News on Our Italian Visas! LIFE AS SICILIAN EXPATS #18

Join us on our Sicilian Expat adventure!
This week we get some news on our Italian residency visas, finish up the terrace, learn about pruning vines, install an irrigation system and much more.
We're Elizabeth and Brian, a retired American couple from Oregon who quit working in our fifties to pursue our dream of living abroad. 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. Andiamo!
View all of our Sicily Farm House videos:
studio.kzbin.infoP...
For regular updates, and what Beth likes to call "pretty stuff" you can follow us on Instagram:
/ beeseurotravel
#italianvisa
#sicily
#noto

[@TruthPain]

You guys have an organic way of telling your story which doesn't come across as forced or uncomfortable being in front of the lens. Not many can stand in front of a camera, unscripted (you guys don't have a teleprompter, do ya?) and sound like you've done it for a good minute. Kudos for keeping it light, fast, and under 10 minutes ..... which is my ADD threshold. Oddly enough, we bought a home in West Virginia (we currently live in California) so that when we hang them up in 4 years we are closer to our family in Puerto Rico and the mid-Atlantic states. But one of the reasons we bought in WV was the similar valleys and topographical details that reminded us of some of the photos and videos we've seen of Italy. People surprise you everywhere. WV had such negative tropes of this and that, yet, when we showed up to look at our 1920 historical home, 3 neighbors came out, and gave us fresh pepperoni rolls, local wine, and handmade candles. I've lived in California for 40 years. For as much as people love this place as paradise, we have never had a neighbor make their way to welcome us to a new place. West Virginia to us is a place we didn't know existed, and every time we travel there, the small town community in which we own our home, comes out and shares everything. There really is something about small towns and villas that transcends many things, but also re-wires one's brain to think differently no matter what culture or chosen ideology/philosophy of life one has. Good luck with that punch list. I'm in property management, ...... i know of what you speaketh.

[@beeseurotravel]

Good for you!! The east coast is VERY different from the west coast that way (I grew up in NH). Thanks for the kind words and best of luck with your journey. I’m very happy for you 😊

[@stephensimms6637]

Congrats on the Visas. Loving watching you guys. Brian thanks for answering about the DIY vs contractor question. I always feel better after watching your positive energy. You have a very relaxing manner between you and you certainly give off the vibe that you're truly living your best life. What a great place to be. Tomorrow is promised to no one, so live large (especially true for you Beth with that Taro card 😂) Enjoy your visit with your granddaughter (& daughter and son-in-law). Best...

[@beeseurotravel]

Awww. Thanks for those kind words 😊 Europe has been good for us and we’ve really learned how to slow things down…

[@terrimendes5171]

Hi Beth and Brian! I love you guys from Tennessee. 65 year old woman…born in Bangor…raised in Sharon, Ma…moved to South Florida for 30 years then migrated north 8 years ago. I connect with your New England vibe..you’re so genuine and fun to watch. Keep it coming! I absolutely love watching how you spend your life in that stunning countryside. ❤

[@beeseurotravel]

Thank you so much 😊 You can take the boy out of New England, but… 🤣

[@nancyspence2965]

You two are hilarious the way in you interact together. Congrats on the Visas! ❤safe trip to the States Beth.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@kyotecreek1934]

You both have great personalities and you bring quality content.... Plus you're so cute together! ❤

[@beeseurotravel]

Aren’t you nice? Thank you. We like each other and we are just reporters 😉 Sicily is a gem.

[@nevisscot7697]

I live in north Italy but am from u.k.for 40 years now and the south gets a beating on this doesnt work .that doesnt work .south are lazy laidback ecc....its so nice to see and hear another side to it...👍things definitely work for you

[@beeseurotravel]

Yes. It is good here. Some of it is true, I think, and it’s not perfect (we need to do a video on some of things we don’t love) but the quality of life here is through the roof. People truly enjoy their lives here and you feel it all around you every day. We have a friend from Florence who says he cries every time he has to go back 🤣

[@nevisscot7697]

@@beeseurotravel telling the other side of the coin wont go down so well with the locals.be careful you dont offend the lovely relationships you have made.👍🍹🍹

[@beeseurotravel]

You needn’t worry about that. It won’t be offensive.

[@connycatlady7429]

Nice to see you guys so happy and bonding with the people. Congratulations to your visas. Greetings from Germany 🌹

[@beeseurotravel]

Thank you!

[@beeseurotravel]

Yeah. We started in Boston and finishing up here. It had its challenges, and it wasn’t slick, but we’re going to do a video when we actually get our visas and explain the whole process.

[@jennevallance3594]

Greetings from Canada! My husband and I have been following your adventures with envy and delight! Moving to Italy is our plan as soon as we are done teaching in 6-8 years. One concern we had was someone to play board games with, but as soon as you mentioned Azul, our hearts sang! We look forward to another instalment every week. Fingers crossed, we can meet up on our next trip over there.

[@beeseurotravel]

🤣😉 Count us in. Thanks for watching! You’ll be in great shape here with a couple of pensions 😎

[@antoninoragazzo9055]

Discovered you yesterday. Very inspiring. Love your work on your place, the people and your community there. Thanks for all your videos! 😊 Antonino (from Bavaria)

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks Antonio from Bavaria 😊 It’s an unforgettable place. Really, truly. Thanks for watching our videos!

[@laurenwilbur3380]

Oh good, at least I got a shoutout this week 😂 can't wait!!

[@beeseurotravel]

Love you, Lauren 😍

[@robertagajeenian7222]

I am SO jealous! I have been many times to Sicily and have always loved it - even to Noto. Your place looks perfect, coming along very well. Don't know (I doubt it very much, actually) if he's still there, but one time we went to Syracuse to the ancient Greek fort there - where Archimedes was killed. The guide had us divide into two groups, one attacking Romans and the other defending Greeks- so we could actually understand the genius of the design of the fort. Brilliant. Place looked like a dump when we drove up to it, but the guide caught us before we could drive away. The best bit of luck ever! Love Sicily! Could do a (very) long list of all my favorite experiences from there, tons of stories.

[@beeseurotravel]

Wow! That sounds like an unforgettable experience! Sicily is that kind of a place. It is simply vibrating with life…

[@davidebrinson]

Keep going. keep going. Love your videos. We were sold on going to Mexico and now thinking of Sicily. I’d love to hear about your background.

[@beeseurotravel]

Beth was a teacher, I was an insurance broker. We sold the company (it was small) to a bank, Beth retired early and we hit the “Eject” button. 3 kids all doing well in CO, NY and FL. All happy and doing well. You don’t need a lot to live well here and the Sicilian people? A+++. Hardest part is not seeing the kids as much as we might like, but we talk all the time and it’s good.

[@davidebrinson]

That’s so awesome. Keep it up. I love your story and you have more character than you think. How fun. I’m sure your kids and their kids are glued to the TV watching YOU. How cool.

[@beeseurotravel]

@@davidebrinson Not really. Well, when we're on the wrong side of the grass the grandkids will enjoy them!

[@42apprentice]

Congratulations on your visas. I can empathise re have white hair, which I acquired early on. When in Spain a Spanish friend’s Mum, who was almost 90 & still tinting her hair, to the point of very blunt rudeness couldn’t get her head around me not dying mine. I think you look lovely! Enjoy your granddaughter!

[@beeseurotravel]

Hi - This is Brian. Beth is in NY with the little nugget! It’s kind of like that in Sicily, too, so she is very recognizable! I think she looks lovely, too 😉

[@FiziaKoza]

Well done on your visas! Love watching you two ❤

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks! 😊

[@Vee-zx6eh]

What a great video - yes I have read those books and had some dreams and now I do watch youtube.

[@beeseurotravel]

Do you think you will ever give it a go?

[@joanrojas9084]

Congrats! The adventure has a green light and continues! Thanks for brining us along!

[@beeseurotravel]

You bet! 😊

[@stevecarr40]

I love your videos. I appreciate the sincerity and how real you are. Living in Europe is my long term plan. I started researching several years ago and have devoured all the information (printed and youtube) I can. It is funny you mention Peter Mayle's book. I have read every book he has written. My retirement role model is "Uncle Henry" from the screen adaptation of another Peter Mayle book "A Good Year". I tell all my friends or anyone who will listen that my preferred retirement destination is any place that can grow grapes and olives. Best of luck on the vineyard project. It looks like you have found an excellent Duflot. Cheers and congratulations on your visas!

[@beeseurotravel]

You’re killing me. I LOVE that movie and you couldn’t have chosen a better role model. Though I wish his tennis game had been a bit better! 🤣 I visited the vineyard where the movie was filmed a few years ago. I was smitten. Best of luck to you 😊

[@sarahhornsey1195]

I think Beth looks beautiful 🤩 Congratulations on getting your visas

[@beeseurotravel]

She is. Inside and out 😎

[@darrellknister9064]

Love to continue seeing your videos and watching your Sicilian life unfold. Also good to see your finished terrace - it looks lovely! Glad to hear you successfully navigated the visa process! How long did the whole process take? Take care and best of luck with the future.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 We started in Boston in January and will be done here in Italy by the end of May. Thanks for the kind words 😊

[@brigidstapleton2716]

Great watching.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@jodidelucca4190]

Buona domenica 🌞 That’s wonderful news about your Visas!!! 🎉🎉 Safe travels 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

Thank you! 😊

[@patriciapadgett4696]

Hi from the mountains of Spain. Yes, read all the books and always wanted a simpler life, not necessarily in another Country.... But at the age of 52 we retired, lsoldbour beautiful home in the UK, and bought land in Spain with no idea what we were doing. For 6 years we lived in a tiny wooden Cabin completely off grid. No water, no electric, no mod cons, best years ever. Then we built our house, and after 10 years living in that , still as simply as we could, enjoying the land etc, we decided to move again. So at the age of 72 we bought an old Spanish Casita, unlived in for over 20 years, and started again. Another adventure & no regrets. Having said that i think this renovation has been harder than building a house, but its what keeps us going. Enjoy every minute of your adventure....Love watching, better than any books. ♥️

[@beeseurotravel]

You are our kind of people. I don’t think we’ve written our last chapter either. Bravo!!!!!

[@cliffordchristopher1]

I like listening to you both. Don't change.

[@beeseurotravel]

We will try not to. We talk about it a little bit. If you ever feel like we have changed please reach out 😎

[@ji3946]

Peter Mayle's writing is outstanding, down to earth, self-deprecating gold. I agree with you on Frances Mayes, her latest work is unreadable, pompous drivel coming from a sorority sister that grew up with servants as a child in the south of the US. Reading is a lost pastime everyone should take up(reading for pleasure).

[@beeseurotravel]

Yes!!

[@chadroberts7540]

Dropping a note as a fan of your videos....and Azul! Love that game so much! :)

[@beeseurotravel]

We love Azul, too. It's quick and easy and Beth wins too much!!

[@patriciahogg5763]

Dreams DO come true!! 🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@tc-gd8ln]

I know you all keep saying you got lucky, but I think you make your own luck. you are both lovely adventurous people open to all possibilities. the place is looking great outside. inside will follow when your life in France is buttoned up. loving your videos. go out and save more olive trees!!! (you crazy Americans. . . you know that's what that old man is saying about you Brian)

[@beeseurotravel]

😝 Yeah probably. But we are pretty lucky. Sure we worked hard and dreamed big BUT? There’s been some luck along the way and we do FEEL very lucky that everything has come together so well because in France it didn’t. Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching 😊

[@lagringa7518]

Yayyy!!! Everything will be un pezzo di torta from now on! 🎉

[@beeseurotravel]

We shall see! Honestly? Everything has been a little too easy so far. I suspect there will be a disturbance in the force sooner rather than later 🤣

[@lagringa7518]

@@beeseurotravel 🤞Trust me, I'm a dual It/'Merican (25 yrs in the Veneto).... it was worse in Mexico with covid and my furniture stuck in Italy for 2 years. 😵‍💫 But Italy, once you have all your eggs in a row and have your Carta d'Identita'.... you'll never be bothered again! 😉

[@beeseurotravel]

👍👍Thank you 😊

[@lagringa7518]

@@beeseurotravel Wellll... unless you open an illegal business or start laundering the mobs money. 🤣

[@josephfulciniti314]

You guys are really settling in, love what you did with all the fruit trees, the Nespole tree looks amazing, it’s been 40 yrs since a had them. Wow Brian you goin to plant grapes too, I’m sure what ever you plant in that Sicilian soil it will flourish…..Ciao from Boston

[@beeseurotravel]

Yes we are 😎 Assabenerica! (Someone here today taught me how to say Ciao in Sicilian 😍)

[@francetrudelle]

Love watching you guys... ❤

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@rodroper211]

Loquats are an underrated fruit and almost bullet proof there was a time that almost every Australian garden had a Loquat tree. memories of my youth.

[@beeseurotravel]

They’re delicious!

[@HeatherHawkinsPDX]

Another Oregonian here, and will try to add to the lovely comments. I’m always excited to see a new video up and watch your easy banter and genuine love of your new home. I think fear is what keeps my husband and I from doing something similar. Could we afford it? Would we be lonely? Would it be hard being so far from our kids, family and friends? Love your videos and hope you’ll keep them coming.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks, Heather. There are so many variables. But the only way you’ll get the answers is if you try 😉 We’ve taken some pretty good lumps but when you add it all up being here has been incredibly positive.

[@rosaroberto6480]

❤ you…awesome chats!

[@beeseurotravel]

We still like each other after 35 years together 😊

[@annafinnegan3840]

Our offer has been accepted!! We are so excited 😆 your videos are so helpful and expiring,so please keep them coming👍😁 👍👍👍👍

[@annafinnegan3840]

Inspiring 🤣

[@beeseurotravel]

Congrats! And thank you 😊

[@sandrogriso2569]

Siete belli simpatici e ottimisti vi auguro tutto il bene possibile. Ciao ragazzi

[@beeseurotravel]

Sei molto gentile. Grazie

[@mikewilsongolf]

Keep those videos comin! Fun to see the new place!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@mimo98]

Wishing you all the luck

[@beeseurotravel]

Thank you 😊

[@rhondadami517]

Watching you from Oklahoma! Love it and can't wait to visit Sicily next summer!!! ❤

[@beeseurotravel]

You’ll have a blast 😎

[@janetlombardi2314]

Thanks for the video 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

Thx for watching 😉

[@salvatoreemma]

🐝🐝 I know, sometimes you can’t see bees from far away (I’m in NYC); but I can almost hear the buzzin… how soon till a new video?

[@beeseurotravel]

LOL. We’re going to do one from France. Hopefully this weekend. But we’ve been working so hard to get this house ready to sell our energy is ZAPPED 😝

[@steverubsam8636]

I’m so surprised you two don’t have more followers. I like the way you let us know more about daily life instead of remodeling. There are plenty of those channels and I do enjoy them. One thing to note, don’t worry about those rocks in your soon to be vineyard. The more a vine struggles the heartier it becomes. It’s a pain to plant but worth it. I can’t wait to follow that process that you’ll undertake in January.

[@beeseurotravel]

Yes! I just have to get the really big ones out according to a couple of guys here. Like bigger than a candlepin bowling ball 😉 Thanks for the kind words and glad you like the videos. I think they’re different, too, but I guess not enough people are into our “style.” 🤣 It’s fun sharing this place though and we’ll keep doing it as long as we’re having fun.

[@traveltirement]

Brian, when you get the house in France ready to sell, let me know if you want me to do a profile video. You could give me some great insights to the area. And of course a ton of pictures and stories!

[@beeseurotravel]

Great idea 😎

[@amybrockman5019]

A year in Provence gets a lot of us dreamers! The terrace looks incredible, way to go on that. Love the view behind you in your video! Congrats on the visa, that must feel great.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks and thanks. So far so good!

[@felixtorres1895]

you have to make persimmon bread. It is the best. And also jam.

[@beeseurotravel]

Never made persimmon bread. Will have to give that a try. Thanks!

[@del3522]

Hey Brian, with Beth visiting grandchildren regularly, I've got some concerns about your Sicilian Staycation! Expecting Beth wanting to move back. You heard it here first.

[@beeseurotravel]

Ha! Maybe one day, but not now. Our kids are all doing there own thing 😎

[@TheSicilianLife]

Beautiful area ~ glad for your happy news! 💚

[@beeseurotravel]

Thank you! You, too 😎

[@posttoasty7552]

I did American BBQ for family and neighbors. I smoked ribs, brisket, chicken thighs. BBQ beans, and coleslaw. Nothing was left, and everyone wanted to know when the next BBQ I was having. Lol

[@beeseurotravel]

Did you do this in Italy??

[@valleyoffog]

3:26 just a random dude sleeping on the ground outside at a party in the middle of the day 😂

[@beeseurotravel]

LOL. It was a kid. Not sure what he was doing either 🤣 Great party though!

[@MrRob8349]

The peacefulness of your home and area...seems so peaceful. Ahhhh....work life balance seems entirely correct.

[@beeseurotravel]

We’re learning. Still have some PTSD moments 🤣

[@lindachartier2504]

Nespole is not only good for eating the fruit. If you pick the shiny leaves give them a quick wash and boil them in the kettle they make a really lovely tè

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks for the tip!

[@fedeficiency6386]

Obsessed with the simplicity and fun of your videos. Thank you for sharing

[@beeseurotravel]

Glad you like them!

[@DanHornberger]

Good news for you on the visas. Congrats. Hard work. Nice irrigation system in your garden. Thanks so much for these wonderful insights into this wonderful life. Ciao Dan

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks, Dan 😊

[@reneeoconnell4606]

Yay!!!! So happy for you both!!! Can’t wait to see what’s next, congratulations!!

[@beeseurotravel]

Thank you 😊 And thanks for watching our video - glad you like them

[@ilovebeautychristine]

How expiring. I love you both. I'm from Australia. This is so me the unknown somewhere of new surroundings with natural beauty.

[@beeseurotravel]

Sicily is magical 😊 Thanks for the kind words. I’m glad you like our videos

[@babzblu]

Hi Beth and Brian. Love your place and space. Enjoy your company too. 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊

[@AnahataYogaCentre]

You guys are my favourites. I follow loads of Sicilian couples who r expats. You have such a natural way in front of camera. We have just decided to come to Sicily to retire in 3 years and are starting our plan. Learn Italian first. Clear the house. Big job. And are so excited for our adventure.

[@beeseurotravel]

Aren’t you nice? Thanks for the kind words. It’s ridiculous how competitive they all are. One couple we were talking to found out we were on KZbin and dumped us 😝 Another couple wasn’t interested that we looked at their property and nearly bought it ourselves! 🤷‍♂️ Then another couple we met used us just to get more views 🤣 I had no idea it was so cutthroat on the KZbin! We’re just having fun and if we make a couple of extra bucks on the side to have more fun? It’s all good for us. And if it becomes a drag? Peace we’re out. I wish you the very best on your move to Sicily. It’s a magical place 😍

[@AnahataYogaCentre]

Thats a shame. But people r people wherever eh. Just keep being u as u r doing and it will all shine through. Piacere!!

[@beeseurotravel]

@@AnahataYogaCentre Yeah. It’s funny to us 😆 Piacere.

[@mysicilycorner]

Congratulations on the visa!! That’s quite exciting news! 🎉

[@beeseurotravel]

It really is! I didn’t expect it to be anywhere near this easy…

[@JP82424]

We love to watch you guys and keep going.

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks! 😊

[@justanotheritalian5152]

I see from the video that you have Japanese Plums also called Nespole in Italian. We used to eat plenty of nespole in the summer and keep the big seeds found inside. We would dry them in the balcony and then peel them off the skin. Then my mum would soak them with sugar and pure alcohol easily available in Italy (the same that you used to do limoncello). After a month or a bit more you have a liquor exactly like the Amaretto di Saronno. 😊 Can't remember the exact recipe and quantities but I'm sure you could find it in KZbin.

[@beeseurotravel]

Im going to give it a try! Thanks for the tip 😎

[@robertlemoine3500]

Thankyou 😊

[@beeseurotravel]

You’re welcome 😊

[@RitaXyz-yf4de]

Hi Beth and Brian, my husband and I watch your videos weekly and we really enjoy and value your insights. We will be in Sicily this June, for the first time, do you recommend a real estate agency in Sicily? We are looking to purchase a home to retire Thank you, Rita and Keith

[@beeseurotravel]

Thanks 😊 Sicily is still hyper-local. When you find your area get some boots on the ground and look around. There is way more real estate offline than online and there’s a good chance you’ll find somebody who speaks enough English to help you.

[@alaindeshaies817]

Love you!

[@beeseurotravel]

😊

[@kellyc247]

Hello, my husband and I have been enjoying your videos and are impressed with all of the progress you've made on your home and stunning property as well as the wonderful new friends. We love visiting Italy, Sicily next for sure. We are also looking into the "Retirement Visa", we're newly retired and are thinking of Italy and one of the 7% locations. Please tell us how you chose the area. Did you know someone there or was it from hours of property list searching? Thanks, Congratulations and keep the videos coming please!

[@beeseurotravel]

We spent 2 weeks in this area and loved it. Then when this house popped up online we flew down to see it. It was very fast. Thanks for watching 😊

[@kellyc247]

@@beeseurotravel Gotcha, would you or have you already in your videos and we just missed it, tell us how much the house and land cost? Did you get an agent and would you refer them to us? We are hoping to come soon and explore. Thank you 🙂

[@beeseurotravel]

We used HomeSudHome in Noto. We paid 65,000 €

[@kellyc247]

@@beeseurotravel Thanks so much, what a find! We see why you quickly flew over. We would also like to meet for coffee or tea or whatever when we get to the Noto area. Please let us know if that might be a possibility. We're also planning to try and meet the folks from Our Place in Sicily, they are from Boston. We can only hope that if we do get to move there, we might have excellent neighbors like Maximo! Caio for now and thanks so much for the info!

[@PaulC4656]

I've been a Sicilian transplant in America (MI) for 15 years now.. and my partner adores my homeland. After two visits together, she's now obsessed to move to Sicily, lol. Having lived half my life outside Sicily on three different continents, I feel the time to return is getting close. Despite our career priorities, my job flexibility thankfully allows me to work from anywhere. I've been scouting YT channels featuring Americans who've moved to Sicily, I want to show her different perspective than mine. Your channel stood out for its authenticity, portraying Sicilian life without fluff, BS, cringe stereotypes. The area where you're located is stunning, I've always loved the valleys around Noto and the hills (but honestly, all of Sicily is beautiful, right? :) ). You're close to Ragusa. If you haven't already, visit Ragusa-Ibla (the old town). It's one of my favorite spots. I'm actually looking for property in the Ragusa/Modica area, that part of Sicily still hold that old authentic country-life vibe. We will visit that area in our upcoming trip this Aug/Sept. Originally from Palermo, I love the energy, but it's too chaotic for me. Keep up the great videos, I will suggest your channel to all my friends everytime they will ask me about Sicily!lol! For sure me and my lady will keep watching them. Good luck, congratz on the Visa and Assabenerica! (equivalent of Ciao in true Sicilian form).

[@beeseurotravel]

Wow! Thanks for ALL of that. I’ve been to Ragusa twice but I need to get to Ibla. Modica yes. It’s great. I know some Sicilians who think Scicli is better than both? I don’t know. I haven’t been yet. Do you know Palazzolo Acreide? I’m in love with the place and it’s only 10 minutes from us. Ragusa is around 40. I love Palermo, too, but it’s A LOT 😝 Best of luck with your search!

[@beeseurotravel]

Wow! Thanks for ALL of that. I’ve been to Ragusa twice but I need to get to Ibla. Modica yes. It’s great. I know some Sicilians who think Scicli is better than both? I don’t know. I haven’t been yet. Do you know Palazzolo Acreide? I’m in love with the place and it’s only 10 minutes from us. Ragusa is around 40. I love Palermo, too, but it’s A LOT 😝 Best of luck with your search!

[@beeseurotravel]

Wow! Thanks for ALL of that. I’ve been to Ragusa twice but I need to get to Ibla. Modica yes. It’s great. I know some Sicilians who think Scicli is better than both? I don’t know. I haven’t been yet. Do you know Palazzolo Acreide? I’m in love with the place and it’s only 10 minutes from us. Ragusa is around 40. I love Palermo, too, but it’s A LOT 😝 Best of luck with your search!

[@PaulC4656]

​@@beeseurotravel Oh yes, I've been there a couple of times. As I'm sure you are experiencing, in Sicily, there are celebrations all across the island every weekend 😁, 365 days a year. So, it's pretty common for Sicilians to "travel" around the island to experience our own culture and traditions. Palazzolo Acreide has a big one beginning of August, if I remember correctly. It's a big one, and hopefully, you get to enjoy it! (August is a big month in Sicily, with celebrations everywhere; even more than usual; it's madness.) Ahaha, it's so true about Scicli and Modica. I'm on the Modica team. Especially at night, the view of the city from a couple of elevated Belvedere spots around the town is quite magical. Nonetheless, Scicli is beautiful. A dear friend of mine is actually from there and lives there; it's totally worth a visit. (Very similar to Modica, the towns in the area are all very similar because of a massive earthquake in the 17th century that completely razed to the ground the southeastern part of Sicily, and everything was rebuilt in Baroque style.) I saw your video at the Vucciria in Palermo, so you've been there and you understand when I say "too much" 😁. Thank you for the good wishes! Very excited to visit home in a few months. Unfortunately will be just a visit to family, friends and show my old lady some more Trinacria (the ancient name of Sicily during the Greek times and we sicilian still often use :) ) Congratulations again and if you need any info feel free to reach out. Ciao!

[@Doodledo7]

I wish I could have that wheat!

[@beeseurotravel]

I’m going to use some to make some beer 😎

[@Doodledo7]

@@beeseurotravel 😋

[@fredvezzani697]

here's a little upgrade from Italian to Sicilian. Instead of saying "Andiamo" (Italian), you could say "Amuninni" (Sicilian). You can ask your neighbors to teach you the right pronunciation, and you will see their eyes lighting up!

[@beeseurotravel]

You’re 💯 right and I use it! The other one is Futtitinni 😍

[@fredvezzani697]

@@beeseurotravel well spelled and perfect reply to my comment ah ah ah

[@beeseurotravel]

😉

[@paulfreitag7772]

Ciao! What kind of visas are you guys getting? I am looking into getting an Elective Residency visa soon.

[@beeseurotravel]

Elective residency 😎

[@paulfreitag7772]

@@beeseurotravel How did you find the process? Was it pretty straightforward? You were able to complete it while being in Sicily? I assumed that you had to do it all in the US?

[@davidevans3832]

How long was the process and which visa did you get?

[@beeseurotravel]

Elective Residency. From start in Boston to finish in Siracusa ~5 months

[@bodilyc]

What is happening with the Italian drivers licence ? Did you get one? Can you legally drive there? If only allowed your USA one for a year will you be able to take a driving test in Italian in a year when you can no longer drive on the American one?

[@beeseurotravel]

Yeah. When the visa is official we have 12 months to get an Italian driver license. We’ll figure it out.

[@markcranley3186]

Hey, is everything alright. You have posted anything in a while.

[@beeseurotravel]

Sorry. We have been over our heads trying to get our France house ready to sell. The inspection came back 👍 so that’s a lot of pressure off. I’m going to take a shower and we are going to set up the camera 😊

[@markcranley3186]

@@beeseurotravel no worries.We are actually going to be in italy on June 2nd to 11th, but unfortunately not sicily. We are heading to Puglia and then a ferry over to crotia on the 11th. We are starting a channel ourselves, so love to send it to you guys for a preamble.

[@mariademasi1760]

Where in Sicily?

[@beeseurotravel]

NW Outskirts of Noto in SE Sicily

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

what are the income requirements for expatriating to Italy?

[@beeseurotravel]

It is supposed to be € 31,000 per year, if you are applying alone, and € 38,000 if you are applying as a married couple. Passive income because you are not allowed to work. In Boston they made us show € 31,000 EACH. We had to play some games to make that happen…

[@susanslade1292]

Where are you guys

[@beeseurotravel]

Noto

[@alessandropino8479]

MOST pleasant governmental experience in a statal office here in Italy?? No way you must have dreamed😬! It's easier to deal with talebani than get something done good in a statal office in Italy!😬

[@beeseurotravel]

LOL. I kid you not. It was unbelievably smooth. And? My wife’s appointment was later in June but they offered just to get everything done for her, too, while she was there 😳🤣

[@alessandropino8479]

@@beeseurotravel because later in June the Italian state worker Is at the beach during the working hours pretending to be sick 😁😬!

[@user-xg4no6zw5v]

How much red tape and corruptness comes along with this? I’m sure you can’t say. You needed Massimo for help with the electric company. What if you didn’t have him???

[@beeseurotravel]

It took us five months from our first meeting in Boston to getting our visa. We haven’t experienced anything corrupt. Massimo is great but there are lots of good people here more than happy to give us a hand. We help them back in ways that we can and we enjoy our lives together. Simple really.