Retiring in Sicily: The Unexpected Reason We Gave Up Our Ocean View Villa

[@TheSicilianLife]

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘄𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻? Share your thoughts below. 💚 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato 😍 👉Next: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roescmtsg7aZiac&pp=gAQBiAQB

[@sharonbarresi9725]

Smaller and cozy is really special. Nothing to cause disappointment.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@sharonbarresi9725 Yes, cozy will be nice and much less to clean and care for! That's a bonus! 😍 The disappointment comes from not being able to go out onto the veranda and see that gorgeous view. But we will definitely be out and about to enjoy the Tyrrhenian Sea and our walks at Baglio di Carini every week. Thank you for watching. We appreciate you watching and your kindness. 💗 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@leticiarodriguez3455]

After watching your video twice, I dare to tell you that the way you faced this hard situation was a valuable lesson for me. I'm bad at accepting changes in my plans and I tend to feel frustrated when I can't get what I want. Yours was such a sensible decision based on your faith in God that I'm sure He will be by your side in every step you give in the new direction. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us!

[@TheSicilianLife]

@leticiarodriguez3455 Leticia, We appreciate your kind words! We are so glad you found our story helpful. Change is hard. Admittedly, I am disappointed because we were spoiled before with a gorgeous view of the town, mountains, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Castle of Carini. BUT, our health and stability is more important, even though the view would benefit me mentally and emotionally, which is, of course, tied to health overall. Gotta stay ahead of the curve. We SO appreciate your thoughtful comment. Thanks for watching and taking time out to share your thoughts/experience. It means a LOT to us. 😍 Hugs, ~Carol Amato

[@reneeoconnell4606]

Hi and thank you for sharing. We all have to adapt and adjust and the positivity you both reflect is heartwarming🥰 and with that you will make any house you are in “home”

[@TheSicilianLife]

@reneeoconnell4606, Renee, that is the best compliment you could have given. Thank you so much! We so appreciate your kind words. Thanks for watching. 😍 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@SomethingLikeThis1]

We are sorry to hear that both of you are having health related problems. It must be frustrating! I have been strugling with my hip for a few months and it can affects your daily life quite a lot. So sorry to hear about the car accident too! But at least Croce wasn't hurt badly. But your positive attitude makes it all better. The other house looks nice too. I would never think of the house with stairs, I think when we age it has to be comfortable for us more that anything. We pray for your health and fast recovery. Merry Christmas ❤

[@TheSicilianLife]

@SomethingLikeThis1, Thank you so much ~ we appreciate your kindess. Thank you for the prayers. Yes, we are counting our blessings, that's for sure! 😍 We'll pray for your complete recovery with your hip also. Merry Christmas to you both! 🎄Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@Yes-j6o]

I think you made the right decision in the long run. Wishing you the best in retirement.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@Yes-j6o Thank you so much ~ we do feel good about it. We appreciate you watching. Have a blessed day. 😊 ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@NoahsArkKYTravelers]

Immediate and continued prayers for Croce for a full recovery from this unexpected accident. Yes, making the more conservative choice is the way to go in this season of your life. This could be a temporary season. Thank you for sharing the changes in your life. ~Mary

[@TheSicilianLife]

@NoahsArkKYTravelers - Mary, we appreciate your prayers. Thank you for your concern and support! 💕 Thank you for watching. Happy New Year! 💙 Croce & Carol Amato

[@Nat_Ism]

Best of luck with everything! God bless you!

[@TheSicilianLife]

@ni7776 We appreciate it so much! We know in our hearts it's going to be fine, but we are certainly disappointed. It's all good, though. Got to be prepared for the future. 😍 Thank you for your thoughtful comment. ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@RetiredNomadAdventures]

Hi Carol and Croce! Thank you for sharing the update with us! It sounds like you made the right decision for you both. It’s tough when you’ve had your heart and mind set on one thing and then realize you may need to shift to something else. I’m certain in the future you will be doing a video updating us, letting us know why this was actually the better move for you both. Wishing you happy holidays and all the best in the new year!

[@TheSicilianLife]

@RetiredNomadAdventures Hey Rick and Daphne! 😍 Thank you for your kind words and support, we appreciate it! Yes, we are definitely counting our blessings, but we were SO spoiled at the last villa. We could walk out onto our veranda and see 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 beautiful things: the town of Carini, the mountains, the Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Castle of Carini~! 💚 We will keep you updated. We'll be doing a new video of the place we get once we're settled. Thank you for adding value to the conversation. Merry Christmas to you both and your family. 🙏💕Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol

[@HH-hth]

One-level living makes a huge difference.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@HH-hth, yes, in the long-run, it makes the most sense. Thanks for watching. 😊 Take care, Croce & Carol Amato

[@francescalehman8783]

You both are so adorable. I love watching your videos. As I do my own ancestry, I have found that Carini is a big part of it going back all the way to the 1500's! I only knew of an Borgetto and Vallelunga but Carini is a new find! Dreaming of an adventure there someday!

[@TheSicilianLife]

@francescalehman8783 - That’s so wonderful - what a beautiful connection to our beautiful Sicily! 💚 We appreciate you watching - thanks for your kindness. 😍 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@roundtwo3321]

I'm praying for you both that God keeps you in his love and spirit. It's good that you have options to live the life you want. Have fun.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@roundtwo3321 ~ we appreciate that so very much! Thank you~! 😍 Counting our blessings for sure. Thanks for watching and for your thoughtful comment. 💗 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@RosarioPulvirenti71]

Retirement is what you make of it I suppose, it's great the both of you have adapted as plans can change in an instant.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@RosarioPulvirenti71, Yes, it most definitely is, Rosario! Thanks for the kind words, and we certainly appreciate you watching and adding to the conversation. 😍 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@miasicilia]

Hi Carol and Croce, you made a very smart decision less is more and what matters more is your health . Wishing you both a Buon Natale 🎁🎄🤗🤗

[@TheSicilianLife]

@miasicilia, yep, smart for the future for sure, but I will definitely miss the view. We were so spoiled before with a view of the town, mountains, Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Castello di Carini, ALL from our veranda. 😍 Absolutely! Thank you, Mia. So appreciated. Buon Natale a te and Massi. 💗❌⭕ Blessings, Croce & Carol Amato

[@pasqualeventura945]

Croce and Carol, the housing is a minor issue compared to your health ! Remember, you are both healthy and will be living in the most beautiful place on earth and Croce I am so happy you survived the accident, what a blessing from God ! Remember, I am really looking foreword to meeting both of you when I come back to Sicilia ! Pasquale

[@TheSicilianLife]

@pasqualeventura945 Thank you, Pasquale, that means so much to us! 😊 Yes, very truthful words~! We are looking foward to meeting you as well! Keep us in the loop. 😍 Take care, Croce & Carol Amato

[@pasqualeventura945]

I had no internet so I couldn’t send you both my greeting. Bon Natalie e Capo D’anno to two special people !

[@TheSicilianLife]

@pasqualeventura945, Thank you so much, Pasquale~! We appreciate it so much. 😍🎄💚 Hope your Christmas was wonderful~! Happy New Year! 😊 Croce & Carol Amato

[@youtubeafter50]

I'm sorry you won't have your favorite view, but it makes sense to take the ground floor. Thanks for sharing your personal lives with us. 😊

[@TheSicilianLife]

@youtubeafter50 Thank you for watching, and for the kind words. We appreciate it. 😍 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@MAstanco]

God Bless!

[@TheSicilianLife]

@MAstanco, thank you so much~! We appreciate it. 💚 Croce & Carol Amato

[@pamjacobson6236]

You could add one of those chair lifts that you put on the wall and it goes up the wall if you wanted to stay in the big place that’s what I would do, although I don’t know how much they cost.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@pamjacobson6236 We appreciate your suggestion! It's definitely more complicated because there are two flights of stairs outside to get to the apartment. Then that two-level flight to get to the bedrooms. Plus, it's a rental. I really don't think the owner would go for that. We're content with the way things turned out. 😊 Thanks for watching. Have a blessed day. 💚Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@janetlombardi2314]

Hi Carol and Croche. I don’t think it is so disappointing at all not to have a sea view. You have the sea practically on your doorstep 😆 I think long-term you have made the best decision considering any health concerns. Don’t worry too much. I'm sure your choice will be just as lovely and you will both be very happy. Take care. Sending love your way 😊🙏💕

[@TheSicilianLife]

@janetlombardi2314, yes, we definitely agree that we made the right decision. Thanks so much for watching and for your encouragement and love. I think we were spoiled in the villa we had before. We had it ALL. We had a view of: 1) Town of Carini 2) Mountains 3) Tyrrhenian Sea 4) Castello di Carini, all from our veranda. Yes, we will definitely be disappointed to have no view at all, but we are still counting our blessings. 😍 You're right - we will be just as happy. Ciao, ciao Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@luciagonzalez4899]

Did you give us a tour of the original villa? Would love to see it as well as the smaller cottage you finally chose! You wont regret it, stairs are a huge burden as we age. Love to follow you journey!

[@TheSicilianLife]

@luciagonzalez4899, Hi Lucia! The new one that we were going to, actually, no we never shot video of that. It was occupied when we were interested in it last, and we ended up over at the villa we rented with the view of the castle. That tour is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y167nKiHfMSMps0 But no, we didn't get to get a video of the one we were going to rent. Yes, you're right! It's a much better decision. We will definitely do a full tour when we get settled. Thanks so much for your kindness. 😍 We appreciate it so much! Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@salvatoreemma]

Oh wow, Liz and I are a little stunned but see that things make really good sense overall. Wish we were ready to make our move - would love to take the place you intended so we could be neighbors ✝️ (Romans 13:10).

[@TheSicilianLife]

@salvatoreemma, yeah, we were shocked to get the news about me possibly losing work and then the hip started acting up just this week. It had been perfect for so long after the therapy. Yep, getting ahead of the curve is the best solution even though we're disappointed. Thank you for watching and supporting us. It really means a lot. 💕 🙏 Love that verse! God is good! Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@TheSicilianLife]

@salvatoreemma If it's available when you all are ready, that would be awesome! 😍

[@evelyneliaz]

Hi, Carol! You are so right to change your residence due to the stairs in the house. I am 67 and have heart issues. Wish I would have thought this thru before making my home purchase. Just one day before going to Malta in June for the family reunion, I forgot that there were 4 steps and lost my balance after the third step. I fell and developed a huge hematoma on my left forearm. Thank God nothing was broken. I never went to the Emergency Room. If needed, I could have went to the hospital in Malta. My swelling did not fully disappear until September, as I am on blood thinners. 😮

[@TheSicilianLife]

@evelyneliaz Hi Evelyn! Oh, that is great to hear your opinion as it really matters to me. We're only 63 and 66, but time doesn't stand still for anyone. 🙏I'm so sorry about your injury. Wow - it could have been so much worse for you! Glad you're okay and didn't have a break. That's a long time for swelling to stay. Glad it's behind you now. Thank you, Evelyn, for watching and adding to the conversation. We appreciate it. 💕 ~Blessings, Carol Amato

[@onebighome]

The right decision, Amici. Bravi 💖

[@TheSicilianLife]

@onebighome, grazie! Even though we have a peace about it, your comment is encouraging to us. Thank you! 😊 ~ We appreciate you watching. 💕 ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@onebighome]

Stairs are a deal breaker at our age. The next move was just a matter of time. You're staying ahead of the curve 👍

[@TheSicilianLife]

@onebighome, exactly right! Those were our thoughts. We will be at the beach each and every week to walk and enjoy - even in winter. 😊 Thank you!! ~Croce & Carol Amato

[@pamelawalton1643]

Sounds like a Great Plan. The Cottage looks Lovely. You don't need that much sq feet Praying Croce continues to feel better 🙏👍

[@TheSicilianLife]

@pamelawalton1643, I'm so glad you think so. No, we don't need all that room for us, but we wanted to have enough for when family and friends came. It's all good, though. Yes, he's feeling much better, Pam. Thanks for your prayers. They are much appreciated. 😍 Ciao, ciao, Carol Amato

[@pamelawalton1643]

@TheSicilianLife But your living like a minimalist, so keep that in mind 😉👍🥰

[@pamelawalton1643]

@TheSicilianLife Ciao, Ciao 🥰

[@TheSicilianLife]

@pamelawalton1643, well, we're 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 'minimalist' style with only one suitcase each, but we won't really live that way. We're going to have all the comforts of home for sure. I don't 'need' as much at this age as I thought I once did, but a good recliner will definitely be purchased. 😍 Thanks so much for watching. 💚 ~Carol Amato

[@TheSicilianLife]

@pamelawalton1643 Ciao Ciao, Pam! 💗

[@PeterPanMan]

There is a great biblical word for what you have decided to do: WISDOM. You have acted wisely. Also, you have a selfless attitude. Even though a new policy may hurt you personally, it's better for the country as a whole and therefore you are in favor of it. May your tribe increase.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@PeterPanMan, thank you for your kindness. It is a huge encouragement, and we greatly appreciate it. 😊 Thank you for watching and for taking the time to share your thoughtful comment. Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@dianamartin9558]

Hate to hear the new about your health, car wreck and job. Sounds like you have it figured out. A lot happens in one week. Keep us updated… we will babysit Sicily waiting for your return.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@dianamartin9558 Thank you so much, Diana~! Ain't THAT the truth! Aww, that is very sweet. We appreciate it. 💕 Can't wait to meet you both in person. 😊 A piu presto, Croce & Carol Amato

[@TheRwajr61]

Thanks for the update , have been following your adventure, My wife Paulina dad from Marsala, Paulina is eligible for direct citizenship through her father as he was an Italian citizen when she was born. Problem - all documents are in order can not get an appointment through Italian consulate here in the USA. We will be in Marsala, Trapani region in June for two weeks. Is it possible to submit my documents while in Sicily? Any information would be appreciated.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@TheRwajr61 Hello and thank you for watching our video and for your support. We really appreciate it. 💕 I really think you need to initiate the process at your local consulate where you live. We don't have any experience with this so really can't advise. Sorry about that. Hope to see you in June. Keep us posted and maybe we can meet for coffee. 💚Thank you. Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@DMills-un1tl]

I was just thinking of getting into transcription. Can you share which type of transcription you're in (medical, legal, video/digital, etc.) and what has changed from the DOGE that has caused you to think your job might be affected, and in what way? Not necessarily a whole video on it but, maybe, here in the comments? Thank you P.S. Our plans are not always God's plans, and he finds a way of correcting us.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@DMills-un1tl - First of all, thank you for watching. We appreciate it very much! Many, many years ago I started with medical, then moved to general, and now do legal. I'm an independent contractor who does work for a company that has government contracts. Those contracts could be in jeopardy. I don't recommend transcription to anyone at this time due to the advancement of voice recognition software and AI. Beginners could possibly find work but the pay would not be good at all. Transcription companies are changing drastically. For seasoned veterans, there will most likely always be positions in the area of editing. Yes, God's will is perfect, and we will adjust to whatever happens - with my work and my health. 😍 Thank you, Carol Amato

[@dorismeusburger]

Good choice!

[@TheSicilianLife]

@dorismeusburger, Thank you so much for watching and chiming in, Doris! It means a lot! 💕 Thank you. Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@YOLONOW5280]

You support a government that’s going to take your job. Omg, are you serious 🧐 😢.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@YOLONOW5280 Most definitely, we support the DOGE. Best thing for the United States of America. 😊 Thank you for watching - we appreciate it. 😍 Take care, Croce & Carol Amato

[@charliesargent6225]

VERY unselfish thing for them to do. The majority of "new jobs created" by Biden were in the corrupt bloated government sector of the US, a total waste of taxpayer $ and contributing to the deficit.

[@TheSicilianLife]

@charliesargent6225 We appreciate your reply, Charlie. Thank you for watching. 💗 Blessings, ~ Croce & Carol Amato

[@TheSicilianLife]

˜”*°•.˜”*°• ♥ God Bless America ♥ •°*”˜.•°*”˜