Home M.E.

M.E.

About The Blog

Hello!  So now you’re here and you’re probably wondering why. It might be because google knows how bad you want to move to Italy or that you’re planning to vacation here soon, or for some reason, you’re drunk and searching for information on Zebra sex or how great it would be if I personally owned a Capybara. Regardless, you’re here. A little bit about the blog:

I started keeping a journal and writing short stories about my life about ten years ago. I wrote about that time a bum stabbed me with a spork on the bus, or the time I was sort-of kidnapped, or the time my mom told me about my “mostly” immaculate conception. Then after college, I became addicted to travel, took off on many adventures and in 2009 decided that it was time to move abroad. If I’m honest, I just needed the experience, to get away, to be freeeee. I wanted to live another life, speak another language, live completely independent of everything I’d known. I basically wanted to complicate the shit out of things. I moved to Italy for grad school, fell in love (super cliché), married an Italian man, and stayed for a long while. Now, I live between Italy and the US.

In this blog, I write about travel and my adventures across the globe from France to Thailand. I write about living in Italy, communication problems and how my husband calls sheets “shits” and beaches “bitches”, and cultural conflicts like that time his mom ironed my thongs. I write about romance, like that time my husband chased me around a piazza with a guitar after we had a fight. This blog honestly documents my life abroad, my missed planes, spilled wine, and seeing amazing things and meeting incredible people. It’s also about my journey as an outsider trying to maintain myself while also trying to fit into my surroundings. I share everything (like seriously, TMI most of the time) about how you can make the move to Italy yourself and what to expect. I cover my daily life, social commentary, news, art and many things pop-culture. It’s not a blog about the magic of Italy and how epically awesome it is 100% of the time because that’s what all of the other travel blogs do. Some days are magical and others, well, others are shit. If you want to know exactly what it’s like to actually like to travel the world and live abroad, this blog is for you. If swearing offends you, I’d leave immediately.

 

Your First Time Here? I’ve Put Together Some Of My Most Popular Posts For You To Start With:

10 Reasons That I’m Surprised That Someone Married M.E.

In Italian Families, Leaving The Table Is Like Announcing You’ve Eaten A Child 

Christmas In Italy 2013: The Time The Blowdryer Ate My Mother-In-Law’s Head

Moving To Italy: Studying And Living 

 

A Little Somethin’ About M.E.

I was born and raised in Utah, USA as one of the few non-Mormons in my neighborhood and nobody was allowed to play with me hence my shit social skills. I grew up with a very young single mother and a conservative, “old world,” Persian father. After studying literature and sociology in university, I moved to Italy to study art and Italian language. After finishing the program, I remained in Italy to start a design company, but in reality, I think I’m just a glutton for punishment. I married an Italian man and started the clichè story of culture conflict, evil in-laws, and making a huge ass of myself on a regular basis. I work from home as a freelance writer (then why don’t I have better grammar and punctuation skills? I don’t KNOW), and spend an unhealthy amount of time trying to understand my surroundings which seems impossible. This shit is fucking crazy (see, there’s the swearing).

Where I’m At When I’m Not Traveling or Blogging on Surviving

I’m a freelance writer and I write stuff for blogs, magazines, and I’m currently finishing a book. I’ve been a columnist, twice, most recently for The Florence Newspaper, an English speaking newspaper in Florence. I also have another blog where I write essays and short creative nonfiction stories. I own a design company, House of Ossimori and I’m an artist that occasionally does artsy shit. My favorite animal is currently the Capybara. Please tell my husband that I need one. I also love goats, mini horses, and elephants. I cannot cook toast without burning it because if it isn’t obvious, I have a severe case of ADD. Aderol me.

I don’t actually smoke (anymore). I just thought it looked cool in the photo. But I do drink wine, A LOT because it’s an antioxidant but really because it’s delicious and pairs well with sadness and chocolate.

90 comments

timruane24 February 26, 2013 at 12:00 am

You have a fine sense of humor.

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M.E. Evans February 26, 2013 at 12:06 am

Thank you. I believe it’s how I distract people from my awkwardness.

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timruane24 February 26, 2013 at 12:11 am

THats so funny. I will met you in Rome some day, and we will laugh at the Italian men, or women, if you prefer.

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M.E. Evans February 26, 2013 at 12:14 am

As long as we’re drunk.

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timruane24 February 26, 2013 at 12:25 am

thats so funny.
i flew to rome once from wash dc. when i got to my hotel they told me i was a day late. i still cant figure out how i miscalculated; clearly something went wrong with the rotation of Earth or Mars or Pluto. its a goddamned universe we live in :_

Alex Vella March 25, 2017 at 3:31 am

Without a doubt, you’re writing is the most refreshing, informative and beneficial information for someone contemplating a move to Italy. My entire family is from Malta but the Island is getting way too popular. My wife and I will be coming to Italy in July. I have a very strong feeling we won’t be leaving.

Please consider writing a novel, you’ve got talent coming out of your ears! I’m an instant fan of this blog!

My wife and I would be pleased to invite you and your husband to dinner once we get to Italy Cheers!

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Adrian March 18, 2013 at 1:01 pm

Hi, Love the blog and would like to add it to the listings here: http://www.italianreflections.com/english-language-blogs-from-italy

Please let me know if that’s O.K.

Adrian

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M.E. Evans March 18, 2013 at 1:25 pm

Adrian,

Thank you, I’m glad you’ve enjoyed ME. I’d be flattered to be added to the list.

Un Bacio,
ME

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M.E. Evans April 5, 2013 at 9:49 am

Absolutely! Thank you!

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worldwifetraveler April 12, 2013 at 9:26 am

Because I love your sense of humor and style ~ I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Check it out: http://worldwifetraveler.wordpress.com/2013/04/12/feeling-the-love/ – Cheers!

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From Casinos to Castles April 25, 2013 at 10:23 pm

Hi! I don’t know if you received this before or not, but wanted to let you know I have nominated you for The Versatile Blogger award! You can check it out here: http://fromcasinostocastles.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/versatile-vegas-frau/
Congratulations!

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M.E. Evans June 11, 2013 at 12:06 pm

Awe! Thanks babe! I had just finished this right before you wrote it! lol

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From Casinos to Castles April 25, 2013 at 10:24 pm

Oops looks like someone beat me to it! 🙂

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daniela June 17, 2013 at 10:34 pm

This is a great blog. I love your humor

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M.E. Evans June 18, 2013 at 1:47 pm

Daniela,

Thank you so much! I’m glad that you’re enjoying it. 🙂

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MyHelena July 17, 2013 at 2:53 pm

Love your blog! It is really funny. I’ll be definitely checking out your future posts.

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M.E. Evans July 17, 2013 at 3:29 pm

Thank you! I’m glad you’re enjoying it. Let me know if I can do anything to make it better for you.

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The Travelling Chopsticks October 20, 2013 at 2:27 pm

I have just read your ‘About Me’ page – and I am already in love with your blog! I look forward to following you on your continuous adventure in Italy 🙂

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M.E. Evans October 21, 2013 at 8:48 am

Thank you for stopping by! I’m glad you liked it. I was stalking your blog this morning too. Love it.

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petersonwrites October 25, 2013 at 1:09 pm

So happy you found my blog, because it led me to yours, which is hilarious and excellent! (additionally, I used to bother my ex-boyfriend about getting me a capybara. I wonder if that’s why he’s now “ex”….)
I have a hunch your expat adventures might finally give me the push I need to take the plunge!

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Anita & Richard October 25, 2013 at 10:14 pm

Thanks for stopping by and liking our blog – that gave me a chance to visit your blog and I LOVE IT! Your humor and energy are great! I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts and laughing at your stories. Anita @ No Particular Place To Go

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Tuscan olive grove girl November 20, 2013 at 9:14 pm

I’m really happy to have found your blog,it’s great to read such a frank account of your experiences – amixture of entertaining and horrifying! Just read about some of your experiences with your in-laws and it was jaw-dropping, I hope things are better now.

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giosuè November 21, 2013 at 4:14 pm

carina cavoli! più foto magari

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ggnitaly84 November 22, 2013 at 2:57 pm

love your blog (and your cover photo!!!). Florence needs more sense of humors like yours 😉

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M.E. Evans November 22, 2013 at 3:04 pm

Well, it’s mutual because I kind of love yours too. Also, did you see that this shit just went viral! So many angry Italians (but also so many funny ones). Apparently I should move back to America. LOL. Cracking up over here.

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ggnitaly84 November 22, 2013 at 3:13 pm

woohoo! to be honest, sometimes it feels like no one can take a joke anymore (especially on the internet), its happened to me on many an occasion. Everyone gets offended all of the time – you just gotta roll with it. 🙂 ps. I thought your post was funny and light, if people don’t get it well whatever… have a prosecco

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M.E. Evans November 22, 2013 at 5:19 pm

I was thinking of writing a post titled, People Getting Mad When You Make A Joke. And then listing all of the comments with my commentary. It’s really interesting just HOW many people can’t laugh at things. My husband dismisses it as “now you know how many people have a brain cell left in each country.” Hilarious. Also, in case you were wondering, all Americans live on Chicken nuggets (said dude 2 minutes ago). I’ve responded by sending him a video of Miley Cyrus Twerking 40 times. Shit just got hilarious over here.

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M.E. Evans November 22, 2013 at 5:20 pm

Also, it is REALLY SURPRISING how easy it is to offend people. I really assumed that people were more resilient and more able to laugh at themselves. Interesting lesson learned.

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ggnitaly84 November 24, 2013 at 11:24 pm

truth! don’t sweat it and keep on writing, you definitelt can’t please everyone in this world..

Valeria November 22, 2013 at 10:22 pm

I just found your blog yesterday (and ggnitaly84’s a few days ago!). I haven’t had a chance to read all your pages yet, but hope to this weekend.

I just got back from Italy about 10 days ago. I was in Bologna and Florence (not long enough). Loved both places! I was traveling alone, which I liked most of the time (unless I would be traveling with a boyfriend/husband.) Now that I am back in the USA, I started thinking about moving to Italy (of course!) I didn’t meet many locals – only hotel staff (and the nice family who took me on a trail ride out in the country and a nice girl from Australia at a cooking class.) I am nursing a broken heart – and would have loved to have met an Italian guy. I’ve always been attracted to dark-haired, bearded men (I did marry an Italian guy years ago – only half Italian, only half the Italian traits-other half was Welsh, English.) Anyway, back to Italy – it seems like everyone smokes there – or it seems like all the men do. That is a big deal breaker for me. Do they all smoke? If so, I’ll have to look somewhere else to move to… 😛

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M.E. Evans November 22, 2013 at 10:26 pm

Hello darling! No, everyone doesn’t smoke although there are many, many more smokers in Italy than in the US.

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Valeria November 23, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Now that I have read more of your posts, smoking is probably the least of the issues I would have!

Love your stories – and I certainly feel concern over your relationship with your in-laws (I am happy to see that there has been some improvement with them!) It brought back memories of an earlier relationship. His family was from a Slavic country, but he was born here (US). Yelling and arguing were normal, lots of aggravation. Our relationship deteriorated due to many things, but he was that way with me often. His mother was fine with me, but she could barely speak English. I did the best I could to understand her. I grew up in an unhappy family, so I moved away from my family as soon as I was in college. I’ve always been considered the one in the family who runs away (I am happy to agree!) I thought I met someone who was just like me. We got along great – very rarely fought – we had wonderful times. He was going to move in with me, but a new job came up and he moved to another state (and country now) and decided to end things after 2 1/2 years. I am still heartbroken, but looking to run away again – I need new scenery! However, it is all easier said than done. I have a house that I am trying to sell and animals (who are my kids, so they have to go with me, and there is a major hurdle there.) But, I have done this before and will likely do it again! You only live once (or, at least, that’s what I believe.)

Do you argue in Italian with them?

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Jenna Francisco (@thismyhappiness) December 30, 2013 at 4:56 pm

I am a Florence blog stalker (because it is my favorite place in the world although I’m stuck in California), but somehow just discovered your blog yesterday. Fortunately, I am on vacation and will have plenty of time to catch up with your stories of expat life. I married a Brazilian and have had my thongs ironed (and hand-washed!) by my mother-in-law, too 🙂

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M.E. Evans January 1, 2014 at 5:54 pm

Hello Jenna! It’s always nice when you can bond with someone over strange underwear customs. I’m happy that you found me! I hope to see you around here often. 🙂

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teamgloria January 17, 2014 at 4:30 am

gosh.

you’re glorious!

so glad we dropped by.

*wavingfromLosAngeles*

ps: thongs. ironed. seriously? w o w.

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M.E. Evans January 20, 2014 at 2:11 am

TeamGloria, Thank you! I appreciate it! Yes, seriously, the thong thing is a real thing. I was just as shocked as you the first time. In retrospect it’s kind of hilarious though (but still mildly traumatic). 🙂 Hello LA!

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Emilia Rosa February 21, 2014 at 11:26 am

Hi! You are awesome and completely articulate everything I live on a daily basis. I live in Milan and have basically had the same life experience as you do, masochism and all traumas such as thong incident included. Let’s be friends (I mean we’re in Italy so it’s not creepy right)?

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M.E. Evans February 23, 2014 at 6:25 pm

Creepy is pretty in right now so I’m into it. I wanted to say that I’m glad that someone out there can relate to all of the crazy/weird shit that has happened to me, but then I felt bad for being happy that you’ve had to experience some fairly weird, often traumatic stuff. LOL. Anyway, I am definitely glad to have “met” you and I’m happy that you’re enjoying the blog. 😉

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Emilia Rosa February 21, 2014 at 2:55 pm

also, why are there no new posts? i think your blog is like therapy for me! and also i think the “american” sense of humor just doesn’t translate sometimes – i’m sure you know this – especially sarcasm…i however, think you are fabulously delightful!

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M.E. Evans February 23, 2014 at 6:23 pm

Emilia, I know, I know, I’ve been slacking the past two weeks. I usually post 2-3 times per week but I had some family stuff/life stuff going on and fell behind. This week I’ll be back on it.

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Capt Jill February 22, 2014 at 7:59 am

I wish I could move to Italy too! I love your stories! Such a great sense of humor! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by my blog. I’m glad you liked it.

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cassidyslockett March 17, 2014 at 2:06 am

I love your blog! If you don’t mind me asking, what is your degree in?
It is my dream to go (back) to Italy and live there. I studied abroad in Rome and fell in love with the culture and the country in general. I am in my first year of college right now and having a tough time deciding my major…
Tour guide, writer, blogger, web designer, English teacher, photographer… (all in Italy, of course) But my parents don’t approve of any of them! “There’s no ‘job security’ and you won’t make any money!”
I don’t want to be poor, but I don’t want to be an unhappy scientist either!
Do you have any advice?

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M.E. Evans March 20, 2014 at 9:22 pm

Hello love! So, my education is really random. I have a BA in Sociology, a BA in English, and a grad year in Fine arts. Apparently I have ADD. My advice would be to find something you love. If you love multiple things pick something with the most flexibility. Honestly, I’d do journalism and web design or marketing nowadays. A while ago journalism was a terrible idea but with the internet, Buzzfeed, Upworthy, and a million online blogs, journals, etc., it’s a pretty decent and flexible career (that you can often do from home). I work as a writer. I’m totally NOT rich but I do just fine and I really love my job. Also, I have no business giving out life advice so you probably don’t want to listen to anything I say. Maybe check the job market for the different jobs and see what is best for you and the lifestyle you want. I’m sorry that I’m not more helpful. I don’t want to give you bad advice and then you come find me one day and tell me I ruined your life OR maybe your life will be badass and you’ll high-five me after you win an award for writing a story on the use of FB in times of war. Could go both ways.

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Rob March 25, 2014 at 4:52 pm

Hi – I got here after I Googled “Cassino nightlife” but then read some of your humourous dits.

I’m in Cassino for a couple of nights – what the fuck is there to do?! Any good bars or clubs?

Cheers,

Rob

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M.E. Evans March 25, 2014 at 5:16 pm

Honestly, there are no clubs in Cassino. There is one square where everyone hangs out and drinks. If you find the Intimissimi or however that lingerie store is spelled, go around the back side and you’ll see the square and everyone hanging out around 8-midnight.

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Rob March 25, 2014 at 5:48 pm

You’re a legend – many thanks!

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M.E. Evans March 25, 2014 at 7:04 pm

Anytime. 🙂

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Tiffany Parks March 28, 2014 at 9:46 am

I don’t know how I haven’t stumbled upon this before (and I even follow you on twitter). You are hilarious. I’m so excited to have found a blog where an expat is brave enough to post about the things all the rest of us are secretly thinking. Brava.

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M.E. Evans March 29, 2014 at 4:50 pm

Thank you Tiffany. 🙂

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A Francesca April 1, 2014 at 9:46 pm

Hey lady, you followed my blog! Not surehow you stumbled across it but that was an exciting notification for me. Thanks.

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foodsandmoods April 10, 2014 at 8:34 am

I had a very short visit to your blog… I am definitely coming back! love your vision!

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nancy May 24, 2014 at 11:18 am

Cannot begin to tell you how much i love what you have to say. And I’m oddly comforted by the fact that so many of the things that weird me out daily in Italy seem less weird when I read your take on them…anyway, thanks

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nancy May 25, 2014 at 5:06 am

maybe what i mean is they are just exactly as weird as i think they are, but i’m less weird for thinking it…

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Packing my Suitcase June 23, 2014 at 12:09 pm

As a huge fan of your writing and your blog I have nominated you for the Liebster Award! I hope you like it! Go to http://packingmysuitcaseblog.wordpress.com/2014/06/23/liebster-award/#more-330 check the rules and have fun! 🙂

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Luana July 1, 2014 at 3:08 am

Your blog is very interesting. I love your posts. I’m an Italian girl who lives in England and reading your blog is a different way to improve my English. I also have a personal blog, in Italian. If you are interested, here is the link —> http://www.luana-abroad.co.uk

Sorry for my grammar mistakes
Luana

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Amy August 16, 2014 at 5:43 am

I’m liking your website! I just moved to Italy and totally am relating to all of your posts!!! Thank you!!

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milliecoakley September 1, 2014 at 5:11 pm

Just thought I would share that you are in my top 3 favourite blogs as the best expat blog! http://travelcouple101.com/2014/09/01/my-favourite-travels-blogs/ When and where can I buy your book!?

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M.E. Evans September 3, 2014 at 9:17 am

That’s awesome! Thank you so much!

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M.E. Evans September 3, 2014 at 9:18 am

The book is in the process. It’s not finished yet but I’ll definitely keep you updated!!! By the way, I love the concept of your blog. Great idea! I hope you guys are having a blast together!

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Michael Sokol November 16, 2014 at 11:27 am

Greetings from Montana, USA. First of all I am a street photographer age 70 I think you have a very beautiful face and furthermore a great example of American womanhood. I haven’t been to Italy for 28 years but after reading your blog I want to return for another visit. Cheers, If you have time please look at my street photographs Cheers and Best Wishes. Michael
https://www.flickr.com/photos/7544019@N03/

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Jane December 3, 2014 at 7:06 am

Your site and blog is amazing, funny, genuine and most informative. In my previous marriage, I have always wanted to see all of Italy and my EX did not. And so I made it a point to see Italy piece by piece and at my own pace. I have seen the good and bad sides of Italy. My overall take is that I embrace all of Italy. People, food, culture, and the scenery in every town and city is just magical and never cease to amaze me. Your blogs confirmed what I have experienced thus far and probably will experience in the future in Italia.

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Michelle February 8, 2015 at 11:52 am

I looked up Capybara on Pinterest…you need one.

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Belle April 2, 2015 at 7:33 am

Oh my Goodnessssss!!!!! I stumbled across your blog and I LOVE it ! You are hilarious and I wish we were friends 🙁

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Diana Cooper April 11, 2015 at 11:47 am

Just stumbled in your blog, made me actually laugh out LOUD – brilliant! As Michael Hutchence (RIP) would say, “You’re my kind”. Wish I could meet you & be good mates but your in Italy (ps I’m from Italian stock myself, pity my forebears didn’t make sure they kept up the family bond with those they left behind then I could come over & inflict myself on their obligatory hospitality…) and I’m in England.
Anyway, keep the blog coming, its going to be the highlight of my day if I can ration myself!

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Sharon April 26, 2015 at 6:44 am

Hi, I just stumbled across your blog while I was searching for cultural differences between America and Italy (small assignment for my TEFL) class. I am bookmarking your blog and coming back! It’s great. I was wondering (might be ridiculously stupid question) did you speak Italian when you went there for grad school? I don’t know much about schools there but that sounds amazing and I would love to look into grad school in Italy. I’m not so well -versed in Italian though, lots of base words but the talking and grammar I need to work on! TIA and keep up the great blog work… You’re a detonate inspiration!

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M.E. Evans April 26, 2015 at 2:43 pm

Hello! Welcome! No, I didn’t speak Italian at all. 😉 I took classes in Italy and used Rosetta Stone and Babble. 😉 I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog! Thank you for the kind words

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Daniel May 7, 2015 at 12:52 am

I really miss Florence … I was there for a year and fell in love with the city. I now live in Frankfurt, Germany but my wife and I are planning on moving to Florence as soon as an opportunity opens up for us.

By the way, your blog is crazy fun!

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Penelope July 15, 2015 at 5:11 am

So, how did you and your husband meet? (yeah, I always go for the juicy stories, what can ya do!)

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M.E. Evans July 15, 2015 at 8:48 am

Haha! A kindred spirit 😉 The story is here somewhere. I wrote about it years ago. Maybe something related to Valentines day?

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petspeopleandlife July 31, 2015 at 10:05 pm

Well girl/lady I got here via Pec the English dude who reblogged your Italian wedding thing. So now that I’m lost I don’t have the energy to go find that post but it was dang funny and so I think I shall follow you. As in “blog” wise and why in the name of “Sam Hill” do Italians not have AC in a church where everybody is about to pass out from the heat? Maybe the cost of electricity is a factor or not.

I shall return to read more posts sooner or later. Hopefully you’ll have a Capybara by the time I get back to your blog. 🙂

Regards,
yvonne

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"Leenda" (in the US, Linda) November 1, 2015 at 10:35 am

Dear M.E., thank you for the reassurance that I am not losing my mind and for bringing humor to the situation. I have been in Italy for almost two months because I am thinking of moving here, or maybe living here part time. Since I work from home I decided to blow off my return plane ticket and stay a while. Coming from an old school Italian family helped, but your writing really painted the picture I needed to see. Since I am struggling so hard to learn the language and don’t have my friends with me, the word “fuck” has practically be eradicated from my vocabulary because my brain is cluttered with all kinds of new words and sounds. It feels so awkward to even write the word “fuck” that I feel compelled to out it quotes. This might be a bad sign. I have been in Florence four times to stay and 9 times on the damn train station, and I need to take one more trip there this week. I might arrive on Tuesday and leave on Thursday, so if you feel compelled to meet an American for coffee/ shots of tequila or whatever, let me know. I live in Sonoma, which is a little less than a hour north of San Francisco. I forwarded your post from your first marriage counseling session to my friends who can handle the word “fuck”, and those that aren’t too hung over from Halloween last night emailed me back with huge praise for you.

For me, being in Italy is like this: This is life at it’s best with food, wine, people who fully express themselves with every ounce of emotion they can muster, art, wine, incredible history and landscapes, but there is a twist, just to make it interesting. The moment you arrive, it’s like having one hand tied behind your back. Everything is still glorious. But it is also a challenge and an adjustment. I hide sometimes too, just to regroup.

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spicyessence January 11, 2016 at 3:34 am

Love your blog! As a fellow expat I am just laughing at all the stories you have written about (sitting at work and reading and having my coworkers look at me like I’ve finally lost it!) Looking forward to reading more of our posts!

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valeria February 20, 2016 at 3:43 pm

This is great issue to talk about. I am 56 and have been trying to sell my house to downsize, travel more, change jobs – get a new view of life. I had a somewhat minor health scare and now I’m feeling mortal (the horrors!). So, I’ve mentally started planning for the next phase of my life. I want to live in Europe, Australia. I have been fairly nomadic most of my life, so thinking about this is quite natural. I’ve lived in several states over the years, just packed up and moved and figured things out once I got there. 4 of the states I’ve moved to, I either visited the place once or not at all. I have no regrets. I never felt like I made a mistake. I made friends in most of them, only one place where I didn’t have friends (just had my husband). We moved after 9 months (and eventually got a divorce…)

Over the past few years, I’ve traveled solo to Italy twice and was in Greece last year. I loved both places. I wanted to just go back home and pack up and move. Of course, there is that trivial issue of money.

I do have pets – 2 horses, 3 cats and 1 dog. I am sure it is very cost prohibitive to get them over there. I don’t think I could even move a horse. They are my ‘kids’, so moving will be after they pass on.

I moved to where I am now 10 years ago and I built a house in the country. I have a very good group of friends here, but it’s not enough for me to stay any longer. I need new options. My house is too big and expensive for just me. My only relationship in this area did not work out. If I stay here, I will be single the rest of my life and I don’t want that. I have been very independent my whole life, so if I don’t find the right guy, then that’s the way it will be, but at least I’ll still be looking.

I do wonder if I would feel lonely being in a strange country. I was at lunch with friends today and they are leaving for a trip tonight. One of them said they don’t like being gone more than 10 days (a week is ideal), then she just wants to be home. I know that feeling – when I am on vacation, I want to get home, too. BUT, for me, once I move somewhere, then that is home. I think if I have my dog and cats with me (and my kitchen stuff!), then I’ll be just fine. I can move them with me – right?

It will be a few years before I could even physically start it, so lots of planning time! Maybe I would move to Italy for 3 months, then, move to Greece…then to Australia…. What are the time constraints there for staying in a country – 90 days? 180? Can I work somehow? I realize Italy and Greece have horrible unemployment. Teach English, is that the only option?

For now, I’ll just daydream about my future travels!

Love your blog, Misty!

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jessventure May 1, 2016 at 8:43 am

I just came back to the blog world after being gone for two years and I had to stop in and tell you that I nominated your blog for the Creative Blogger Award because it really is one of my favourite blogs, you make me freaking laugh! Cheers

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M.E. Evans May 1, 2016 at 11:43 am

Jess!!! Hey babe! Thank you so much!

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Abby Glasgow May 30, 2016 at 12:13 am

Hi there!

Love your blog – stumbled upon it this morning. I’m from Seattle and met a man from Cassino during a study abroad a few years ago! We were just in Cassino last weekend visiting his family!
He currently lives in Turin (I’m here at the moment too) but I am in the process of moving over permanently. I’d love to exchange contacts with you, as you’ve already navigated these waters and I would love some advice!

Abby

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michellemcinerney August 31, 2016 at 5:55 am

I want to go and live in italy for a few months and this website is just great!!!

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janhavi1916 October 16, 2016 at 3:07 am

hey,
nice to meet you!!!!
and yes you have a terrific sense of humor… loved your style of writing 😉

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Jenny March 30, 2017 at 8:37 am

Boy am I happy I stumbled over your blog! Thank you! Mi piaci molto! You’re awesome with words.
Now I have to take off a week from work to read through it. Wish I had read it 25 years ago when I got pregnant from un bello ragazzo di Lecce I met at a party. I met his parents the day after I gave birth 🙂

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Karen June 7, 2017 at 11:32 am

Jenny I’m with you, love that I too stumbled across your blog. You’re refreshingly honest and don’t beat around the bush, Ha! More people need to blog like you, or maybe not. That way I’ll just read your funny shit and have a good laugh every few sentences. I enjoyed what I’ve read thus far. Any suggestions on where NOT to go? Thinking of a planes, trains and auto trip.

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M.E. Evans June 7, 2017 at 1:26 pm

Karen, thank you so much. That’s so nice. Uhm, no, not really. Although, I really prefer renting a car and driving around instead of taking a train because that makes it easier to see more stuff. And I always suggest trying to see smaller cities opposed to the major cities. Oh, the leaning tower of Pisa has never been that cool to me because the city is basically nothing except for that tower. I wouldn’t recommend going out of your way for it.

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Bambi December 14, 2017 at 7:40 am

jReading your stories regarding your Italian in-laws helped me a lot. I now realise my experiences was not a family thing, it was a cultural thing and the attacks on me was much less personal than I realised. I feel more at peace now. All the best.

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Jasmine January 3, 2018 at 6:14 am

Heyo! Can I coerce you into doing my blog’s love story series?? It needs a dash of your wit, the story-telling is getting a bit overly sappy. Hehe. Sorry if I’ve already asked you as well, I call it “curating” but it’s actually just me stalking people to do it.

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Monica Chiaramonte February 10, 2018 at 10:17 am

Dear M.E. First of all thank you for sharing with us your fantastic Italian experience. I love your blog. My husband and I are planning to move to Italy. I am Argentine by birth and Italian by choice (because of my grandparents and because I really love Italy). My husband and I are both retired here in Buenos Aires but we are still active. I am a real estate broker in charge of my small company. My husband works with me. We need a guide about the requirements and conditions to buy a property in Italy while we are still in Argentina and we are organizing our move. It would also be very helpful to know what requirements we should meet to finally settle in Italy. We are particularly interested in internalizing ourselves about the health system and with what medical coverage we could count. Among many other things … (the list seems endless but first things first). dear M.E. Would you know to refer to who could answer these and other questions? We are planning to fly to Italy in April or May to resolve some issues. If we could count on a guide, it would be really helpful. I thank you infinitely for the tips that you can give me !!!

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Dana July 26, 2018 at 12:47 pm

Ciao, this is fantastic!! Your my kinda chick! I appreciate bad ass foul mouth women, cause I am. ?
I would love to connect with people as I’m travelling alone. I sold everything and bought a one way ticket to Portugal!
Now I’m in Sicely cat sitting at a villa, but the owner is here…and well it’s not working for me.
I am on FB Dana bosch from north Vancouver Canada , also have a website, that needs attention! http://Www.HighFrequencyHealing.ca I do long distance healings by the way and need to add testimonials to site.
Please, let’s have some shenanigans together….what is a shenanigans anyway?? Lol
Is this where. Was to message you…..I hope. Computers and I are Not friends
Namaste,
Many Blessings
I look forward to hearing from you,

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Robert D Gaskin December 13, 2018 at 9:49 am

Stumbled on your site, awesome!!!! Like you say, just looking for info on expats in Italy, wifey and I come to Naples in a couple of weeks. We are looking to retire somewhere other than home (Southeast U.S.) I subscribed knowing you will be a great source of knowledge and laughs. I will be testing my International driver license privileges, so, stay off the sidewalks

Robert

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M.E. Evans December 14, 2018 at 9:52 am

Hahaha welcome, Robert!!! Can’t wait to hear about your driving experience. Lol

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Chris February 16, 2020 at 11:20 am

My wife and I just received our visas and will be arriving in Italy in 3 weeks. I just found this blog, looks awesome! Kind of a random question, but does anyone have a recommendation for a cell phone carrier? Our US carriers won’t offer long term plans. Looking for unlimited text, calls and data.

Thanks again!

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M.E. Evans February 21, 2020 at 12:54 pm

Hmmm. I used WIND!

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aj February 5, 2022 at 9:35 am Reply

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