What’s it REALLY like living in Italy as a military family? Join John and Ira as they spill the tea on 4+ years of Italian life—from bizarre AC placement and concrete walls to the worst drivers in Naples and the best hiking refuges in the Dolomites! This honest, hilarious culture shock guide covers everything from Italian work-life balance (hello, Ferragosto!) to why evangelism here is harder than you’d think.
Get the real scoop on expat life in Northern Italy, including budget-friendly authentic food, pet-friendly culture, and why you’ll never want to leave the mountains. Plus, discover which Italian habits they’re keeping forever and which ones they’re definitely leaving behind. Perfect for military families heading to Italy, expats considering the move, or anyone dreaming of la dolce vita!
CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Welcome to Italy Life
0:45 – AC Culture Shock: The Hallway Game
2:37 – Concrete Walls vs. American Drywall
4:21 – Italian Driving: Tailgating Champions
7:34 – BMW Toll Booth Trick Gone Wrong
8:32 – Blinkers Are Optional Here
11:17 – North vs. South Italy Driving
12:52 – Naples: Our Least Favorite City
15:29 – Tre Cime di Lavaredo: Mountain Paradise
17:39 – Italian Refuges: Dining in the Sky
19:00 – Dog-Friendly Italy Culture
20:34 – What We’d Keep vs. Avoid
22:02 – Work to Live, Not Live to Work
23:33 – Ferragosto: August Vacation Month
26:19 – Italian Friendliness & Openness
28:01 – Fresh Food Culture Shock
31:05 – Parmigiano vs. Parmesan Reality
33:05 – Evangelism Challenges in Catholic Italy
36:10 – Biblical Church Scarcity
39:14 – Paper Missionaries: Gospel Tracts
41:04 – Would We Stay Permanently?
42:15 – Italian Lateness Culture
43:04 – Bureaucracy & Citizenship Challenges
44:31 – Community Integration Difficulties
48:24 – Final Thoughts for Future Italy Expats
ITALIAN CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS:
🏔️ Mountain Refuges: Unique cafe-hotels on hiking trails with gourmet meals
🍕 Food Quality: Fresh ingredients, simple bread, authentic Parmigiano Reggiano
⏰ Work-Life Balance: Ferragosto vacation month, family-first mentality
🐕 Pet Paradise: Dogs welcome in restaurants, hotels, and public spaces
🚗 Driving Reality: Tailgating is an art form, blinkers are suggestions
HONEST EXPAT ADVICE:
Northern Italy vs. Southern Italy driving differences
Why Naples wasn’t their vibe (despite amazing pizza)
Bureaucratic challenges for non-EU citizens
Community building struggles outside military bases
Language barriers in evangelism and daily life
RESOURCES & MENTIONS:
Tre Cime di Lavaredo hiking guide
Vicenza Bible Church
Jesse Shrek’s Italy ministry
Military family Facebook groups
Ferragosto cultural explanation
CONNECT WITH US:
🇮🇹 Are you living in Italy? Share your experiences!
🎒 Planning a move to Italy? Ask your questions below
⛰️ Fellow mountain lovers? Let’s connect!
🔔 Subscribe for more honest expat life content
UPCOMING EPISODES:
Military to civilian transition
Building community abroad
Cross-cultural marriage challenges
Budget travel tips for Europe
Perfect for military families, expat communities, Italy enthusiasts, hikers, and anyone considering international living. Real experiences, honest opinions, cultural insights!
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1 Comment
Are you living in Italy? Share your experiences!
🎒 Planning a move to Italy? Ask your questions below
⛰ Fellow mountain lovers? Let's connect!
🔔 Subscribe for more honest expat life content