Hilarious Expat Adventures - Living in Italy

I think if you were thinking of visiting or moving to Italy, then this book is a must to read. This story gives the more personal side of living in Italy ..... the nitty gritty bits of life in Italy. I found the school sections quite boring though and didn't think they should be in there anyway. The main story was the B & B and I think that should have been the main focus. The chapters themselves were short, which kept the interest. All in all a good story.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about how I Due Padroni came to be. It is a topic about which there are many volumes; however, the author's literary skills bring a fresh and interesting approach and many opportunities to laugh (or fret) along with him as he and his spouse renovate a lovely Italian villa. The characters with whom they find themselves interacting come alive and you leave the reading feeling as though they have become acquaintances of yours as well. Very well written in a style that makes it enjoyable to follow along and difficult to realize that the book has come to an end. Perhaps there will be a sequel.??

As someone who has also crossed (it seems) infinite cultural bridges to move to another country, I could more than empathise with Stef, the author of "Living in Italy." It's a captivating book, in that if you've ever traveled abroad for longer than a normal vacation-acceptable period - you know exactly what he's going through. Red tape and bureaucracy aren't traits of moving just unique to Germany - it's those little irritating moments that exist no matter where you move. I found myself smiling as yet another barrier came up, and the happy resolutions of them. Expats everywhere know the feeling of being so incredibly frustrated, that they sometimes forget how lucky they are to be living in the country of their dreams.
Part of what I liked so much about the book was how straight-forward each experience is depicted. There is no sugar-coating. As a guide for moving to Italy (or pick the country of your good life), directness is more than necessary. Each sentence had me smiling or shaking my head in consternation. If I ever wanted to move to Italy, I would more than have my work cut out for me. Luckily I'm not, and even if I did: I would have this lovely book to guide me. Do yourself a favor and go read it :)

I received an advance copy of Living in Italy: The Real Deal and I have just finished reading it. It is a collection of short vignettes chronicling a Dutch couple's trials in a move from the Netherlands to purchase and set up their B&B in a northern Italy wine region. I felt their pain and frustration and also laughed along with them. Since I live in Italy, I enjoy reading books about my adopted home. I always learn something and I can commiserate with the writers in the many obstacles that are thrown into our way when working with Italians and Italian bureaucracy. My only criticism would be that the stories seemed as though they were almost meant to stand alone. I would have liked a little more of a feeling of connectedness/continuity between them. This did not detract from my enjoyment of the book, however. If you want a taste of la dolce vita without leaving your armchair, why not give this a read?

I received an advance copy of Living in Italy: The Real Deal and I have just finished reading it. It is a collection of short vignettes chronicling a Dutch couple's trials in a move from the Netherlands to purchase and set up their B&B in a northern Italy wine region. I felt their pain and frustration and also laughed along with them. Since I live in Italy, I enjoy reading books about my adopted home. I always learn something and I can commiserate with the writers in the many obstacles that are thrown into our way when working with Italians and Italian bureaucracy. My only criticism would be that the stories seemed as though they were almost meant to stand alone. I would have liked a little more of a feeling of connectedness/continuity between them. This did not detract from my enjoyment of the book, however. If you want a taste of la dolce vita without leaving your armchair, why not give this a read?

Cute little book! Really makes me wish I lived in Italy, hahah. Realistic, adorable, cute, and fun. I admire people who can dive in, and I'm even happier when they present a realistic account of the situation, rather than something unrealistic and "pie in the sky." Easy to read, quick and easy. I still have dreams of moving to Italy (or anywhere, really) but thankful for the experiences of those who take the risk when the rest of us can't (or won't.)

I generally shy away from nonfiction books but this one has restored all hope. Its a walk through of the day in the life of building a b&b in a completely new country. You get to feel for the people as they go through ups and downs and deal with all the paperwork to become citizens of Italy. I loved it. My favorite was the touches of the Italian language throughout the book. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.

This delightful book tells the story of the author's move to Italy and the trials and tribulations he and his partner faced to renovating a house. Although written originally in Dutch the English translation is flawless. I especially enjoyed the author's very accurate description of Italian plumbing.
I highly recommend it to arm chair travellers everywhere.

Thank you, Stef, for a copy of this interesting book about your trials with Italian bureaucracy & memorable characters as you & your partner adjusted to the lifestyle in Italy. This humorous & descriptive read makes one feel as if they are actually in Italy, dealing with all of the problems associated with buying a fixer-upper property & the work involved to turn it into a bed & breakfast.

Americans always romanticize moving to Italy or France and living the good life. But it's hard to anticipate the many little thing that can get in the way. Stef offers a humorous reality check on the challenges of changing cultures, as well as location, in the quest for living the dream. Stef and his husband were more patient than I would have been. But it's all good! Many funny situations.

A thoroughly delightful book. I love reading about people from different cultures in different situations and this book ticks all the boxes. The people are wonderful and the situations, where the interfaces of understanding are often quite blurred, are most definitely hilarious. I will read this one again.

Stef and his husband Nico successfully moved to Italy to set up a B&B. As they went, Stef documented every step in a series of vignettes that reads like a 'how to' guide. I think part of their success is that they are are blessed with an unending supply of patience and determination -- somehow keeping their heads when dealing with dodgy real estate agents, tricky contractors and the never ending bureaucracy. It's a challenge but these Dutchmen never give up on their vision. And they are rewarded with new friends and their own little piece of paradise.
If you are after a 'how to guide' on relocating to Italy and setting up a hospitality business, this is the book for you.Or perhaps you just want to experience a little slice of 'la dolce vita' (warts and all) from the comfort of your armchair, then I still recommend it. Who knows? it might inspire you to visit.
And there's a bonus: a glossary of Italian terms included at the end.

Fantastico! I am a tough critic and have nothing but kudos for this book. It is well written which is not always the case in this age of self publishing. I could not put it down. The characters come to life and the culture of Italy shines through. It is unpretentious and a great experience of Italian life. After six trips to Italy this felt like trip number seven. Buy this book!

A selection of charming vignettes about moving house to rural Italy from Northern Europe, which, while still the Continent, is a cultural world apart. Life is, thankfully, much more nuanced and personal than films make it out to be, and "Living In Italy" enthusiastically takes the reader straight into the adventure. Anyone who has lived abroad with the aim of becoming integrated into the local culture and community will surely be able to relate. Stef was kind enough to offer me an advanced copy to read, and it has been read with lighthearted pleasure.

This story is funny and true, he couldn't possibly make up some of the fantastical tales that were described in this story. It is nice to know there is a but wait in Italy also. I enjoyed this adventure. New life, in a new country. Brave people. Thanks Goodreads giveaway.

Ever since Under the Tuscan Sun, I have thought that is my other life, my intended life. But after reading this book, I don't think I want to purchase an old house in Italy that needs work. This book made me realize that Italy is what I always thought it was, a relaxed, easy going culture where everything is no problem but can take 10 times longer to get done. Well written. If I'm ever back in Italy, I might have to find this B&B and stay a few nights.

Originally in Italy for studies and a sabbatical year, Dutch couple Stef and Nico decide to pursue their dream of opening a bed and breakfast in Italy. Written with humor and including many personal anecdotes, Stef manages to tell their story while also providing a wealth of information.

For someone seeking to understand the procedures for buying real estate in Italy this is a valuable resource. Stef provides specifics on all aspects of the purchase: the necessary paperwork, banks, the moving process, dealing with workers, renovations and much more. He even includes in-depth information on life in Italy – from doctors, to stores, cafes and social interactions.

This book provides excellent insight into purchasing real estate, opening a business and everyday life in Italy. It is also a useful tool to guide someone through Italian culture and customs. If you’re planning on buying a home in Italy, make sure you check out Living in Italy. Grazie Stef!

A selection of charming vignettes about moving house to rural Italy from Northern Europe, which, while still the Continent, is a cultural world apart. Life is, thankfully, much more nuanced and personal than films make it out to be, and "Living In Italy" enthusiastically takes the reader straight into the adventure. Anyone who has lived abroad with the aim of becoming integrated into the local culture and community will surely be able to relate. Stef was kind enough to offer me an advanced copy to read, and it has been read with lighthearted pleasure.

If you're even considering buying and renovating property in Italy or wondered what it takes to do such a thing, read Living in Italy: The Real Deal first. Having lived in Italy (Rome) I could relate to the paperwork and frustration involved in setting up residence in this beautiful country. But after reading Stef's accounts of the inevitable one step forward, two steps back in red tape and construction woes I would be very happy to visit he and Nico's B&B and probably the last person to try to imitate it. Good for them for persevering and accomplishing a goal most of us would not dare. Live vicariously, and learn from their experience.

We are proud to announce that LIVING IN ITALY: The Real Deal- Hilarious Expat Adventures by Stef Smulders is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!

I loved this book, it brings a different view of an expat about the adopted country.
It bring us lots of history, not only the superficial everyday struggles that an expat have adapting to a new culture.

A total joy, so entertaining. Live vicariously. And if you are a traveler, commiserate with Stef Smulders. As one who kept journals from my travels, I appreciate the details, depth, insight in his story. As an Italian, I felt right at home.

This book is going to be of particular interest to those interested in the Italian language and the Italian way of life. I have friends who retired and Italy and have heard very similar stories about their struggles to get things done.

I loved this book, it brings a different view of an expat about the adopted country.
It bring us lots of history, not only the superficial everyday struggles that an expat have adapting to a new culture.

A total joy, so entertaining. Live vicariously. And if you are a traveler, commiserate with Stef Smulders. As one who kept journals from my travels, I appreciate the details, depth, insight in his story. As an Italian, I felt right at home.

This book is going to be of particular interest to those interested in the Italian language and the Italian way of life. I have friends who retired and Italy and have heard very similar stories about their struggles to get things done.