From Illinois to Sicily: Embracing a New Life Abroad
In this engaging interview: “From Illinois to Sicily: Embracing a New Life Abroad”, Gregg shares his inspiring journey from Peoria, Illinois, to the picturesque landscapes of Sicily.
After a successful career in financial services and real estate, he and his wife, Terri, embraced their dream of retiring in Italy.
Gregg reflects on the challenges they faced, from language barriers to adjusting to a slower pace of life, while celebrating the joys of Italian culture, cuisine and community.
He offers valuable insights for anyone considering a major life change and emphasizes the importance of patience and adaptability in their new adventure.
Join us as we explore their life-changing experience in southern Italy!
Hi Gregg, tell us a little bit about yourself, where were you born, what do you do and why did you decide to take up this lifestyle and move?
Born in Peoria, Illinois.
Retired after many years in financial services and then owner of a real estate brokerage.
My wife, Terri, and I have always been intrigued by the Italian lifestyle and knew this is where we wanted to retire.
What were the biggest difficulties you encountered in this life changing journey?
Being patient.
Things take a bit longer, but realizing we had waited all of our lives for this so what’s a few more months.
Initially, the communication, but that has changed as we learn new words and phrases every day.
Being immersed in it is really the only way to go for us.
Nothing against classes and apps on smart devices, but being here in Sicily and living amongst the residents is the best for us.
With language how did you do? How long did it take you to understand and be understood?
See above. Also, we found people that speak both languages.
Many of the younger residents want to learn more English and we want to learn more Italian.
It’s a perfect match.
And we have made some really good friends here.
How do you feel about Italy? What are the positive and negative aspects of living in this country?
We love the lifestyle.
The food, the wine, the focus on family and friends.
The history of the country, especially where we are in southern Sicily is simply amazing.
Honestly, the only negative thing we would say is the driving.
Get used to lots of amateur Formula 1 drivers.
It’s crazy at times, but I have learned to easily adapt and just them do their thing.
I’m retired. I’m in no hurry.
What do you deal with in life? Do you think you would have had the same opportunities in your country?
Being retired is a real change in lifestyle.
People back in the states would ask all the time, ‘what are you going to do now that you don’t have to work anymore?’
I always answered, ‘what ever I want’.
We are fortunate to live right on the Mediterranean and a short three minute walk to one beach or 15 minute walk to another.
I spend a lot of time in the gym.
My wife and I do yoga and pilates.
She is an amazing cook and learning traditional Sicilian cooking recipes.
We visit historical sites and some days just drive around the country side being amazed at the landscape and the varying architectural building styles.
You can really do whatever you want.
You just have to get out of bed.
Do you miss home and your family? Do you go back to visit them often?
We do miss some things back in the states.
We especially miss our daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren.
I miss the young Realtors that worked in my brokerage and keep tabs on their progress.
Using What’s App we are able to communicate easily with our parents, aunts and cousins.
Close friends are only a video call away.
The seven hour time difference between here and the Midwest can be a problem at times, but we usually figure it out and get everyone together.
We have only been here 5 months so no trips yet back to the states, but they will come.
Finding someone to cat sit for our two large Maine Coon cats is our biggest hurdle.
What are your plans for the future?
Continue to learn the language, make new friends and explore the country.
Getting my Italian drivers license is a short term goal that will require some effort as the test is currently only in Italian and I have to go to driving school again. LOL.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to make this life change and move to another country?
Go for it.
Do your homework and research where you want to live.
Most importantly ask yourself why? This is not America or the country in which you currently reside.
Remember, you will be required to get a visa.
No which one will work for you.
Read the visa requirements on that country’s Consulate website. For us it was Italy.
Make sure you read the requirements for the Consulate for the part of the states in which you live.
While the requirements are pretty much the same each Consulate has discretion over what they will and won’t accept.
From the time of our first appointment to actually moving into our new place was actually 13 months.
We were glad it took that much time as we had a lot to do to “close shop” back in the states and prep for living in Italy.
This is a journey with many steps along the way.
We are guests in Sicily and follow the guidelines and live our lives as respectfully as we can every day.
We are blessed to live here and pinch ourselves every day.
Than you very much, Gregg!
Gregg’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s dreams and the rewards of embracing new experiences.
His journey highlights the beauty of immersing oneself in a different culture while navigating the challenges that come with such a significant transition.
As he and Terri continue to explore their new home, their resilience and passion for life serve as an inspiring reminder that it’s never too late to embark on a new adventure.
Whether you’re considering a move abroad or simply seeking a change, their experience encourages us all to take the leap and discover what truly matters.
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