in Italian! Correct I am 3rd generation Italian-American.

[@zey764]

Sei tornato da dove venivano i tuoi bisnonni/nonni, che bella cosa☺️

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Siiii! Richiamo delle origini. Addirittura sono riuscito a trovare la viuzza dei bisnonni a Torre Del Greco.

[@giannidevettor1778]

It depends a lot on where you live in this country, mate, move to the north and you discover a totaly different Italy

[@aldeonuwu2634]

Solo se si anno soldi da spendere

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Appunto. Se un giorno ci spostiamo al Nord per il lavoro deve avere una retribuzione molto più alta in modo tale da poter affrontare i costi della vita del posto.

[@LightMovies]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Mah, dipende. Io vivo in provincia di Milano, sto a 10 minuti dalla città e sono servito dalla metropolitana. Pago 400 euro al mese per un trilocale di 95mq col box. Basta sapersi collocare e non pretendere di stare per forza dentro la città a vivere.

[@GiorgioRevs]

@@LightMovies Amicuzzo, hai avuto anche culo a trovare il buon prezzo, è risaputo che il costo di un monolocale a Milano e dintorni non scende mai sotto i 500 mensili

[@LightMovies]

@@GiorgioRevs Non si chiama culo, si chiama voglia di cercare e non pretendere. Spende 500 euro per un monolocale chi apre il primo sito di annunci e per pigrizia non va oltre il quarto. Si tratta anche di ampliare i contatti, andare per conoscenze, ecc...

[@milkRasberryshake]

Trust me a lot of Italians would agree with you on the disorganization, it’s frustrating and blatant, and true a lot of people smoke here, in my liceo the floors would STINK of smoke, it was a giant cloud, the bathrooms were the official smoking room and as much as it wasn’t allowed it never went away, I’ve left liceo 6 years ago so I don’t know how’s it is now but I doubt it has changed much. I love how interesting your accent is, I mean it in a good way obviously, there’s an American accent but also a very clear southern Italian influence. I live near Rome and my parents are English+English/italian, as much as I am Italian and speak it slightly more fluently than English as soon as people here know you are not completely Italian they assume you’ve lived on Mars until now, quite frustrating to be mistaken as a tourist even if I was born and grew up here but at least I can avoid those pesky street sellers who harass you near the center 🙄

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Caramello. My high school was the same too. Do you really hear a slight Italian accent when I speak English? That’s weird. Yeah I know , I feel like knowing and speaking both English and Italian is like being double prepared for a war !

[@christophervasques1322]

Nice video !

[@gregoryhammond9541]

I’ve always wanted to do what you’re doing. ben fatto

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Awesome man! Thank you! Living abroad is worth it even if only temporary

[@club1fan552]

Your Italian is lovely. You also look Italian. Very organized review. I found Rome chaotic and quite stressful. I felt you always had to be looking over your shoulder. Nobody queued, and you often had to argue. However real Italian pizza in the side streets was cheap and the best anywhere and the architecture is insane; better than Paris.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you! Thank you! Rome is stressful and certain days too stressful but it’s not bad. Personally I prefer Margherita napoletana

[@msjannd4]

I've been all over Italy and there is never a queue anywhere! Italians don't queue! 🤣

[@club1fan552]

@@msjannd4 Glad you agree!!!

[@fredswartley9778]

Thanks for the video. I visited Italy about 5 years ago. It's a great culture. I love all history and I also like the language. But like you said, America will always be your home culture because you were born there.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hey Fred. Thank you 😊. Yeah. It took me many years to realize it but my base for many things and thought patterns always falls back on my American upbringing

[@ascaniosobrero]

And: Italy's disorganization is organized. I remeber once all the trafic lights in Naples went off for some reason, and nothing happened: traffic was as usual, since traffic lights (there) are considered just as "suggestions", so you don't really need them.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Driving in Rome for 3 years now and somehow they have this system of organization in the midst of apparent chaos.

[@ninamss948]

David, You nailed it! Negatives: the smoking, the driving, the disorganization. The positives: the history, the food, the family \ people. And yes, we are Americans with strong Italian roots, a gravitational pull. I think it's a bit biological myself.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I tend to agree. I think Italian roots go deep into our DNA.

[@solkatlol]

I just stumbled over your video and it's interesting to see another perspective. I'm in a very similar boat, though I'm not American. 10+ years in Rome, married to an Italian woman, have a small child, but opposite to you I absolutely, positively hate it here. Apart from the food, my wife and her family and (sometimes) the weather, I hate everything about it. I hate the lack of organisation, that people drive like turn signals, road markings or other cars and pedestrians don't exist, that absolutely nothing happens on time, that the taxes are insane for what you get in return. I hate that a relatively simple task is a full day quest when dealing with any kind of authorities. I hate that people can't even form a simple line in the supermarket or are too lazy to find a parking spot around the corner and walk to the bar for coffee instead of just parking in the second or third lane without a care in the world for other people's time. I hate that apart from the touristic city center, the city is absolutely filthy, broken or covered in graffiti, everything is complete laissez faire - I've seen weeds on my street taller than me. But I know that obviously the easy fix in this equation is me, but unfortunately it's not so easy with international couples, especially not with children. If my wife was to say "let's go" I could happily be on the next plane and never set foot here again.

[@laurapavone3513]

I'm sorry for you, there is a lot of bitterness and sense of failure in this message. I can understand what you say..LA GRANDE BELLEZZA is not worth and I agree with you, the other side of the coin is that wherever you look you can see all societies in crisis. I suppose that we all should reconsider the way we live in "our own place" with "our own value". I wish you all the best🙏💚

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I completely understand what you mean. There is a lot I dont like about Rome and you hit the nail on the head with some of those points. I hate graffiti too and the overall indifference in regards to the defects. But I think it's important to concentrate on the positive things here. I am never bored here, there is never a lack of historical things to see and even the ugly things present a certain fascination. What's also important to remember is that there are beautiful places very close to Rome and that this isn't the center of the world. I have traveled a lot I've been in different realities and it's important to remember these things. To not add to the mess that is Rome, I do my part by not adding to the problem and I intend to set a good example for my daughter. Change begins with us.

[@solkatlol]

@@laurapavone3513 You're right. Ultimately it's on me to adapt, not the other way around. Thank you :)

[@gudemik5335]

I can just offer my sympathy. There are a lot of Italians who wish to improve our society and try to reach a better level of civilization. Not nearly enough though... yet... :P

[@Daniela-wg9nz]

Non c'è solo Roma in Italia. Ci sono le metropoli, c'è il paesello, c'è la cittadina di medie dimensioni. Più è piccola la realtà in cui si vive e più troverai pace, tranquillità e spesso ordine e pulizia.

[@nathancrosswhite8292]

This was a very good video, i am a native texan and the current climate of the united states has me questioning my future as a citizen and personally Italy seems like the best choice to move. I've done mild research on italy and noticed the economy is claimed to not be that great, have you noticed? or has it impacted your life at all? I also know texas is high demand for blue color work like HVAC plumbing electrician etc. Is it also in high demand in italy? Thanks you for the informative video and keep up the great content 👍💪

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hey! Thanks for the compliment! It reminds me to keep making videos hehehe. I’d say the Italian economy is overall good but there is a lot of public debt which is worrisome. COVID is a factor in and of itself so I am speaking about Italy before 2020 but personally I don’t think the economy has had a negative effect on my life. Not that I am aware of. I’d say blue color jobs are easy to find here because a lot of young people don’t want to do them especially if you have a university degree. Also, you always see some building which is being worked on or some apartment being renovated. However, my hunch is you’d be working for someone else and they’d most likely pay you under the table especially if you aren’t legal here in Italy. But I can’t confirm or deny that. In regards to moving to Italy, I would say that here is a nice place to get away from the current BS that is happening in the USA. I’ve observed it from afar and very often I am glad to be at a distance but with the tentacles of the net, we’ve never really completely distant. Italian society has its problems but certain absurdities that we find in the USA aren’t here. Random shootings for example and for that I feel safer here. I felt safer in Naples than I did in Hartford, CT. Easily. Although Rome is a rough around the edge cities so you gotta be alert. Still, I have a decent life here.

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly David you are absolutely on point. Blue color works are super requested! But you have to learn Italian (if you have customers, very few people speak English), and be prepared for a high level of bureocracy (you absolutely need a "commercialista" that is a professional that does all the bureocracy stuff related to regulations and taxation) and a high level of taxes (that, in fact give you some important benefits, such as public transportation at cheap price, universal free healthcare, PENSION, and so on).

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele Before I hire a commercialista or a consulente di lavoro, I’d want to find one the Italian way: word of mouth. I’ve seen numerous times people who find themselves in bad situations because of the incompetence of their tax man.

[@PapaCubScout]

You are very fortunate to experience living in different cultures- fully immersed. So lucky. You are not “surviving”. You are living an amazing experience. You are flourishing in so many ways. Forget about the differences. Enjoy the nuances the newness the amazingness of all the experiences you are having. I grew up in two worlds (cultures). While a young man I felt shortchanged because I I felt that I did not belong in either. But looking back at it I feel so fortunate to have a viewpoint melded in two worlds - plus more! By the way the US has many cultures. People that grow up in Los Angeles are different-very different than people from Peoria or New Orleans. These are some crazy differences, too! Enjoy how lucky you are. Italia is a wonderful country warts and all! There is so much that is special there- especially how wonderful it is to spend time in the smaller towns and villages all over the country. I recall being in Emilia Romanga region during the 2006 World Cup. People would set up televisions outside their homes and in squares. People would watch together share drinks food and really engage with each other. It was wonderful. Andiamo!!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

You are very correct and I feel I am fortunate to be exposed to both cultures because a lot of people never leave their shells. I often by myself right in the middle between Italy and America and for years it really bothered me. I I have learned to live with that discomfort and ironically speaking, it’s not really discomfort anymore My daughter will most likely grow feeling more Italian than American, but I think she may experience bit of confusion herself. I hope she embraces the confusion and is able to mold her own personality as a result.

I am Italian and I lived in 4 different Italian cities. I live near Rome since 2005 and I am comfortable and happy here but "home home" is where I grew up. Even growing up in the same country in different cities gives you cultural differences and different experiences. So, when talking with people here about memories, growing up, youth, I always feel a little bit from another place just because we didn't share the same path, life, experiences.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Katia. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. My wife is Sicilian and I see clear differences between the cultures of other Italian cities and Sicily as a whole

[@XXOCU]

Ma soprattutto sembri una brava persona. Un consiglio, la moglie italiana non spia, supervisiona. Ciao

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

grande! glielo chiederò la prossima volta che ho l'impressione di essere "osservato!" Comunque, grazie!

[@laurapavone3513]

Ahahah

[@mattmaur6321]

Io li guardavo i GI Joe da piccolo, c'erano anche da noi!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Davvero? Pensavo sarebbe stata una cosa troppo americana per voi!

[@diegocanale1124]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly molti telefilm e cartoni che la mia generazione guardava sono stati importati dall'America. Sono cresciuto guardando TV show come l'A-team, Knight Rider, Miami vice oltre ai film Holliwoodiani. Inoltre, in Italia andavano tantissimo gli anime giapponesi tipo Grendizer e Mazinger solo per citarne alcuni.

[@carlo_migliari81]

Trasmettevano pure "the masters of universe"(he man)

[@europainvicta3907]

I lived in Rome for a while back in the 90s. It was quite a tough city (very urban, busy, hard) and I grew up in London. I moved to Umbria later and loved it there. Now I am in Paris but I will be back to Italy I hope. It’s true that the formative years make you (give me a child until he is 7 and i will show you the man) and therefore it’s perhaps impossible to ever be fully integrated. Not that it matters.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Peter Brady. That’s a very interesting concept and I agree. I don’t mind if I don’t fit in here, it just makes me more autonomous

[@Aquilifer321]

Sei stato chiaro e onesto👍 Come tutti i Paesi l Italia può migliorare e ha punti di forza e punti di debolezza. L integrazione e lo scambio culturale sono fondamentali per la crescita di una nazione, spero che vengano altri americani in Italia,seguendo il tuo esempio.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Ciao Simon e grazie tante per le tue parole gentilissime! Purtroppo non tutti la pensano come te, nel senso che non vogliono sentire il parere degli altri, in particolare di quelli che vengono da fuori. È, pure vero, che molte cose sono soggettive e molto dipende da come le cose vengono dette e da quanto si conosce l’Italia e la sua cultura.

[@Aquilifer321]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly David sono dell' idea che le opinioni ( se dette con rispetto ed educazione) vanno ascoltate tutte. Chi non ascolta il parere di qualcuno,solo perché quel qualcuno arriva da fuori, è un ignorante. Purtroppo in Italia siamo un po' Chiusi in noi stessi 😆

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@Aquilifer321 Concordo con te. Purtroppo le persone chiuse in se stesse sono ovunque.

[@giovanniriccardovigano3990]

daaamn your italian is perfect! and it's so weird to hear a roman accent from an american hahaha

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Giovanni! Thank you, but I make my mistakes, believe me! Are you from Rome?

[@giovanniriccardovigano3990]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly nope, I'm from Milan myself, but I'm living abroad so I'm in a similar, even though somewhat opposite, situation as you. And I fully understand and support your thoughts on "who am I". I'm glad you found your spot!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@giovanniriccardovigano3990 it depends on the day !! I’ve only been to Milan once unfortunately. People before were telling me it wasn’t worth it. I enjoyed myself!

[@giovanniriccardovigano3990]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I'm glad you liked it! For Italian standards it's a very gray city, so people usually say that you can enjoy it only if you were born there. Best of wishes for your future Italian years! Ciao ciao!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I can deal with bad weather because there are more important things in life. Best wishes to you too!!

[@maddog74]

You have a beautiful mix of Roman, Sicilian and Neapolitan accent hahaha

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I'm a hybrid, a new standard of Italian for foreigners!

[@user-uk7ju4ux1b]

Nice video,your italian is good with a pretty distinct roman accent.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you 😊. I miss my accento napoletano !

[@andrs8953]

Bravissimo David hai parlato benissimo in Italiano, Io sono i Canada da cinque anni e vorrei tanto poter parlare ed esprimermi in canadese like you. Sei simpaticissimo

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Andrea e grazie davvero per le belle parole! Il mio consiglio per te? Non ti arrendere, sbagliando si impara (credimi) e devi cercare di arrivare a sognare in quella lingua. Poi vedrai che più impari la cultura del posto in cui ti trovi, subito dopo verrà una comprensione migliore della loro lingua. In generale credo che la lingua sia strettamente correlata con la cultura

[@antomat85]

If smoke bothers you, u should have came here 15 years ago, when everybody could smoke everywhere, inside restaurants, night clubs, etc... :D

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Yeah I clearly remember those days in the US. Good riddance.

[@CreedManiac99]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I hope it'll someday get to the point where you can complain about someone smoking around other people without being viewed as moron

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@CreedManiac99 I don’t care if they think I’m a moron now ! But yes I live for this day! Until then the attitude is largely “si vabeh “.

[@carlomariamizzi8387]

nice video, thanks for sharing your experience/opinion. To be fair tho, you probably lived in 2 of the most "difficult" cities in italy, especially in recent years. Rome and Naples are definitely not living their golden age.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi. Yeah, I know. My only real and partial experience of not living in a big Italian city was my 3 years in Salerno. Correct, I am not pleased with how this city is run. So much potential gets neglected here.

[@tonymalerba1067]

Canada here: I can tell you're smart ,you like hockey. I like F1 too though.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

😄😎 Thanks! Hockey is the only sport I ever really had any passion for. It's the hardest team sport (and the fastest) on Earth.

[@Luigi13]

I like the approach you take introducing the video. And hey, you speak well for an American? I hope to also hear the practicality of living in Italy. Traffic is rough I know? I agree with you about the smoking. Definitely health care is one of the best. Agree about going to America it is that you have to earn it. I agree with your last part? I have to get back to living the rest of my life in Italy. Unfortunately even after 40 years in America I think Europe has something more that we do not see in the US and that is relationships. Thank you for the video. Bravo, bravissimo.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hey Gino! Thank you for reaching out. Wow you’ve been in the USA as long as I’ve been alive! Complimenti. It would be interesting to have a conversation and compare both countries more in depth. One thing I’ve always liked about Italian relationships is that when you find a friend they really become your loyal friend and it’s nice to have that social support in times of need. When I say times of need I mean when you have problems or simply someone to have a good time and create memories with. Which part of Italy are you from? What do you miss the most? Buon Natale!

[@Luigi13]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Thanks David, I was born in East Africa. My father is Italian I am mixed mother is from Eritrea. I lived and travelled all over Italy from 1976-1980. I also lived in England for 2 years before coming to the US. To make a long story short, I also travelled in most of the US since 1980. Currently I live in the pacific northwest. Of course I speak fluent Italian which is my first language. Buon Natale to you too have a wonderful life indeed.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@Luigi13 Wow that is an interesting background! The stories you must have from all the places you have lived in. I am hoping my daughter will be bilingual and not be bashful in regards to speaking English. I am already talking to her exclusively in English so here’s hoping she really learns it. Buon Natale a te!

[@animadverte]

Well the writing is the same. She just wrote in "corsivo" and you in "stampatello minuscolo", to use the Italian names.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Right. But what I wanted to stress was that cursive is almost extinct in the USA whereas here I struggled to read exam papers and homework by my students

[@areswalker5647]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly didn't know about that, it seems that even in other countries it's a thing yet to us italians cursive's just the norm. Thank you for enlightening it ☺️

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@areswalker5647 Yeah for someone fresh from the USA it's a bit of a culture shock

[@laurapavone3513]

I m stressed speaking Italian either although is my mother language

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Really ?? What exactly stresses you?

[@lyrthanas]

That was ironic i suppose

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@lyrthanas I still haven’t 100% mastered Italian irony. At least in written form

[@lyrthanas]

Don't worry it's a big difference with your country

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@lyrthanas I think we're more on sarcasm than irony in the USA. We're also a bit meaner!

[@federicomontani2122]

Gj joe sono fantastici anche per me sul calcio credo tu ne sappia più di me. Ma una cosa che non capisco è il baseball ho guardato anche una partita ma mi sfuggiva completamente il senso,

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Infatti è complicato per chi non se ne intende. Per me invece è una cosa scontata visto che ci giocavo quando ero bambino. Una volta ho cercato di spiegarlo a un amico austriaco e prima di iniziare gli dissi "è molto semplice". Col cacchio è facile! Iniziai a scrivere il campo e dove sono posizionati i giocatori. e spiegare come si gioca. Man mano mi accorgevo che non è stato facile spiegarglielo bene. Nonostante la lentezza del gioco, a me piace perchè non è facile come sport e poi aiuta quando ci giochi.

[@Vinking]

Interesting video! Keep up the good work.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thx! What did you like?

[@SabbathJoe89v2]

How cool is our health system eh?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I've had no problems and thinking long term I prefer to take my chances here rather than deal with health insurance companies.

[@giacox6119]

i know it maight be a stupid and weird question but when you think in your mind you speak english or Italian?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hardly a stupid question! I think in both to be honest. A bit more in English because it's my first language but if I am in situations where speaking English isn't possible, I think in Italian.

[@devastomondiale2241]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I really feel you. I have to speak english basically 24/7, but still think and dream in italian mostly.

[@digge2210]

@@devastomondiale2241 cazzo fra, la lingua madre durante i sogni, poetico

[@devastomondiale2241]

@@digge2210 strana sensazione più che altro. Specie quando capita di sognare di lavoro o luoghi che frequenti dove in realtà nessuno parla italiano.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@devastomondiale2241 I wish everyone could experience 24/7 not being around their native language

[@davidesperanza7701]

I love your sincerity in judging yourself. You are a great example of cultural integration.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

That is an awesome compliment! Thank you Davide! Yeah I’m my own worst enemy at times

[@davidesperanza7701]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly One question: your surname, however, suggests me that you did not start from zero in your "integration" in Italy, am I right?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@davidesperanza7701 you are! My family left Italy a century ago but our origins stayed Italian. Also before I moved here I had been here numerous times for study and vacation

[@SLYVERR]

I'm an Italian in London, it's been 8 years and I totally share your thoughts, for the opposite reasons of course. In fact, i keep reading Italian books as a way to stay connected to my native language. It's a need that i can't get rid of.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi! How do you like London? I dunno about you , but the evening in particular I prefer my native tongue. My brain needs to relax, although I can handle most things in Italian at any hour, modestly speaking!

[@SLYVERR]

London is functional for my job which is the reason why i originally moved here otherwise i would have never, though i don't miss my own city in terms of possibilities offered since London doesn't lack of it. I agree with you once agajn, English isn't my native tongue and that's completely okay, I've accepted that, i don't have much of the Italian accent but I'm recognisable from the Britons, and this also is totally fine. Sometimes when I see other Italians trying to hide their accent and failing miserably I laugh because having an accent as foreigner is bearable, i guess. My relaxation comes at night when i read and when I interact with my Italian whife (bytheway, well done to you, excellent choice).

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@SLYVERR Thank you! I can’t make fun of Italians’ pronunciation too much because at least they’re trying to speak English.

[@lucabralia5125]

We also call Basketball "Palla canestro"

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I know but I seldom hear it. Basket 🧺 is what I hear and see.

[@lucabralia5125]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly yep, you can call it in both ways, I usually switch from basket to palla canestro. I think it came because we wanted to shorten the word, since basket ball was a bit too long we decided to call it basket 😅

[@tommasoguardati8541]

The three towns you mentioned are not famous for their order and organization. If you need more organization you should move to Northern Italy. It would be a good compromise between the warm chaos of Mediterranean countries and the cold Teutonic rigidity you could find north the Alps.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I'm not excluding Northern Italy in the future but it must be close to an airport. Honestly I can live in the cold as that is how I was raised.

[@jamesbryson575]

Well said.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you 😊

[@mattiagiannotti5124]

As an Italian that live for a while in another country (london) agree with you and what you say. The only thinks that I didn't miss in London was the language (there are plenty of italian there!)

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Mattia. So in essence you’ve partially never left Italy ?

[@mocheni1]

mmm I'd swap the word "Italy" with "Rome". Good luck to LIVE in Rome (i mean not to visit as a tourist). I'd never choose to live in the capital.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hello. Well I haven't been in Rome for 10 years so the title stays :) I look at it this way, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger and I'd like to think I've managed to do ok here in Rome. I can't wait for Covid to end so I can get out and explore more of Italy. Piemonte is my next destination.

[@erikaterlini3093]

Non sei italiano? Ma va là, dall'accento si capisce che sei napoletano!! Scherzi a parte, video molto carino 😁😁

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Erika Terlini 😁😁. Sono di origine napoletana però non ho più parenti stretti in Italia. per pure caso ho vissuto 5 anni in Campania tra Napoli e Salerno e tra i due stavo molto meglio a Napoli anche se c’erano dei giorni non del tutto piacevoli. Comunque su vede che è un accento che forse mi rimarrà per sempre e per me va benissimo! Comunque grazie per i complimenti che mi ispirano a continuare qui su KZbin ❤️

[@erikaterlini3093]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly ho avuto molti amici stranieri che, studiando l'italiano, hanno acquisito la cadenza della città dov'erano. Io la trovo una cosa decisamente graziosa 😊 che, a parer mio, non è necessario correggere. A Firenze vivevo con un'americana con la calata bolognese 😁😁. Sì, questo tipo di video aggiunge una differente prospettiva. Continua così.!

[@Ichnos76]

Bel video, simpaticissimo ed hai un inglese comprensibilissimo rispetto ad altri americani.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Ciao e grazie mille! Sei il primo da molto tempo a farmi questo complimento! Ma, come sono altri americani? In realtà devo ancora rallentare quando parlo ed è un problema che ho sin da piccolo. Anzi fino a pochi anni fa ero peggio!

[@meditationbreath]

NICE VID MATE

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Thank you Paul! What did you enjoy in particular?

[@aryabhata499]

per quanto riguarda il cibo in Italia lo si può considerare una religione, e per la storia viviamo in un museo a cielo aperto, e credo non basti una vita per vederlo nella sua intierezza, se pensi che il 60% delle opere d'arte del mondo sono quì

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Il cibo: è vero. Qui c’è una qualità che non si batte. Appena uno assaggia una cosa vera fatta col cuore, una cosa casareccia tutto il resto è noia! Hai appena detto uno dei vantaggi più belli vivere in Italia: Non mi annoio mai! A tutt’oggi non mi sembra vero che abito a pochi passi dal colosseo e che lo vedo abbastanza spesso. Penso a quante persone lo vedono una volta sola nella vita.

[@laurapavone3513]

Come si capisce da quello che dici , oltre alla religione del cibo c'è anche la religione della storia. Quando giri un po' il mondo ti rendi conto che tutto quello costruito dall'uomo (artefatto) è scenografia e che la vera bellezza sta nella natura e quanto amabilmente ci relazioniamo as essa. Cose che ci sembrano molto antiche non sono che sciocchezze. l'Italia ha subito un profondo cambiamento ambientale e non è più tanto bella , e non sono belli neanche i musei,a mio parere, perché scollano l'individuo ,la sua creazione ed il contesto. "60 per cento"...ma cosa dici? Queste sono le solite propagande vacue Italiane. Se avessimo una visione un po' più ampia del mondo e dei suoi valori non sopporteremmo la nostra politica e i velocipedi. Apriamo gli occhi , la bellezza la fa l'umanità e la natura ed è sempre attuale. Buon soggiorno in Italia:))

[@romanobenini3331]

C è qualcosa di strano che non mi convince . Tutti sanno in Italia che negli USA c è una grave disuguaglianza sociale , sappiamo che se non si ha un reddito alto è difficile avere buone cure sanitarie , mandare i figli in buone Università e persino mangiare cibo di buona qualità naturale . Sappiamo che avete due settimane di ferie all anno e che le mamme non hanno i permessi per accudire i figli neonati, il permesso di maternità . La ricchezza famigliare media italiana ( household wealth) nonostante questa crisi è superiore a quella americana. Basta informarsi Quindi : chi sono gli ignoranti che quando ti incontrano desiderano trasferirsi negli States ? Davvero ci sono italiani che credono ancora nel vecchio american dream ? Oddio , noi italiani crediamo anche a San Gennaro e a padre Pio , possiamo anche credere alle cazzate dell american dream .

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Ciao Romano! Sono contento di sapere che ci sono italiani informati e consapevoli della reale situazione attuale statunitense come te! Purtroppo, credimi, ancora oggi incontro spesso persone che appena dico che sono americano mi chiedono: Che ci fai qui? Non è meglio lì? Il vecchio mito del sogno americano non si è ancora estinto, soprattutto nella mia amata Campania e al sud. Ma anche qui a Roma mi è capitato spesso. Ciò mi dispiace semplicemente perché non vorrei che senza la consapevolezza della realtà dei pro e contro del mio Paese d’origine, qualcuno possa partire alla volta degli States con tante speranze e poi vederle disilluse.

[@romanobenini3331]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly carissimo , di solito le persone informate , non giovanissime e magari un po’ acculturate conoscono la situazione americana . Per le persone meno preparate o che magari hanno avuto lontani parenti americani, soprattutto al Sud , il mito resiste , ed è proprio questo il tipo di persona che può rischiare molto se si trasferisce in una società che , mi dicono , negli ultimi anni è diventata ancora più dura è competitiva.

[@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly La causa è perché molti italiani del Sud, nel secolo scorso, sono emigrati in USA, partendo da una condizione di povertà estrema, e davvero sono diventati benestanti, e alcuni ricchi. Quindi è vero che in USA ci sono più opportunità di avere successo economico partendo da zero, ma è anche vero (credo) che è molto più facile perdere tutto in un attimo e finire senza i soldi per comprare il cibo. Guarda quello che è successo a Detroit... qui in Italia è INIMMAGINABILE che per motivi economici una città perda in pochi anni oltre la metà degli abitanti e si trasformi in una favelas brasiliana, piena di violenza e disoccupazione e povertà.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

​@@BICIeCOMPUTERconGabriele La mia famiglia appartiene a quella diaspora del Sud che lasciarono l’Italia 100-150 anni fa e direi che se la sono cavati. Secondo me Detroit ha fatto questa brutta fine perché la gente non avrà quella reta di sicurezza che in Italia si chiama famiglia. Oddio non sto dicendo che in Italia non ci sono le famiglie povere, però io credo la povertà sia più sopportabile in Italia che negli USA. In Italia è quasi impensabile. Una cosa che mi piace in Italia e che c’è di più l’usanza di aiutarsi a vicenda quando ne abbiamo bisogno e che potrebbe essere un aiuto sia da parenti sia da amici. Mentre in America il voler essere autonomo al 100% in questo caso potrebbe essere uno svantaggio.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@romanobenini3331 Hai ragione, Romano. Comunque, per esperienza ti posso confermare che talvolta anche persone istruite e in gamba mi sono sembrate un po’ ingenue riguardo la situazione abitativa e lavorativa in America. Purtroppo alcuni sono proprio cresciuti con questo “Mito” americano e, così, Il fascino dell’America del boom economico resiste. Il mio Paese d’origine ha molte qualità ma bisogna conoscerne anche i “difetti”. Hai ragione quando dici che rischiano di fallire e tornare a casa per colpa in parte di un Paese che premia solamente coloro che sanno eccellere o fare molto bene e o con molta costanza e fatica. Ti ringrazio per i tuoi commenti, che hanno consentito di approfondire il tema. A presto!

[@epicmercury333]

Ha! Watching this 3 years to the day, the 4th of July in the U.S.! 🇺🇸🇮🇹

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Omg! Wow. It was 4 years now actually as my daughter was born the next month and she’s turning 4 soon. Thx for watching 😎💪🏼

[@epicmercury333]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I really appreciate your concise information about Italia/Roma! It’s incredibly helpful for someone like me who is looking into a long term stay or permanent relocation.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

The main reason why I make these videos. When you move abroad you want practical advice from those who have done what you want to do.

[@gliazzurri849]

Ciao David, I have been binge-watching your channel the last few days, as I look to make a move from America (with italian citizenship). I’m 27 with a finance degree and also thought of teaching english. I’d be looking towards the Mezzogiorno, as i have family in centola but also near lazio. It’s causes anxiety a bit, so it’s really amazing to see your success. Any way I can connect with you?

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hey ! Thanks for watching. Welcome to the club! I’m also of Campania origin , originally from Connecticut and living in Italy with Italian citizenship. Anxiety. Oh sure. It’s no small undertaking moving to another country. If you want to teach English in southern Italy I’d recommend Naples , Salerno or something slightly smaller than Salerno because this way you have options if you decide to leave your school Let’s connect. [e-mail]. Looking forward to hearing from you!

[@8ncl7]

Parli meglio di un italiano 😂💪🏼

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Grazie! dipende dal mio umore! A volte si sente che sono americano, a volte napoletano!

[@sarelito9202]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly a tratti anche romano! 😁

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@sarelito9202 daje!!

[@enricacantori2984]

Io trovo un po' stucchevole che uno statunitense la cui famiglia è originaria del sud Italia va a vivere tra Napoli Salerno e Roma pensi di conoscere gli italiani. Boh!

[@davidefelli7371]

Concordo con sopra scritto ! Questo è un video generalista per stranieri che hanno bisogno di un infarinatura sull'italia.Le realtà sono tante e diversificate.Esempio dove vivo io sto bene e non mi sposterei a vivere neanche nella sola provincia accanto!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Ciao Enrica. Scusa per la risposta cosi tardi! Mi dispiace che tu abbia avuto questa reazione al mio video. In realtà non conosco a fondo gli italiani anche se sono sposato con un'italiana. E forse non riuscirò mai a sviluppare la mia conoscenza della cultura italiana al 100%. Però non sono manco arrivato ieri o l'altro ieri qui in Italia.

[@enricacantori2984]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Sono io che ti ringrazio per l'attenzione; in definitiva hai espresso il tuo punto di vista e va benissimo così. Un piccolo appunto: abbiamo TANTA storia alle spalle che ci ha portato ad essere quello che siamo e spesso non ne siamo consapevoli neanche noi, fossi uno straniero lascerei proprio perdere 😅

[@FullMetalPier]

You would be a great neighbor! Greetings from Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Awwww thx!!

[@Hermann66]

For what regards personal space,I totally agree with you. I am italian and I hate the fact that unknown persons don't respect the distance.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

I also notice this when walking. Too often I get the feeling that someone is going to walk right into you.

[@VittRomani]

You don't speak italian, you speak neapolitan! :)

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Was it when I said pazienza ?! 😀

[@VittRomani]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly yes indeed, although the overall inflection is typically neapolitan. Anyway, it's not a flaw! 99% of italians speak with a regional accent :)

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Vittorio Romani I left Campania in 2014. Its interesting how I still I have a hint of their intonation.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3XdYaNsaMSNd80. Min 6:07!

[@areswalker5647]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly once you get the regional cadence it sticks to you forever 😂 love from Salerno

[@jimcregan1618]

And to think that I showed up here in 1980 with a backpack and a guitar. Bologna now and still rooting for the St Louis Cardinals.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi Jim. Expats unite !

[@brucemartin8435]

Thanks for the video. I am 1.5 years here in Napoli married to repatriated native Italian woman. No one said it would be easy.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hey Bruce! Oh, I am jealous! I miss Napoli but of course I know there are days when life there is irritating. Just give it time and you'll find your rhythm. Are you learning napoletano??

[@brucemartin8435]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Hey David most of my wife’s family is from Camposano and we just purchased a place in Arienzo CA. I am picking some words absolutely but with the ever changing decreto we have stayed close to home so learning socially is a challenge.

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

@@brucemartin8435 Camposano, I haven’t been here however I went to Cicciano once to apply for a teaching project. I won it, but prob because no one else applied in such a remote location! Also, I’ve never heard of Arienzo. But there are a lot of little towns near Napoli and Caserta that I am not familiar with. But I know a lot of them! For example once, and sad to say, I was in Caivano once visiting friends. Mai più!

[@kalabrisella8675]

Hey! First i Love you name my cuban husband's name is David too! Second as Italian let me tell your italian accent is Great very soft and i love the way you said to your wife... Mi stai spiando???? Ahahah tipycal rimaniamo accent!!? BRAVISSIMO E SIMPATICISSIMO!

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Hi ! Thank you tons for the kind words !! She said she wasn’t spiando, I have my doubts ! I like my name , first name and last name and I wouldn’t change it. If I may ask what language do you speak with your husband ?

[@kalabrisella8675]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly Ciao! ahahah yeah yeah all the women say that but "sappiamo il fatto nostro" you know what I mean? 😁😉 With my husband usually we speak italian cause I met him here,so he was already speak italian... Sometimes in public we use spanish ... And sometimes "ITAGNOLO" hahaha cmq sisì hai un bel nome nemmeno io cambierei mai il mio nome, ne sono innamorata non è un nome comune... E Pensa che dato il mio amore per gli States io e mio marito abbiamo chiamato nostro figlio Devin... You know man i really really love u.s. and i can't wait to get there one day! I'm craving to visit florida and cali 😍

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Itagnolo. That’s very creative! Cool! What about Florida and California attracts you ? You’ll like my next video as I’m having a guest and it’s about life in the US. Hope you’ll like it !

[@kalabrisella8675]

@@DavidsDoseofItaly I'm gonna watch the vid soon...well i love florida first for the weather i would love to live my american dream there... This year I'm gonna try for the dv Visa... Wish me luck! 😍🤞🏻🍀

[@DavidsDoseofItaly]

Indeed. Best of luck and I hope the USA is everything you expected 👍