HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN!!!! Wonderful you have a sister you are close to, and a guy (now husband) who you shared a gorgeous cake with 20 years ago. Maybe you can recreate that cake someday? It looks sooo good. :))
Tom actually did recreate that cake last year. This year I suspect a lazier version, the one I grew up with: a basic sheet cake. But still poppyseed! Yumm
Happy birthday Jan! I’m glad your sister can be there to celebrate with you. ❤️ Sorry to hear about the difficulties getting your visa sorted out. USCIS is so backed up right now, it’s really hard on everyone. I hope it all works out and you get an appointment soon. 🤞
You can buy houses in abandoned villages in Italy for 1€, but they come with a commitment to fix it up with intent to live there. Surely you can claim you need to be able to inspect the property beforehand to choose the abandoned house of your liking. My guess is that you can do most of these negotiations with the (local) government via the Internet. Once you arrive at a certain stage of negotiation, you can ask them to help you get a visa and take it from there. Mention a deadline, tell them you’re looking at other possibilities. Surely you can get someone in Italy to set things in motion.
Hi Anneke, What you mention is a common misconception. We already own a home in Sicily (check out the "Italy" tab on my Substack).
Almost zero can be done with online in Italy, especially with the government. They are VERY antiquated. The entire country works on face to face communications.
And owning a home does not guarantee a visa - seems crazy, yes, and... it's Italy.
I also subscribe to a few expat sites and have read many stories of the consulate visa experience - across the board, it's a challenge. No shortcuts. Even one applicant thought he'd develop a relationship with the consulate agent and thereby get around some of the requirements! And then he blamed the consulate for having too much red tape. Numerous replies admonished him for being so cavalier and unprepared. They have a system and the system is clear, even if it is robust. Also, Italians very much work on their own time. La dolce vita is only possible because they prioritize their family and time off more than their work - lol!
I recognize the laborious Italian processing from adopting a street dog in Sicily. All records are kept manual, and the whole system is riddled with catch-22 traps. But I did not realize their rescue program for abandoned villages was just as bad. You wonder why they promote that in the first place. It can’t be that €1 that they’re after. 🙄
Firstly, god bless you for adopting a street dog!! 🐶❤️🙏.
We purchased in Selinunte, which is technically part Or Castelvetrano, a town of about 40,000 people, so there is no tax break here and it’s not a town with 1euro homes. I have friends in Sambuca (Sicilian friends) but didn’t find anything that worked for us. Folks in Selinunte wish they were their own town (Selinunte is by the water, about 12 km from Castelvetrano, and home to the largest archeological park in Europe)
But of course Castelvetrano won’t let them go because of the tourist revenue). Regardless, you’re correct, there is no special help given to folks that buy a 1euro house, not from tje consulates at least. But the towns that offer these deals are extremely welcoming and the residents are very helpful. Contrary to what some folks think, locals in towns that offer these deals are grateful to new buyers as they reinvigorate the towns and provide work for locals.
But alas, no benefit in regards to consolate rules or processing of visas 😕
I love seeing all of your updates. All the immagrazioine, consulate and visa stuff ugh! I remember Ami and I doing the same thing...getting up super late to try to get a date locked in and we had to fly to Chicago. It's so nervie. Keep on and Buona Fortuna!!
Hi Charlie!! I didn't realize you two had to go thru this - I though the school had handled all of it. damn, makes me feel better, lol. Abbracci a te & Ami! xoxo
Yeah! We had to do it all on our own becuase we didn't use the school system. Most people do "study abroad" with their uni but then it's a HUGE price tag people don't realize. IT was a lot of work but SO much cheaper and so rewarding in the end. Keep us posted!!! Molto amore!
You are so zen about all of this, when you could be complaining your head off. I am in awe.
You are very kind. I have my moments. ;)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAN!!!! Wonderful you have a sister you are close to, and a guy (now husband) who you shared a gorgeous cake with 20 years ago. Maybe you can recreate that cake someday? It looks sooo good. :))
Thank you, Liz!
Tom actually did recreate that cake last year. This year I suspect a lazier version, the one I grew up with: a basic sheet cake. But still poppyseed! Yumm
Jan, quite an adventure you share. Hope your goals are met soon so that you can settle abroad!
You have put so much energy into reaching this goal. Keep us posted.
Love, care and concern.
Pat McDonald, Adrian, MI
Thank you, Pat!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Jan! I'm exhausted just reading about your complications with obtaining a Visa—yikes! I hope it all untangles eery soon.
I love how you quoted that song (sung in White Christmas) about "Sisters" I've sung it to my sister numerous times, particularly when we're arguing...
hahahaha! "particularly when we're arguing" - that's great! My sister hates when I sing that song! :)
I’m so sorry it didn’t work out. I can’t wait to see what the universe offers next. Happy early birthday!! (Hi Jeanne!)
As Michael Bernard Beckwith would say, “get ready for your next big surprise!!” 🙂
Happy Birthday, dear one.
Thank you. Enjoy celebrating yours on the coast!! 😘💕
So glad you're having a wonderful birthday despite the Italian red tape! Whew! So much to navigate...
Thank you, Diana!
Happy Birthday, Jan! That appointment is sure to happen as is the VISA. Hang in there!
This year is going to be full of blessings. Greater things are yet to come.
Sending lots of love,
Jon
Thank you, brother 🧡 love you
Happy birthday Jan! I’m glad your sister can be there to celebrate with you. ❤️ Sorry to hear about the difficulties getting your visa sorted out. USCIS is so backed up right now, it’s really hard on everyone. I hope it all works out and you get an appointment soon. 🤞
Thank you, Kim. As for USCIS, I’m really clear that any and all challenges I am facing are truly problems of privilege.
We still have to catch up from your trip!!
You can buy houses in abandoned villages in Italy for 1€, but they come with a commitment to fix it up with intent to live there. Surely you can claim you need to be able to inspect the property beforehand to choose the abandoned house of your liking. My guess is that you can do most of these negotiations with the (local) government via the Internet. Once you arrive at a certain stage of negotiation, you can ask them to help you get a visa and take it from there. Mention a deadline, tell them you’re looking at other possibilities. Surely you can get someone in Italy to set things in motion.
Hi Anneke, What you mention is a common misconception. We already own a home in Sicily (check out the "Italy" tab on my Substack).
Almost zero can be done with online in Italy, especially with the government. They are VERY antiquated. The entire country works on face to face communications.
And owning a home does not guarantee a visa - seems crazy, yes, and... it's Italy.
I also subscribe to a few expat sites and have read many stories of the consulate visa experience - across the board, it's a challenge. No shortcuts. Even one applicant thought he'd develop a relationship with the consulate agent and thereby get around some of the requirements! And then he blamed the consulate for having too much red tape. Numerous replies admonished him for being so cavalier and unprepared. They have a system and the system is clear, even if it is robust. Also, Italians very much work on their own time. La dolce vita is only possible because they prioritize their family and time off more than their work - lol!
I recognize the laborious Italian processing from adopting a street dog in Sicily. All records are kept manual, and the whole system is riddled with catch-22 traps. But I did not realize their rescue program for abandoned villages was just as bad. You wonder why they promote that in the first place. It can’t be that €1 that they’re after. 🙄
Firstly, god bless you for adopting a street dog!! 🐶❤️🙏.
We purchased in Selinunte, which is technically part Or Castelvetrano, a town of about 40,000 people, so there is no tax break here and it’s not a town with 1euro homes. I have friends in Sambuca (Sicilian friends) but didn’t find anything that worked for us. Folks in Selinunte wish they were their own town (Selinunte is by the water, about 12 km from Castelvetrano, and home to the largest archeological park in Europe)
But of course Castelvetrano won’t let them go because of the tourist revenue). Regardless, you’re correct, there is no special help given to folks that buy a 1euro house, not from tje consulates at least. But the towns that offer these deals are extremely welcoming and the residents are very helpful. Contrary to what some folks think, locals in towns that offer these deals are grateful to new buyers as they reinvigorate the towns and provide work for locals.
But alas, no benefit in regards to consolate rules or processing of visas 😕
I hope you’re able to get the visa straightened out soon!
Thanks, Lisa!
Happy birthday Jan! Good luck with your application. Working in study abroad, we deal with consulates a LOT and it is never stress-free.
Thank you, Asha. It helps to know the stress is spread around - (funny not funny). :)
Happy Birthday! Hope this all wraps up for you quickly and without stress.
Thank you!!
I love seeing all of your updates. All the immagrazioine, consulate and visa stuff ugh! I remember Ami and I doing the same thing...getting up super late to try to get a date locked in and we had to fly to Chicago. It's so nervie. Keep on and Buona Fortuna!!
Hi Charlie!! I didn't realize you two had to go thru this - I though the school had handled all of it. damn, makes me feel better, lol. Abbracci a te & Ami! xoxo
Yeah! We had to do it all on our own becuase we didn't use the school system. Most people do "study abroad" with their uni but then it's a HUGE price tag people don't realize. IT was a lot of work but SO much cheaper and so rewarding in the end. Keep us posted!!! Molto amore!
❤️❤️❤️😘💕
Didn't know we shared a birthday month :) Happy Belated Birthday 😊
Decided to finally catch up here. And all the best with your VISA Plans. Things will work out when they do
Hey, happy belated birthday to you too!! 🌈🧡🔆
So sorry to hear that you have to deal with Italian bureaucracy! It's a real pain!
Was the blues bar, Rosa's lounge?? :)
Si si. Rosa’s. Mamma Rosa e il suo figlio, Tony Manguillo. Have you been there yet??