It will not be as easy and painless as we thought, or as simple as buying a vacation home here in the U.S. While we are still strongly considering it, this book has shown us some of what we might expect. My wife and I, thanks to being 'adopted' by our Italian exchange student and her family, have strongly considered buying our own home in Italy. Especially the aforementioned crazy contractor, holy smokes!I have to admit, I had a vested interest in this book. Instead, Smulder's describes in detail the steps and pitfalls in the process.

This is not your typical 'dreamer/lost soul/jilted lover buys a rundown house in the Italian/French/etc countryside' and it's usual accompanying finding romance/true purpose in life story. I laughed out loud several times while reading it, and marveled at the patience they had dealing with the Italian bureaucracy, neighbors, and especially their crazy contractor. The author has written a very humorous account of he and his partner's purchase of a property in Italy, and the development of it into a bed and breakfast. Smulders' storytelling artistry is wildly entertaining (Blogcritics/Reader Views ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️)Ī charming and light-hearted collection (Kirkus Reviews)Ī joy to read with many witty laugh out loud sections (a reader) Glossary of Italian words and phrases included! Learn the true meaning of essential Italian expressions like 'non ci sono problemi', 'di fiducia', 'persone serie', 'tutto a norma' and many more.Ī comical, often downright hilarious account (Reader's Favorite Review ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️) This book is a mustread for lovers of amusing travelogue memoirs and for those interested in practical advice on how to relocate to Italy. Told in a fast paced, very entertaining and humorous firsthand voice.Ī crazy contractor, a rubbish real estate agent, a fake plummer, an escaped electrician…, the mindbending burocracy: Stef and Nico confronted them all and miraculously survived. Stef & Nico did take the leap to start a B&B and now from your comfortable armchair you can share in their hilarious & mindbending expat adventures. Would you dare to follow your dream and move to Italy to live La Dolce Vita?

Living In Italy by Stef Smulders