Last week we finally broke loose and headed off post for dinner at Aeolia in Longare.
Our friends came to get us and as we were driving through the hills, this was our view:
I started clapping I was so darn excited. GORGEOUS.
This was the outside of the restaurant. Harper said "Now THIS looks like I thought Italy would look like" and I had to agree.
We settled in for our first Italian dinner. Meaning it was long and late. First seatings for dinner in Italy aren't until 7:30 at many places. And you can expect to have many courses and a lot of wine.
I tried several things but my favorite was the fagottini. It was delicate pasta pouches filled with smoked ham and pear. Y'ALL.
I can not even begin to describe how delicious it was.
There was also caprese. And limoncello. And gelato that they make on site. HEAVEN.
And...um...no big deal but Galileo's bedroom was in the back of the restaurant. I'm serious.
It was the perfect first "real" meal for us. I will be back often, I can tell you that.
I have one more bit of news to share...we found an apartment!
I did NOT expect to find somewhere the first time I went out with a realtor. But we did. We found the perfect place.
It's in the heart of downtown Vicenza:
It is a three story apartment (takes up the 2nd through 4th floors)
BUILT IN 1775!!!!
With the most gorgeous high ceilings and moldings and shutters:
and a little courtyard of our own:
It has five bedrooms, two full bathrooms, two half baths, a nice big kitchen, a dining room, living room, and extra room.
Best of all? Floor to ceiling built ins in almost every room. This is invaluable in Italy. The kitchen has floor to cieling food storage. YES please.
Our family will be so very happy here. It's different, very different, than what we are used to. But it will be a beautiful experience right in the heart of the city center.
Gelato, bakeries, cafes, all within spitting distance.
So that's where we are.
Dreaming, scheming, exploring, getting used to the tiny and strong coffees, and learning Italian bit by bit.
My new and most used word?
gemelli=twins
I hear and use that one a LOT.
The only thing I'm having a hard time with is the time difference with me and my US friends and family. I am six hours ahead of EST, Nine hours of PST.
I feel a bit isolated and cut off from my online friends. So say hi, if you have a chance. I miss all of you.
oxoxox
S
Hello from Iowa...congrats on your apartment! Italy looks heavenly!
Posted by: Nikki W | 07/21/2013 at 03:20 PM
Stephanie, so thrilled to know you have found such a fabulous place to make your Italian home! It was a joy to see you all before you left. Thinking of you often!
Love, Aunt Suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne Frazier | 07/21/2013 at 03:21 PM
I'm a bit of a lurker on your blog, for 6+ years. I do comment once in a while, and I could not resist commenting this time to tell you hello and wish you all the best on this amazing adventure. Enjoy every moment of it! and keep the photos coming...I'm seeing the world thru you!
Posted by: Kim Strother | 07/21/2013 at 03:21 PM
Hi Steph! hey!! you are on MY side of the ocean!! can't believe! I love Italy and you seem to be getting the best of it! this retaurant is gorgeous and reminds me of our stay in tuscany a while ago:) beautiful apartment!! lovely garden:) lucky you. I bet you must feel a bit isolated: the change of culture must be huge: I have never been to the US but from what I have read and experienced through my scrapbooking online adventures it seems very different from Europe!
I am not far away from the Italian border in savoie France if ever you need a friend!!
Posted by: sophie | 07/21/2013 at 03:25 PM
Hi stef, just shoot me an email or a message on FB. I am always up for a chat. Oh and I'm preparing DH that I'll be off to Italy some time to visit you lot.
Posted by: Lilith | 07/21/2013 at 03:31 PM
I am also a long time lurker, but I have been checking this blog all week hoping you had some time to update. I am so glad you found an apartment you love so quickly, that must be such a huge relief for you all! The apartment sounds lovely, and the courtyard will be so nice for the girls! What an amazing blessing this is for your entire family, Sadie and Harper are at such a great age right now to really understand and absorb all the wonders of Italy, and the Cate and Lucy will certainly be enjoying it now, but will be old enough to remember it all before you leave. Seriously, what an incredible gift for you all. I am anxious to hear if the girls pick up Italian pretty quickly, my cousin lived in Spain when he was 3-7 and would translate for his mother who took longer to learn Spanish than he did!
I look forward to living vicariously thorough your blog. When ever you feel homesick or lonely, go eat some gelato with the girls. I am confident that eating gelato in Italy could take away most of your heartaches!
Thank you for sharing with us all!
Posted by: My | 07/21/2013 at 03:34 PM
Hi Steph! So wonterful that you've fing so beutiful apartment! I looking foward to read more of vostra grande italiana adventures :) I would do everything to be on your place:)
Kisses, kajmasala
Posted by: Kaja | 07/21/2013 at 03:35 PM
Yes! Do keep the photos coming. I'm so thrilled for you and your precious family. These are memories that will be yours forever and ever! Loving all of your detailed explanations of food, city ... everything.
Mollie was in Florence for a semester of college and we went over to see her ... duh. It was fabulous. Ciao, bella!!
Posted by: sandi bruss | 07/21/2013 at 03:36 PM
Bella Stephanie, it is Bella! I would love to savor all of the Italian experience with you so thanks for the postings and all the pictures. Harper was right, that is what Italy is supposed to look like. Enjoy!!!
Posted by: Susan Kopp | 07/21/2013 at 03:37 PM
It looks magical! So glad everything is falling into place.
Posted by: Linda E | 07/21/2013 at 03:37 PM
The apartment looks amazing. Enjoy the Italian experience, I know you will. I'm glad you already have friends there to help you find your way. How far is the apartment from the base and schools? Living in the town the way you will sounds wonderful.
Posted by: Becky | 07/21/2013 at 03:39 PM
Hi Stephanie, Another long time reader here from The Netherlands. I'm so happy for you that you found your family a home that you love! I hope you have a wonderful time in Italy. And about that timedifference thing.. You will get used to it in no time :)
Posted by: danielle_nl | 07/21/2013 at 03:43 PM
What a wonderful experience for you and your family!!! I wish you the best. You'll adjust to the time difference---a.m. is afternoon here, etc. I used to update my blog at night so my family and friends would wake up to it in the a.m. You could try that.
Posted by: Barbara Eads | 07/21/2013 at 03:44 PM
So, that means it is almost 11pm your time now, almost 2pm for me! Hopefully your sweet little eyes are closed and you are peacefully dreaming of this new life you have embarked upon. I am so jealous (in a good way, not the little green monster with horns kind of way), I love the updates and getting to experience this through your eyes!
Posted by: Tonya Dirk | 07/21/2013 at 03:47 PM
Hello from the UK, you're a bit more in sync with your UK friends now :) Love your first Italian meal and your apartment is gorgeous beyond gorgeousness. I can't wait to see you and the rest of the Howells all settled in - great start to an amazing adventure xxx
Posted by: Kirsteen | 07/21/2013 at 03:47 PM
SO excited for you! Everything looks amazing! What a wonderful, amazing, beautiful adventure for you all. I'm only one hour behind you, so if you ever want to chat, let me know!
Posted by: Stephanie Baxter | 07/21/2013 at 03:47 PM
Long time lurker here too but based in the UK so only 1 hour time difference.
You are going to have an amazing adventure and I can't wait to see how you document it through scrapbooking.
Posted by: Jackie | 07/21/2013 at 03:48 PM
Yay! Excited that you guys are settling in! Equally excited to hear of your new adventures! Since google reader is gone and I haven't really adjusted to the other readers out there, fb is how I stay connected! Love seeing your posts show up!
Posted by: Melinda T | 07/21/2013 at 03:51 PM
So pleased you've managed to find somewhere quickly. Looks wonderful. I live in the UK to and normally lurk because of the time difference. That won't be so much of a problem any more. x
Posted by: rach | 07/21/2013 at 03:51 PM
If I could dance and sing in Italian, I would be doing the Italian Happy Dance for YOU! WOO HOO! The photos, I swear, look like they aren't real. Like something from a book or a postcard. Do you have bruises on your arms from pinching yourself so much? We sign for our English quarters one month from today. Hold baggage left last Tuesday. Storage people come tomorrow. Oh and Steph, are you a Downton Abbey fan? I just found out we'll be living 30 miles from the real Highclere Castle! So if you need a "jump off" place in England, I'm your gal! In the meantime, keep living the dream baby!
Posted by: Melissa | 07/21/2013 at 03:52 PM
Steph, I'm so excited for you and your family. My dad spent 2 years in Italy on a church mission and still talks about how much he loves it. A few years ago I did a mission scrapbook for him and I just long to go there. Seeing your family on this adventure, is inspiring me to think about moving internationally when my husband graduates next year. Best of luck and I've loving all your pictures!
Posted by: Holly H. | 07/21/2013 at 03:52 PM
I am so happy and excited for y'all! I visited Rome in college and I have to say that I'm a bit jealous of your 3 year stay. Looks gorgeous! As always, the Lynches love the Howells and we look forward to more pictures and stories of adventures.
Posted by: Andrea | 07/21/2013 at 04:00 PM
So glad you found a home right away! It sounds perfect. You are in my thoughts and my heart because you are a part of my life!So you are not far. I am looking forward to witnessing your Italian adventures. I am sure lots of people are sending you ton of positive thoughts.
PS : I still miss so much Miss Harper 'ashion advice!
Posted by: Louise Dubord | 07/21/2013 at 04:03 PM
Stephanie I'm thrilled its going so well for you. I've been checking to see how you are all getting on.
Louise xx
Posted by: Louise | 07/21/2013 at 04:14 PM
Hi Stephanie from South Dakota! I'm so looking forward to going along with you on this Italian adventure! So far it's beautiful and everything I thought it would be. Enjoy!!
Posted by: Amy Wolff | 07/21/2013 at 04:18 PM
So happy and excited for y'all!
What an awesome experience!
I love it steph!
Tara
Posted by: Tara Pakosta | 07/21/2013 at 04:22 PM
Hello from California, Stephanie! I am so excited to read your blog each day and see your adventures! Thank you for making the effort to keep us all in the loop with you! You are such a blessing! So glad you found such an amazing apartment!!! Sending prayers your way that you will feel less isolated and make some good friends and find a good church. . . .
Posted by: Kathleen Sunderland | 07/21/2013 at 04:29 PM
So glad you were able to find a home (and something you really liked) so quickly! Enjoy your new adventures!! Thanks for sharing your experience with us! :)
Posted by: Lynn L. | 07/21/2013 at 04:30 PM
Oh my word, if I were going to move to Italy, that is exactly where I'd want live!
Posted by: Ally | 07/21/2013 at 04:31 PM
oh my heart! You're going to take Italy by storm. I can't wait to watch your blog as your Italian life unfolds!
Posted by: Lisa Martin | 07/21/2013 at 04:34 PM
Oh my! What a dream, girl! The time difference would be difficult for me too. Thank you for sharing so we can all live through you ;)
Posted by: ShellyJ | 07/21/2013 at 04:37 PM
I have been reading your blog for a few years and am really enjoying getting glimpses of your newest journey! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Mary Jo | 07/21/2013 at 04:37 PM
Hello from Iowa! I am drooling over you pictures! LOVING How much you are loving it!Congrats on finding a place so Perfect & so quickly!
Posted by: kim | 07/21/2013 at 04:39 PM
HEy Stephanie, sounds like it going great for you guys and that makes my heart happy <3
Posted by: madeline St onge | 07/21/2013 at 04:42 PM
Godetevi la vostra nuova casa! Gosh, I hope that means enjoy your new home! The apartment looks wonderful & if you're going to live in Italy, you should live like an Italian. I'm enjoying all the photos, please keep them coming. What kind of school calendar will the girls have? I hope you have lots of time for exploring! Enjoy exploring your new home!
Posted by: ginny | 07/21/2013 at 04:56 PM
Hello from Texas! I'm so excited for y'all! Sounds like your new apartment is perfect and you'll have it home in no time! Love reading about everything you are seeing and doing! And your excitement, it comes through the computer screen loud and clear!! Thank you so much for taking the time to blog.
Posted by: Lisa A | 07/21/2013 at 04:58 PM
Love that apartment! I love Italy too! Heading to Sicily this summer once again and was in Venice last Easter to celebrate 25 yrs of marriage. Love Italy!
Posted by: Cannycrafter | 07/21/2013 at 04:59 PM
That meal sounds AmAzing!
So excited that you found a place and right smack dab in the middle of the city, wow! I cannot see how cute you make it!
Posted by: Jonnelle | 07/21/2013 at 05:08 PM
Jealous muchly enjoy your adventure I'm sure you'll settle in no time love from Down Under xxx
Posted by: Tracy | 07/21/2013 at 05:09 PM
Great choice to be in Vicenza centro! We live out near Longare and love everything about it, but there are times that I wish we were right in the middle of the action of the centro storico. I'm sure you have a great team of folks guiding you in your transition, but I'd be happy to help if you have specific questions.
D
Posted by: Dana | 07/21/2013 at 05:11 PM
Steph, I am SO PROUD of you for embracing the culture! You will enjoy your time more by doing just what you are doing, LIVING the life. When you get settled, you are going to have to start a scrapbooking school with all of these Euro-friends! I'll come stay with the girlies so you can travel to teach!
maggieb!
Posted by: Account Deleted | 07/21/2013 at 05:22 PM
Hi Stephanie! We had Vicenza on our wish list from ILE but we got assigned to Fort Lewis instead (which is not so bad since it's our no. 2 choice). So needless to say, I'll be living vicariously through you. I'm so happy that you got an apartment so quickly. Now hopefully you can get your household goods pretty quickly too! I'm looking forward to hearing about your European adventures!
Posted by: June | 07/21/2013 at 05:23 PM
Just gorgeous...all of it!! So exciting for you guys!!
Posted by: Michelle Whitlow | 07/21/2013 at 05:39 PM
well it all looks gorgeous!! and magical as another poster said!! i can't even imagine the memories you all will make there. enjoy every little minute of it. y'all are so blessed to experience such a beautiful place. keep those pictures coming. i love seeing all the sights!!
Posted by: kim smart | 07/21/2013 at 05:40 PM
The apartment looks & sounds amazing! So awesome!
Posted by: Meghann | 07/21/2013 at 05:41 PM
so happy you found a place, and it looks PERFECT for your family! love that you have your own little courtyard and that it's right in the city center!
also, i LOVE that you clapped as you saw the views. that is totally something i do when i get excited. i clapped A LOT when we traveled in iceland this winter :)
xo.
Posted by: sarah | 07/21/2013 at 05:53 PM
Did you feel like you were on "House Hunters"? What a great experience!!! blessings!
Posted by: tonya dieterlen | 07/21/2013 at 06:04 PM
Lurkers unite! Ciao from Massachusetts.
Soak it all in...the time will fly by! You and your girls will be speaking like natives in no time. There will be lots of people with offers of assistance, especially with 4 beautiful little ladies. Best of luck - keep the updates coming! Most of all, enjoy!
Posted by: Mary Beth | 07/21/2013 at 06:05 PM
The time difference will be hard but we will work it out!
Now, an apartment question. If you are on the 2nd-4th floor, what is on the first floor? Shops? And if there is stuff on the first floor, how do you have a courtyard? Just trying to understand how beautiful Italian apartment living really works.
XOXOXO my dear!
Posted by: Davinie | 07/21/2013 at 06:25 PM
Oh Steph, thank you for sharing these wonderful photos. I can live vicariously through you. I am so very excited for you, and have been thinking about you, wondering how you were.
We just came back from Door County, WI. Stayed close to home for this week long get away. There was a little place in Egg Harbor that had some gelato. Probably not near as good as there, but I definitely enjoyed it. I got some of the lemon.. yum. There was also an olive oil store. Sold nothing but different oils and balsamic vinegar. I use both at home, but not the flavors they had there. OMG!! So good!! I can imagine things like that being even better in Italy. :)
And if you are up late, I am up early. :) I have a friend in Wales and we sometimes chat online. Or during her evenings and my afternoons.
Posted by: Michelle | 07/21/2013 at 06:25 PM
Italy looks magical! So do you have to wait for a couple of months for your home stuff?
Posted by: AmyMpls | 07/21/2013 at 06:32 PM
it is so beautiful, both the city and the apartment! i'm sure you will have many wonderful memories there. you could use the extra room for a guest room for all of your friends who i'm sure want to come visit! including me!
Posted by: Heather | 07/21/2013 at 06:43 PM
Hello hello from the East Coast of Canada. I'm in the province of New Brunswick which puts me in the AST time zone meaning I'm only 5 hours behind you. Booyah! I'm so excited for you guys and just a teensy bit jealous that you are going to have such an amazing experience in the next few years. Enjoy every single minute of it and I shall live vicariously through your blog. Ciao!
Posted by: AprilC | 07/21/2013 at 06:58 PM
Hello from Michigan! I've been following your story since you were pregnant with the twins. Thank you for sharing your Italian adventure with us!
Posted by: Leah | 07/21/2013 at 07:00 PM
Greetings from sunny (and rainy) Florida! What good luck to find a home on your first outing! Thank you for letting us all experience Italy with you! :)
Posted by: Amanda N. | 07/21/2013 at 07:04 PM
Wow. All I can say is WOW! (but I'll say more too). What a cool place to live, to visit, to spend some time as a little kid... so cool. I am so excited for you and your family! God's blessings on your adventure!
Posted by: Jill T. | 07/21/2013 at 07:05 PM
Its looks BEAUTIFUL Steph! Its always a good thing when you have somewhere to call home...enjoy it!
Posted by: Sara Amuso | 07/21/2013 at 07:15 PM
I just wonder if you pinch yourself every now and then just to make sure that you aren't in the middle of an AMAZING dream?????? OMG if only I could go to Italy!
Patricia
the PaperTemptress
Posted by: Patricia Dunbar | 07/21/2013 at 07:19 PM
That's an awesome apartment. You'll be getting plenty of exercise running up and down those stairs!
Posted by: LinhC | 07/21/2013 at 07:26 PM
Hello from MD! ;)
I am so jealous! Can't wait to see more updates - my best friend from childhood just moved to Seoul, South Korea (her DH is Navy) so I am loving these worldly updates!!!!
Posted by: Bridget =) | 07/21/2013 at 07:41 PM
Hey Stephanie! Your apt. looks fabulous & the views there seem divine!!! I'm sure you all will be very happy-I mean, how could ou not?! Can't wait to read more about the adventure!
Posted by: Stephanie Eaken | 07/21/2013 at 07:45 PM
So beautiful! I can hear the gratitude and wonder in your words. I am so excited you and your family! And again I thank you for sharing with us.
Posted by: Linda Coleman | 07/21/2013 at 07:50 PM
i am so excited for you!!!! everything looks amazing. so loving watching your italian adventure unfold! xo
Posted by: Jenni Hufford | 07/21/2013 at 08:10 PM
Ciao Stephanie! Harper's remark makes me grin. So happy to hear you found an apartment already! That's awesome. Loving the updates, keep 'em coming!
Posted by: Peg | 07/21/2013 at 08:26 PM
Hey steph, so glad you found an apartment so quickly. It looks awesome! You take care and enjoy! Love from OKC
Posted by: Kathy | 07/21/2013 at 08:31 PM
It's so hard feeling disconnected through time zones. even just with my family being EST and us being PST i really have to remember to connect with them or it's too late/early. so enjoying seeing your instagrams and posts! keep it up!
Posted by: Amy Ferguson | 07/21/2013 at 08:46 PM
So exciting! I can't wait to see Italy through you eyes or ummmm lens. I hope to go there one day... Sounds like you found the perfect home for your family:)
Posted by: sam | 07/21/2013 at 08:46 PM
That all sounds so wonderful. My dream is to one day visit Italy. For now I am going to live vicariously through you! ♥
Posted by: Becky Williams | 07/21/2013 at 08:57 PM
everything looks so gorgeous!
Posted by: jessica | 07/21/2013 at 08:58 PM
What a great place! So happy you found something so soon. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: sherried | 07/21/2013 at 09:01 PM
Amen to Kim's comments. I so enjoy reading your blog! Thanks for taking the time to share.
Posted by: Debra Williams | 07/21/2013 at 09:21 PM
Hi Steph, I too am a long time fan(lurker!) but I just HAD to comment to say Congrats on your move and I will be dropping in for lunch soon lol I wish!
How breath takingly (thats a word right?!!) beautiful it looks. my heart breaks for you a little being so far from your mum & other family I hope it comforts you a tiny bit to know we are all thinking of you and sending love! we are like the nosey family who want photos of every single step while you are there lol
So happy for you all to have this wonderful experience it couldn't have happened to a sweeter more lovely family!
hugs
Colette
Posted by: Colette | 07/21/2013 at 09:42 PM
Wow. These pictures are like something out of a movie. Your apartment sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us! It's 11:00 PM EST as I type this, so somewhere in Italy a little girl is rolling over . . . go back to sleep little one! :-)
Posted by: Laura | 07/21/2013 at 09:57 PM
I am so excited for you! You are living the dream!
Posted by: Jill | 07/21/2013 at 10:34 PM
I'm living vicariously through your blog and loving every minute of it - your new apartment looks awesome! Congratulations on finding it so quickly!
Posted by: Meredith | 07/21/2013 at 10:37 PM
Congrats on your apartment!! Sounds glorious!! =)
Posted by: Lissa | 07/21/2013 at 10:41 PM
so happy for you and your family! looks like such a great place!
Posted by: Evgenia Petzer | 07/22/2013 at 01:19 AM
Hi Stephanie,
It all looks just so gorgeous - like surreal gorgeous! Glad you to hear you found an apartment on your first time out..what a blessing and it sounds perfect. Hope you get all settled in soon!
Debra
Posted by: Debra | 07/22/2013 at 01:26 AM
Am loving following your adventures with your family!
Posted by: KiwiMich | 07/22/2013 at 01:39 AM
Beautiful!! You are so lucky to have found such a beautiful apartment for you. Don't forget you are closer to your European friends and readers for a while :)
Posted by: Tamara | 07/22/2013 at 02:30 AM
ooohhh, you can grow fresh herbs in that flower box off your little balcony in the photo!
Sounds like things are going well. Your amazing Italian adventure is in full swing! Keep smiling!
Posted by: Kim S. | 07/22/2013 at 04:52 AM
I am just in awe..........such an amazing experience for you and your family. The apartment looks gorgeous
Posted by: Donna Bryant | 07/22/2013 at 06:45 AM
Hi! Welcome to Italy! Is it hot over there on that side? We are sweltering here in Pisa....but maybe since you're from places where you say "Y'all" you're used to the heat :-) So fun that you found such a gorgeous place! I'll let you know if we're up near you and maybe we can all have some gelato and the best pizza ever (I'm sure you'll have your favorite by then!). And if you're ever up near Ramstein in Germany let me know, because that's where we are normally.
Posted by: Christina A. | 07/22/2013 at 07:09 AM
Oh, and if you're in the mood to drive 3 hours to see a certain precariously leaning tower....we'll be here for about two more weeks :-)
Posted by: Christina A. | 07/22/2013 at 07:12 AM
Congrats on the new place! The 6 of you are just beginning what will be an unforgettable experience! I'm a military brat who was lucky enough to live most of my childhood in Euprope...your girls are in for a life education that just can't be topped!
Posted by: Stefani | 07/22/2013 at 07:42 AM
It's so exciting to follow your travels. Can't wait to see more of your apartment!
Posted by: Amy Coose | 07/22/2013 at 07:53 AM
Hello from Michigan! I'm a long time reader, but only have commented a handful of times. Your pictures look beautiful already! Looking forward to hearing your adventures - the good and the bad :)
Posted by: Taryn | 07/22/2013 at 08:04 AM
Hi Cutie Pie's x5! Lovin' all the photo's, excitement and blow-by-blow action. I'm sure you'll have plenty of takers for the extra bedroom in no time at all.
Posted by: Monika Wright | 07/22/2013 at 08:11 AM
Another Amen to Kim. My kids say I am a stalker on Facebook but I just enjoy reading about others experiences. I love seeing Italy through your family--someday I might get to go and bring my girls--dream!
Posted by: Carol in the Land of Oz | 07/22/2013 at 08:27 AM
Happy to hear you + your family found this little corner of heaven.
Giuli in Trento... not so far from you!
Posted by: Giuli | 07/22/2013 at 08:43 AM
Finding a place right away is awesome! We were in Army lodging in Germany for nearly 5 weeks before we were able to find a place and we were right in the German countryside about 30 mins from post so I am envious of your city center location. You will be so very happy there and it will be an amazing experience for your girls. My girls loved living overseas and tell me all the time that they miss Germany and we have been state side for a year now. They are 5 and 6 and all of their earliest memories are of our life there.
Enjoy your time and thanks for sharing your photos. We traveled extensively but only visited Venice while we were over there (a super long train ride, btw). My husband deployed twice while we were there so that took away a big chunk of time and we focused on other countries.
Posted by: Shanon Gibson | 07/22/2013 at 09:11 AM
Another lurker here who occasionally comments. So excited for you! What an amazing experience for the girls. I am also moving our family of 5 this month and after all you have talked about my move will be a breeze. Can't wait to here more about Italy!
Posted by: Karen | 07/22/2013 at 09:42 AM
Your apartment sounds fantastic! So happy for you and - I admit it - a little jealous! Enjoy and - please keep allowing us to be part of your journey!
Posted by: Pat Cloud | 07/22/2013 at 10:04 AM
A feeling of isolation is definitely part of the whole culture shock thing going on. Certainly not easy. But part of the adventure. There is always a trade off. It will be interesting how you deal with it. Fortunately you are not living there in the 1700's. lol. I say go get one of those gelatos and befriend the owner of the shop.
Posted by: Candy | 07/22/2013 at 10:10 AM
Oh what gorgeousness. I am totally living vicariously through your experience. Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos and stories. Your apartment is amazing. It is going to be so fun to see how you put your lovely decorating magic to work in it!
Posted by: Natalie (QSOgirl) | 07/22/2013 at 10:14 AM
I am so happy you found a place Steph. YAY! Italy is looking even better through your eyes and narration. I am definitely living vicariously through you all until I can scrimp and save enough moooolah to send myself and my family over there :)
I am not even on instagram but I still check yours daily for pics, so thank you! Big hugs and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!!!!!
Posted by: clippergirl | 07/22/2013 at 10:29 AM
I'm adding a third Amen to Kim. :) The apartment looks and sounds fabulous - congratulations on finding it so fast! I am loving seeing Italy through your eyes! Fingers crossed that we can take our kids there and to Malta (where my in-laws are from) next summer.
Posted by: Brenda | 07/22/2013 at 10:31 AM
Stephanie, I am another long time lurker as well. Six months ago my family and I uprooted to Hungary--Air Force. It has been the most magical times in our lives. I understand the isolation. But it is temporary. The Italians will love you and your beautiful girls--you'll be locals in no time! You will constantly be amazed at the beauty around you and your girls are going to absorb the language. Best wishes the best is yet to come!
Posted by: april jaehn | 07/22/2013 at 10:39 AM
We are here! Waiting and watching for photos. I can't wait to see more of the apartment. We took a whirlwind 17 day trip through Italy and it was so fast I don't remember much. Soak it all up - 3 years there and the girls will be more Italian than American...haha...
Posted by: Cathy | 07/22/2013 at 11:50 AM
wow, I am so thrilled for you! Would it be too forward to ask how much the apartment rents for? I would love to live in Italy someday :) Thank you!
Posted by: Sally | 07/22/2013 at 11:55 AM