Love the comprehensive website. Being a retired traveler I love reading travel blogs so looking forward to reading what promises to be an interesting “adventure”.
Good luck with the launch.
Gordon C.
The website is wonderful with those funky pizza graphics and gorgeous pics of Sansepolcro - not to mention the Itpop recommendations! The book is even better…forget all those tiresome My Year in Provence style sagas. This is fast, furious and funny - the real deal on the Aussie expat in Tuscany - warts, olive oil, and all!
Enjoyed the excerpt on Sunday lunch and Aussie-Italian gender differences at the kitchen sink; if the rest of the book is as entertaining, its bound to be a winner.
A very amusing and personal account of the Italian experience.
I liked the chatty and informal style in which it was written.
Did you really put the snow chains on to drive to the local supermarket? Reeeaaally?
I was born in italy and intend on doing exactly what you did…I want to experience the italian culture as I was very young when I came to australia..haven’t read the book yet but from what I read on here it seems you had a great time. I’ll probably be in my early 50’s when I go back but I don’t care. People are calling me crazy for wanting to do it. Good on you, will def read the book.
The ever witty Simon Capp does it again. I love this guy and if the book came with a soft toy replica of Simon I’d have it next to me every time I eat my pasta and home made wine.
I have just finished your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. My parents are both from Italy and even though I have been to Italy 3 times I have never felt a connection with the country of my heritage. Perhaps I needed to stay away from the many tourist cities and towns and spend some time in a real Italian town like you did to experience and feel the real Italy and meet the genuine Italians. After your uninspiring start in Villafabricca everything truly fell into place for you and your family - the town, the wonderful landlords, the people and your experiences. I did wonder though if your seemingly positive experience of Italia could have happened anywhere else in Italy or was it just the magic of Sansapolcro and the way all the pieces came together for you there? Thanks for sharing it with all of us. Oh and thanks for sharing the photo’s too - wonderful!
Great book! Am about a third of the way through and am thoroughly enjoying it.
I am about to do the same thing. In november I am packing up the family - Son, Daughter and Wife - and moving to Northern Italy for a year. Both Kids are about 7 or 8 years older than yours and can’t wait to go. My son wants to play football there and learn to snowboard and my daughter wants to learn italian.
My business is motorsport-related IT business with clients all over the world and Europe is huge for this kind of thing. We have decided to base ourselves in the lakes district as it isn’t far from Autodromo di Monza which means that motorsport team will end up coming to me part of the time. And it is a beautiful area.
My first question to you is how did you find the Visa thing? Was it straight forward or was it a pain? The local ICCI and consulate have been very helpful but only after they learned that my business was motorsport (”like-a ferrari”).
We had decided long ago to not follow your lead and book ahead. We are in the midst of finding temporary accomodation for a month and finding something when we get there. Your book has reinforced that our decision is correct. (Thanks!!!)
The other question I have is that, like you, telecomunications is vital for me. Did you end up with broadband internet? The 3g iphone has just been lauched by vodafone in italy so i assume that wireless internet is also an option. Am i being overly optimistic?
Come on Simon….
Italian food is a bit more than pizzas and coffees!!!
Reading this book I am starting to understand why Australian are building a reputation of being a boor, whiner and tight-fisted people.
The style gets better towards the end. At least you were not clinging with the expats.
Ordered your book on 12th, after hearing you talking to Geraldine on the ABC - and lo and behold, it arrived in the post today (16th).
Thank you.
I know my Wife will love reading it when she gets home tomorrow. Although we have ‘visited’ Italy a few times, it is my Wife’s dream to actually ‘live’ there for a while and merge into the local Community.
Looking forward to getting a second read of the book.
Simon, my husband and I have both just read and enjoyed your book as we are off to Italy on September 15th for four weeks. We are fellow Melbournians and have visited Italy briefly a few years ago but now intend driving around the country seeing as much as possible whilst we’re there.. We like most things Italian especially the food and wine and the atmosphere which you captured so well in your book.
On the strength of your local knowledge we’ve decided to definitely spend a few nights in Sansepolcro and will make sure to visit the surrounding areas that you mention. In fact I have ringed all the places you called at on our maps and will be using your book as a guide. We’ll make sure not to get stuck in Valfabbrica (the town that shall not be named.)!!!
If you have time in your busy schedule of book signings to drop us a line with any other helpful advice, we’d love to hear from you.
We thought the review in yesterday’s Herald Sun was rather unfair and we’re sure that anyone reading your book would enjoy it as much as we did!
Hi Simon, I weep while reading.
A dream of mine has been to live for a while as you and your family did… the Sansepolcro bit, not the ” other place “.
Your chapters on the summer in the gazebo, as family, just made me ache.
I hope you, and the kids too, have been able to keep up the language, while I struggle, but keep working to improve mine.
I recognise that you commented lots on the pizza and coffee,( as noted by another commenter ) BUT the chapters on the meals etc with Ivana and her family were the highlight for me. What a privilege for you all to be so welcomed as ” family”, an honour, indeed.
Glad you loved Lucca, it’s a fav of mine too. I stayed there with my friend Alana for 4 weeks; we were right in the centre, a street away from Via Fillunga, and only about 50 m from the best bakery in town.
When you all go back for a visit, can I carry your luggage?
Ciao. Adele
Caro Simone (I won’t cut your landline off for not having an “e” at the end of your name!),
I am up to page 123. My parents are Italian and I speak to my 4 children in Italian (and they speak back in Italian!). We live in Sydney. I am reading your book as part of my research for our long service leave in a couple of years’ time in which we hope to live in Italy for 3 months and school the kids there. I have loved your book so far and giggle constantly at your humour. Fantastic book. Auguri!
Just had to pass on thanks from everyone at bookclub for writing such an interesting and entertaining book. It was an ideal book to discuss with so many aspects of your travels giving us the opportunity to explore how we would feel in your shoes.
The one message the bookgroup wished to convey was that we all did enjoy the book very much it was a great read.
So once again many thanks,
Diane
PS Looking forward to your next one!
ha, ha a lot. Well done Simon. many little bits where I have had a genuine chuckle (the snow chains and the ‘hot bottle’ bits to name a couple). Keep up the good work, I think this may be your true calling? By the way, folks, don’t underestimate the important part played by Eleni (and to a lesser extent the kids), here. It wouldn’t be the same without them. Looking forward to a) seeing you soon and b) “Japan; we should have know better after the Italian Ordeal”.
Danielle xxxx
Hi Simon,
I’ve just finished your book and loved every bit of it. My husband picked up your book because it had Italy and the great photo on the front. We are taking next year off work and will do our first trip to Italy and the U.K. We won’t be able to be as brave as your family and stay for a year as we are leaving our 18 and 15yr olds at home to fend for themselves. This trip will be a little taste for going back later and staying longer. We also intend to learn Italian (start anyway) before we go. Thanks for the ‘good read’.
Leanne
P.S. Pizza and GOOD coffee are our favourites as well.
I read your book with interest following a launch at Stonnington Library. It was a good read and I enjoyed your conversational style of writing. We plan a 4 week touring holiday of Italy in September, 2009 and we are looking forward to a stay at Sansepolcro, as well as touring around the many sites in Tuscany.
Ps: Telstra is only marginally better than Telecom Italia.
your book was a gift from my husband. We hope to live for a year sometime, sans bambini, in Lucca or similar medieval city. Our only connection to Italy at the moment is Gaggia that we make use of every day. Each chapter brings back memories of our visits to Italy over the past years along with a few wonderfully helpful hints.
Not sure if you remember us but we contacted you about 3 years ago on the advice of Marius Webb. We had this idea of living in Italy with our 4 young kids and it was really interesting to hear your story at the time, in fact I couldn’t put the transcript down that you so kindly emailed us. Well, I’m here to tell you that this email comes to you from Citta di Castello, Italy! Yes, we did it! and what an amazing journey it has been for the past 2 1/2 years. Our 1 year in Italy turned into 2 and then some more. Now we are heading home, back to Melbourne after 2 years and 7 months. The kids are all completely fluent in Italian and Anthony and I are still working on it. But we have absolutely loved our time here. Thanks so much for sending that transcript all that time ago and CONGRATULTATIONS on getting it published! Shelley and Anthony
Loved reading that someone else knows how to travel by gondola in Venice! Use the ‘local’ ones which cost about a $A1.
I am returning to my favourite country in October to celebrate my birthday where my dad came from in the Valle Camonica, near the Swiss border. In 2007 I was in Lucca for my birthday to attend one of the Puccini Operas they hold there in an old church - magic. I have noted where you went and hope to see some new sights. One of the best places in Italy is Genoa (Genova) as well as Cinque Terre. Or Bergamo, or Bologna, Verona, Lucca, or anywhere! Love it!
My very own SWGTD found me a copy on the Net. (dial up, no broadband in this part of New Zealand. Maybe there is a Telco after all, behind Telecom Italia)
Fantastic book, great reflections, a real slice of authentic Italian life.
We have been planning our own odyssey, mentally, for some time now. Your sojourn and book have moved us on - the pen is out and the planning is underway!
Thanks so much Glen
How funny and how true. Being of Italian heritage and having visited twice and going back for a third time this year (something keeps on drawing us back), I love the place. We have family in Friuli and Lazio. I figure Italians are creatures of habits and we do not try to spoil their routines,eg their siestas, wake up and go to the beach, go home and get ready for the evening walks in the piazza. The only thing I can’t get over is their love for the heat! They don’t believe in using their air-conditioners, that is if they own one, whether at home, in their cars or restaurants. Anyway loved your story, I wished you stayed on another year just to hear more about the craziness that is Italy.
Congratulations on the book, what a great read. Your book really picked up the high’s and lows (not to many though) of Italian life. Being married to an Italian and a lover of all things Italian my family and I have travelled to Italy on three separate occasions for extended stays of upwards of 3 months. Having comtemplated living there since our first trip in 2004 we have never quite made it. Now that the kids are well entrenched in secondary school it probably won’t happen over the next few years. However, the passion still burns deep and one day we will do it.
In my view culturally Italy is the greatest country on earth. It is a treasure that should be enjoyed by all who have the capacity to do so. The cultural dimensions to the country and the Italians’ attitude to life is something that we Australians can learn a lot from. The importance of family (in the very extended sense) is so uplifting.
It was interesting to note your comments in relation to Lucca. We have also stayed in Lucca as it is near the town where my wife’s father hails from, Bagni di Lucca. A beautiful place to visit and to circum navigate the walls is a must do for all who visit. In my view the hillside towns in the Apennines in northern Tuscany, including Barga and Bagni di Lucca are wonderful and in many ways it would seem they are similar to Sansepolcro.
My wifes mother, who was born in Australia to Italian parents, relocated to Italy in 2005. at the age of 74 and she has never looked back since. Hopefully one day my wife and I will follow the dream and establish a base in northern Tuscany.
What prompts an ordinary suburban father to take his young family overseas for a year?
Is it a subconscious desire to conquer the unknown?
Is it like the married-with-kids equivalent of a bungy jump?
Is he having a bit of a mid-life crisis?
Perhaps he's just after the pizza and coffee.
Find out what on earth his story is in this quirky new take on the age-old theme of learning to fit in.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Love the comprehensive website. Being a retired traveler I love reading travel blogs so looking forward to reading what promises to be an interesting “adventure”.
Good luck with the launch.
Gordon C.
May 21st, 2008 at 3:15 pm
I finally made it here! haven’t been overseas for 20 years so thank you for your experience.Now I want coffee & pizza in that order.
Well Done Simon.
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:26 pm
Love the website and the title of the book and anything that features pizza and coffee has gotta be worth reading! Looking forward to buying it…
May 22nd, 2008 at 2:34 pm
The website is wonderful with those funky pizza graphics and gorgeous pics of Sansepolcro - not to mention the Itpop recommendations! The book is even better…forget all those tiresome My Year in Provence style sagas. This is fast, furious and funny - the real deal on the Aussie expat in Tuscany - warts, olive oil, and all!
May 22nd, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Enjoyed the excerpt on Sunday lunch and Aussie-Italian gender differences at the kitchen sink; if the rest of the book is as entertaining, its bound to be a winner.
May 23rd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy. It’s got all the ingredients of the bloke’s version of Eat Pray Love… Should be a winner.
June 1st, 2008 at 5:33 pm
A very amusing and personal account of the Italian experience.
I liked the chatty and informal style in which it was written.
Did you really put the snow chains on to drive to the local supermarket? Reeeaaally?
June 2nd, 2008 at 4:53 pm
I was born in italy and intend on doing exactly what you did…I want to experience the italian culture as I was very young when I came to australia..haven’t read the book yet but from what I read on here it seems you had a great time. I’ll probably be in my early 50’s when I go back but I don’t care. People are calling me crazy for wanting to do it. Good on you, will def read the book.
June 9th, 2008 at 11:48 am
Hi Simon, I’m on page 190 and enjoying the read. I’m writing this from Australia on Collins in melbourne as I’m here for work.
My wife and I plan on being there next year for our 25th anniversary. Cinqueterre and through to Pescara - her home town.
The book seems to be between a personal journey and travel guide with lots of local useful hints and insights. Love it.
Bill, Perth
June 17th, 2008 at 6:02 pm
The ever witty Simon Capp does it again. I love this guy and if the book came with a soft toy replica of Simon I’d have it next to me every time I eat my pasta and home made wine.
July 11th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I have just finished your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. My parents are both from Italy and even though I have been to Italy 3 times I have never felt a connection with the country of my heritage. Perhaps I needed to stay away from the many tourist cities and towns and spend some time in a real Italian town like you did to experience and feel the real Italy and meet the genuine Italians. After your uninspiring start in Villafabricca everything truly fell into place for you and your family - the town, the wonderful landlords, the people and your experiences. I did wonder though if your seemingly positive experience of Italia could have happened anywhere else in Italy or was it just the magic of Sansapolcro and the way all the pieces came together for you there? Thanks for sharing it with all of us. Oh and thanks for sharing the photo’s too - wonderful!
Grace
Melbourne
July 30th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Simon,
Great book! Am about a third of the way through and am thoroughly enjoying it.
I am about to do the same thing. In november I am packing up the family - Son, Daughter and Wife - and moving to Northern Italy for a year. Both Kids are about 7 or 8 years older than yours and can’t wait to go. My son wants to play football there and learn to snowboard and my daughter wants to learn italian.
My business is motorsport-related IT business with clients all over the world and Europe is huge for this kind of thing. We have decided to base ourselves in the lakes district as it isn’t far from Autodromo di Monza which means that motorsport team will end up coming to me part of the time. And it is a beautiful area.
My first question to you is how did you find the Visa thing? Was it straight forward or was it a pain? The local ICCI and consulate have been very helpful but only after they learned that my business was motorsport (”like-a ferrari”).
We had decided long ago to not follow your lead and book ahead. We are in the midst of finding temporary accomodation for a month and finding something when we get there. Your book has reinforced that our decision is correct. (Thanks!!!)
The other question I have is that, like you, telecomunications is vital for me. Did you end up with broadband internet? The 3g iphone has just been lauched by vodafone in italy so i assume that wireless internet is also an option. Am i being overly optimistic?
Kind regards
Tim Noske
August 3rd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
Come on Simon….
Italian food is a bit more than pizzas and coffees!!!
Reading this book I am starting to understand why Australian are building a reputation of being a boor, whiner and tight-fisted people.
The style gets better towards the end. At least you were not clinging with the expats.
August 15th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Ordered your book on 12th, after hearing you talking to Geraldine on the ABC - and lo and behold, it arrived in the post today (16th).
Thank you.
I know my Wife will love reading it when she gets home tomorrow. Although we have ‘visited’ Italy a few times, it is my Wife’s dream to actually ‘live’ there for a while and merge into the local Community.
Looking forward to getting a second read of the book.
August 17th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Simon, my husband and I have both just read and enjoyed your book as we are off to Italy on September 15th for four weeks. We are fellow Melbournians and have visited Italy briefly a few years ago but now intend driving around the country seeing as much as possible whilst we’re there.. We like most things Italian especially the food and wine and the atmosphere which you captured so well in your book.
On the strength of your local knowledge we’ve decided to definitely spend a few nights in Sansepolcro and will make sure to visit the surrounding areas that you mention. In fact I have ringed all the places you called at on our maps and will be using your book as a guide. We’ll make sure not to get stuck in Valfabbrica (the town that shall not be named.)!!!
If you have time in your busy schedule of book signings to drop us a line with any other helpful advice, we’d love to hear from you.
We thought the review in yesterday’s Herald Sun was rather unfair and we’re sure that anyone reading your book would enjoy it as much as we did!
September 10th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Hi Simon, I weep while reading.
A dream of mine has been to live for a while as you and your family did… the Sansepolcro bit, not the ” other place “.
Your chapters on the summer in the gazebo, as family, just made me ache.
I hope you, and the kids too, have been able to keep up the language, while I struggle, but keep working to improve mine.
I recognise that you commented lots on the pizza and coffee,( as noted by another commenter ) BUT the chapters on the meals etc with Ivana and her family were the highlight for me. What a privilege for you all to be so welcomed as ” family”, an honour, indeed.
Glad you loved Lucca, it’s a fav of mine too. I stayed there with my friend Alana for 4 weeks; we were right in the centre, a street away from Via Fillunga, and only about 50 m from the best bakery in town.
When you all go back for a visit, can I carry your luggage?
Ciao. Adele
September 22nd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Caro Simone (I won’t cut your landline off for not having an “e” at the end of your name!),
I am up to page 123. My parents are Italian and I speak to my 4 children in Italian (and they speak back in Italian!). We live in Sydney. I am reading your book as part of my research for our long service leave in a couple of years’ time in which we hope to live in Italy for 3 months and school the kids there. I have loved your book so far and giggle constantly at your humour. Fantastic book. Auguri!
Carmelina
October 7th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
Just had to pass on thanks from everyone at bookclub for writing such an interesting and entertaining book. It was an ideal book to discuss with so many aspects of your travels giving us the opportunity to explore how we would feel in your shoes.
The one message the bookgroup wished to convey was that we all did enjoy the book very much it was a great read.
So once again many thanks,
Diane
PS Looking forward to your next one!
October 19th, 2008 at 12:01 am
ha, ha a lot. Well done Simon. many little bits where I have had a genuine chuckle (the snow chains and the ‘hot bottle’ bits to name a couple). Keep up the good work, I think this may be your true calling? By the way, folks, don’t underestimate the important part played by Eleni (and to a lesser extent the kids), here. It wouldn’t be the same without them. Looking forward to a) seeing you soon and b) “Japan; we should have know better after the Italian Ordeal”.
Danielle xxxx
October 25th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Hi Simon,
I’ve just finished your book and loved every bit of it. My husband picked up your book because it had Italy and the great photo on the front. We are taking next year off work and will do our first trip to Italy and the U.K. We won’t be able to be as brave as your family and stay for a year as we are leaving our 18 and 15yr olds at home to fend for themselves. This trip will be a little taste for going back later and staying longer. We also intend to learn Italian (start anyway) before we go. Thanks for the ‘good read’.
Leanne
P.S. Pizza and GOOD coffee are our favourites as well.
October 28th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Hi Simon,
I read your book with interest following a launch at Stonnington Library. It was a good read and I enjoyed your conversational style of writing. We plan a 4 week touring holiday of Italy in September, 2009 and we are looking forward to a stay at Sansepolcro, as well as touring around the many sites in Tuscany.
Ps: Telstra is only marginally better than Telecom Italia.
December 21st, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Hi Simon
your book was a gift from my husband. We hope to live for a year sometime, sans bambini, in Lucca or similar medieval city. Our only connection to Italy at the moment is Gaggia that we make use of every day. Each chapter brings back memories of our visits to Italy over the past years along with a few wonderfully helpful hints.
Gracie
Cheryl
March 27th, 2009 at 8:41 am
Hi Simon,
Not sure if you remember us but we contacted you about 3 years ago on the advice of Marius Webb. We had this idea of living in Italy with our 4 young kids and it was really interesting to hear your story at the time, in fact I couldn’t put the transcript down that you so kindly emailed us. Well, I’m here to tell you that this email comes to you from Citta di Castello, Italy! Yes, we did it! and what an amazing journey it has been for the past 2 1/2 years. Our 1 year in Italy turned into 2 and then some more. Now we are heading home, back to Melbourne after 2 years and 7 months. The kids are all completely fluent in Italian and Anthony and I are still working on it. But we have absolutely loved our time here. Thanks so much for sending that transcript all that time ago and CONGRATULTATIONS on getting it published! Shelley and Anthony
July 26th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
Loved reading that someone else knows how to travel by gondola in Venice! Use the ‘local’ ones which cost about a $A1.
I am returning to my favourite country in October to celebrate my birthday where my dad came from in the Valle Camonica, near the Swiss border. In 2007 I was in Lucca for my birthday to attend one of the Puccini Operas they hold there in an old church - magic. I have noted where you went and hope to see some new sights. One of the best places in Italy is Genoa (Genova) as well as Cinque Terre. Or Bergamo, or Bologna, Verona, Lucca, or anywhere! Love it!
August 16th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
My very own SWGTD found me a copy on the Net. (dial up, no broadband in this part of New Zealand. Maybe there is a Telco after all, behind Telecom Italia)
Fantastic book, great reflections, a real slice of authentic Italian life.
We have been planning our own odyssey, mentally, for some time now. Your sojourn and book have moved us on - the pen is out and the planning is underway!
Thanks so much Glen
January 18th, 2010 at 9:31 am
How funny and how true. Being of Italian heritage and having visited twice and going back for a third time this year (something keeps on drawing us back), I love the place. We have family in Friuli and Lazio. I figure Italians are creatures of habits and we do not try to spoil their routines,eg their siestas, wake up and go to the beach, go home and get ready for the evening walks in the piazza. The only thing I can’t get over is their love for the heat! They don’t believe in using their air-conditioners, that is if they own one, whether at home, in their cars or restaurants. Anyway loved your story, I wished you stayed on another year just to hear more about the craziness that is Italy.
Sandra
June 16th, 2010 at 7:20 pm
Simon,
Congratulations on the book, what a great read. Your book really picked up the high’s and lows (not to many though) of Italian life. Being married to an Italian and a lover of all things Italian my family and I have travelled to Italy on three separate occasions for extended stays of upwards of 3 months. Having comtemplated living there since our first trip in 2004 we have never quite made it. Now that the kids are well entrenched in secondary school it probably won’t happen over the next few years. However, the passion still burns deep and one day we will do it.
In my view culturally Italy is the greatest country on earth. It is a treasure that should be enjoyed by all who have the capacity to do so. The cultural dimensions to the country and the Italians’ attitude to life is something that we Australians can learn a lot from. The importance of family (in the very extended sense) is so uplifting.
It was interesting to note your comments in relation to Lucca. We have also stayed in Lucca as it is near the town where my wife’s father hails from, Bagni di Lucca. A beautiful place to visit and to circum navigate the walls is a must do for all who visit. In my view the hillside towns in the Apennines in northern Tuscany, including Barga and Bagni di Lucca are wonderful and in many ways it would seem they are similar to Sansepolcro.
My wifes mother, who was born in Australia to Italian parents, relocated to Italy in 2005. at the age of 74 and she has never looked back since. Hopefully one day my wife and I will follow the dream and establish a base in northern Tuscany.
Regards
Michael
August 4th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
You two are incredible !
Murray Keable
Carlton