The most perplexing question we have been asked after our move to Italy

Here's the question: 'do you miss it'?

The 'it' is usually:

- living in a big city like Dubai; or

- working in a corporate job full-time; or

- our 'old life' in its entirety.

In short, no.

In long, no and a little bit of yes.

Is there ever a simple answer to the question do you miss the life you had for the last 25 years which you then gave up to move half-way across the world to do something completely different, in a language that isn't your native tongue, whilst having the audacity to think it will all work out? This one is rhetorical by the way.

In our old life

• we lived in a metropolis of 3 million people and 200 nationalities

• our home was in the middle of the city

• we drove our car pretty much everywhere

• we shopped in malls

• our daily coffee was at Starbucks

• we could order pretty much every product and service through an app on our phones

• we paid way too much for food and wine

• the bureaucracy was sometimes a challenge

• we didn't know our neighbours

• technology was used everywhere to make things more efficient

• we did our weekly shop at a big supermarket

• the sun shone almost everyday

• we were usually breathing in re-circulated A/C air

• there was hardly ever an insect or animal (other than of course the domesticated variety) in sight; and

• if we needed help with any aspect of our lives, it was available 24/7.

The old new town.

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In our new life

• we live in a town of around 14,000 people and 15 nationalities

• our home is in the countryside on a white (unpaved) road

• we still drive our cars everywhere

• we shop mainly in small family-owned stores

• our daily coffee is usually in the garden or accompanied by a chat at our local 'bar' (at the counter)

• we can order pretty much every product online, but usually only on Amazon

• we pay way too little for amazing food and wine

• the bureaucracy is almost always a challenge

• everywhere we go we are known by our first names (or some variation thereof)

• a conversation is preferred over technology

• we do our weekly shop at a farmers' market

• the sun may or may not shine but we breathe in fresh air every day

• there is every possible insect and wild animal at our doorstep - and often beyond the doorstep - (including of course the domesticated variety); and

• if we need help with any aspect of our lives, it may or may not be available depending on whether there is a new government-provided Covid incentive payment on the horizon.

The new old town.

That was exhausting.

So now you know why we usually respond with a 'Boh!' (Dunno!) complete with some very Italian shoulder shrugging when asked 'do you miss it?'.

Toodles,

Paari & Niall