First a little introduction then the stories. We hope you enjoy reading about our life in Italy.
H&GCaffè Lungo: an Italian term that refers to a cup of espresso with extra hot water added. In the US it’s called an Americano.
We chose Caffè Lungo as the title of our blog for several reasons:
- Since the caffè lungo is a blend of Italian and American culture it serves as an excellent symbol for our sabbatical as Americans in Italy.
- Caffè lungo literally translates as “long coffee.” We’re considering our nine month stay a (very) long coffee break.
- As a consummate coffee drinker in the US, Henry has come to rely on the caffè lungo as the substitute for his morning coffee, and he loves it!
Where we are and why we’re here
We are in the town of Arezzo, Italy. It is one of many medieval towns in the hills of Tuscany and is located about 100 kilometers southeast of Florence.
We decided several years ago that at some point we would like to live somewhere other than our home in Seattle, WA. Just for the adventure and experience of it. Well, to be fair, Henry decided this, and Gabriella begrudgingly agreed. She is now however as excited as Henry is to be here.
Having made several visits to Italy over the past years we began to focus on it as the place we would like to live out this experience. We considered many towns, large and small. When we came to Arezzo, at the suggestion of our friend and Italian teacher, Federica, we knew we had found our place. It has lots of green space and is big enough so that we don’t stand out (too much) and small enough to be manageable. Also the culture is very traditional, very few people speak English, it’s not very touristy and it’s not mentioned in Rick Steves’ book!
We’ve rented a small furnished apartment on the edge of the centro storico (the old town). We plan to do some traveling in Italy and to other parts of Europe but mostly we want to stay here and as much as possible be part of the town. We’re here to continue learning the language, and to more fully experience the culture and way of life. If that means we have to drink a lot of wine, so be it!
Heartfelt Thanks!
Any bold undertaking requires the help and support of many people. We have learned that it takes a village to prepare for a sabbatical! We wouldn’t be here without the generous and enthusiastic support of many of our friends, family and neighbors. To each of you we are deeply indebted:
Kim and Rachel – for inspiring us and showing us how it’s done, for answering our questions, and for the essential luggage scale!
Federica – for introducing us to Arezzo, for our years of Italian lessons together and the friendship they generated, and for practical advice and support with everything from getting our visas to finding a place to live.
Jenny - for our Italian lessons, for very practical advice, and for invaluable assistance in our Skype conversations with our Italian realtor – which saved Henry from having to make a separate trip to Italy and doing all the negotiating himself!
Mette- for tending to us and our affairs with infinite helpfulness, loyalty and love.
Sarah – for storing our computers, for keeping a watchful eye on our house, for taking us to the airport at 5am for our flight, for supplying us with the necessary luggage as we packed our bags the night before we left, and for ongoing encouragement and interest in our adventure all along the journey.
Penny – for many practical words of travel advice, for offering resources, and for fostering all our houseplants while we are away.
Gabriella’s clients – for being flexible and understanding – and enthusiastically supportive! - as Gabriella takes nine months away.
Nancy, Julene, Jennifer, Nancy, Phoebe and Doug – for being foster gardeners in Gabriella’s absence.
Julie – for lovingly tending to our garden.
Zachariah and Lynn – for keeping Waltz etc. alive while Henry waltzes around Italy.
Marilee and George – for storing our vehicles on their property on Whidbey Island.
Phoebe – for cheerfully taking over Gabriella’s role as the steward for Ballard Corners Park.
Mark and Marc – for enthusiastic encouragement and invaluable visa advice.
Claude and Beth – for paparazzi-style rides to and from the Italian consulate in San Francisco, for meals and a bed, and for the celebratory Prosecco once we finally got our visas!
Vicki & Dana – for being an integral part of our Italian adventure from the very beginning, and for keeping us well fed and amused all along the way.
Jeanne – for meeting us at the airport in New York during our layover on our way to Rome, and for bringing us a delicious picnic to enjoy in the romantic setting of the baggage claim area.
Mimi – for finding the perfect tenants to rent our home in Seattle, and for tending to every possible concern we have.
Kevin- for overseeing the safety and security of our home while we are away and for introducing us to the indispensible Magic Jack.
Daniela – for anticipating and providing every practical thing we could possibly need in our apartment in Arezzo – including bathrobes!
And everyone else who offered help, encouragement, and practical advice – THANK YOU!
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