Why Italy

Italian Culture?

hi, ok, i have seen italy in movies and home videos (im italian) many times, though never been there. from what i have seen, italy seems (to me) kind of dirty and poor, and i really feel awful for saying that and i dont want to think that, but i do. and i really want to live in europe one day, i speak spanish and english, and i would want to learn italian and live in italy only i feel as though i wouldnt have a good life and wouldnt be able to find a good job and stuff. can someone give me some websites or something, and your opinions to help me see italy in a better light? thanks much!

Public Comments

1. You must first realize that in Italy they value life different then we do in the USA. The best way to know Italy is to visit Italy. What you consider a good life has no relevance to what they see as a good life. It is a beautiful country that lives by its cultures and brings life back to the basics. God, Family and love are key and a committed way of life.
2. IT DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU LIVE SOME AREAS ARE POOR SOME CITIES ARE MODERN WITH MODERN APARTMENT BUILDINGS, SOME PLACES DO NOT HAVE WATER ALL DAY THIS IS MAINLY IN THE SOUTH BUT ALL AND ALL IT'S A VERY NICE COUNTRY. IF YOU HAVE PLAINS OF LIVING IN EUROPE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HAVE THERE WHAT YOU HAVE HERE,SO YOU BETTER CHECK IT OUT FIRST.
3. Italy is a very beautiful country there is so much art, music, and history there. You may think it's dirty, but it's all relative. I always hear Americans complaining about other countries being dirty, but the United States is filthy compared to countries like Iceland, Switzerland, and Singapore. I don't know what the job market is like though. I would recommend visiting Italy on vacation before you actually decide to move there. That is the best way to get all your questions answered.
4. I traveled pretty extensively in Florence and Rome recently. At a first glance, it does look dirty and poor, but then think of NYC and LA? It looks nasty and dirty just 2 blox away from times square! It's such an amazing country full of art, food and excellent wine! Italy rox and it's the first thing I think of when I think of the many places I've traveled. There's so much to experience there! Food: Why the heck do you think that,like, 55% of the restaurants in America are Italian ones! and it's not just spaghetti (the only reason I know how to spell this word right is because i'm italian too) But honestly, I think that America destroyed the original italian pizza. Pizza there is a little less thick, but has the most unique(Healthier!) tastes I've ever experienced! Sights: The Duomo, the coloseum, The david, La casa di Medici, canals, statues galore!! All in all it's an amazing country and is not even close to being matched by any other in the world. But don't take my word for it! Make some money and eventually travel there yourself. It's a definite thing you have to experience 1st hand! Good luck!
5. First of all - life is what YOU make it. Whether or not you have a good life is up to you wherever you live. It's all about attitude and ambition. Italy, like all countries, has it's good and its bad. I've been there several times and have yet seen the bad. I take that back - I have seen the bad getting off the train in Milan and in the train station in Naples. Lots of syringes and garbage laying on the ground. But, I think that is pretty typical in any big city near a train or bus station. The architecture and ancient buildings and piazzas are amazing. The people are colorful and the food delicious! It might be a good idea to start in a bigger city like Florence and see what you think. You could travel out to the countryside (Tuscany and Umbria) and visit some of the other cities easily (Venice, Rome). I think that once you are comfortable in one area you will be anxious to explore other area. Each region of Italy is different and special in its own way. My personal favorites are Lake Como, Venice, Positano and Florence. I'm sure there are many others I have yet to discover. Venice is polluted - but it is such a special place, I can overlook that. I've been there 5x and am always anxious for my next visit. Florence is noisy due to the traffic and mopeds - but the beauty of the art and architecture makes the noise disappear. I think that any of the websites promoting Italy would only focus on the positive attributes - as they are trying to lure you there. Contact the Italian Tourist Board and ask them to send you some information or access them on line at http://www.italiantourism.com/ YOu might also check out http://www.initaly.com/regions/regions.htm If it was me wanting to travel / work in Italy, I would base myself in a central location and a city big enough to offer decent employment. Then, on your off time you could travel and discover the other regions. Perhaps you want to consider teaching English in Italy. Check out http://www.transitionsabroad.com/publications/magazine/0501/finding_work_teaching_english_in_italy.shtml You can access additional websites about teaching by typing in "teaching English in Italy" You should definitly go. If you do, you'll love it!
6. i live in italy... but non in an italian film. so i am a normal person with a normal life.... or i may think california people are all beautiful and without problems..... and with enormous "real" tits???? come to italy as soo as possible ;)
7. I agree with the others as far as life being what you make it. Italy is BEAUTIFUL and wonderful! If you can live there - do it! (probably visit first to be sure) The people are friendly the food is delicious, the scenery is amazing, and it's clean. I went to my Grandfather's homeland in Calabria (Southern most Continental province), which is traditionally thought to be poor and country. It is a pretty low key, but as far as being dirty - false! You can pick berries straight off the bushes, right on the side of the road - and no one drinks bottled water, it flows clean and cool from the mountains into designated 'springs'. You know you can't believe Hollywood!
8. being italian and loving italy as i do, rome, is my favorite palce beautiful, historical, wonderful food, just a wonderful culture, they know how to enjoy life, not a rat race, but to savour every moment! bella,