Why We Chose Sicily Over France #19
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- Опубліковано 12 вер 2024
- Join us on our Sicilian Expat adventure!
This week we talk about why we left France for Sicily.
We're Elizabeth and Brian, a retired American couple from Oregon who quit working in our fifties to pursue our dream of living abroad. So far? Although there have been some bumps along the way, it has been a dream come true. Follow along as we fix up our abandoned old Sicilian farmhouse, discover our surroundings and learn about Sicilian wine and cuisine. Andiamo!
View all of our Sicily Farm House videos:
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For regular updates, and what Beth likes to call "pretty stuff" you can follow us on Instagram:
/ beeseurotravel
It’s funny how when one door closes another always seems to open. Kudos to you for recognizing when to stop and having the courage to change course. It seems that your dreams of a more idyllic life have finally come true.
Yes 😍
@@beeseurotravel You didn't mention Covid (lockdowns) til the end of your France story, but I read much about how Covid was handled in France--worse than US which itself was criminal. A man just taking a walk at 8pm at night in France could be stopped by police and arrested if he didn't have an approved reason for taking some air. As a French commenter notes below, the France you dreamed of no longer exists. You did a great service by fixing up the house, but now your life will be in sunshine. (Italy gov. was bad on Covid too, much of it lies, but you're in sunshine now).
Your vulnerability was very touching.
I live abroad too. Unfortunately my marriage didn’t survive the challenges of expat life.
To see you sticking together through it all, with love and acceptance, and the ability to admit defeat and just start fresh somewhere else is admirable.
I wish you lots of luck and joy on your Sicilian adventure. It looks like you found your happy place.
Happy spouse (s) = Happy House
Wow. Thanks so much for that. It means a lot
I was born and raised in France. I am profoundly French. I moved to the US 36 years ago. For the last 15 years, I dreamed about retiring in France, my native country. I knew where, what kind of property we would purchase, and was rejoicing about the details. Then, we went back to France 3 times for real estate and other things and things went really bad. I was assaulted by some illegal immigrants, which is a daily occurring in France now, my husband was irate when he understood that neither the police nor the justice were too concerned, and that "citizens did not have the right to defend themselves",(confirmed in a speech by the President himself). I found the country so dirty, so impoverished, so unsafe almost everywhere, so dysfunctional, and invaded by people who had absolutely no intention to integrate but wanted to impose their medieval beliefs to the French, and the list is long. I had to accept the idea that I will never retire in my own country. It is painful, but we have to let go. Life has others plans that sometimes are better for us. Good luck in Sicily.
Hi Beth and Brian, love your videos thank you 😊. As a Sicilian girl, born on the island of Lipari my family migrated to Australia when I was five after the war. Love my home in Australia but a part of my soul still lives in Lipari and Panera as this is were my mother grew up and my grandparents are buried. I still have relatives in Lipari. The first time I went back I was 35 years old and was shocked at how emotional I was as I had very little memories of Lipari. I cried when we landed there the first time. Have been back a few times and each time it feels like a part of me is coming home. My life in Australia is very peaceful and it’s also my happy place. So, Beth and Brian, as I follow your life in Sicily my heart longes to there too. So happy for you guys, looking forward to your next video. All the very very best. Please have some limoncello for me ❤
Will do when we get back 😉 I am so happy that you found your happy place. But Sicily is magical isn’t it? Thanks for watching 😊
What a great episode. The love and respect for one another makes the channel…and we all can and should learn from them
Thanks so much 😊
@@beeseurotravel I have to put in a plug for sunshine. My permanent home is NYC, but I lived part time in Tampa, Fla. and was totally shocked waking up everyday to beautiful sunshine, going out to check my garden, and finding things had grown overnight. You should have loads of fun with your vineyard in Sicily.
Thank you for being open and honest and very real.
Thanks. We are trying to keep it real 😊 And thanks for watching
Awe. Very sweet. You did a beautiful job with the house in France. But I will say, as one of your Sicilian UA-camr counterparts said, Sicily is like a mother that keeps calling you back. That rang true. Best wishes for the future!
Exactly! And thank you 😊
There is probably nothing that a good man can’t do when he has a good woman to help him and support him.
Fact.
As Grace Kelly reminded Cary Grant in his hilltop villa in Monaco in the 1955 film To Catch a Thief.
Thank you for sharing. Your story. Scicily is very special. I wish you both all the very best with your new venture 😊❤
Thank you so much! 😊
So so interesting your point of view about your French neighborhood... you had a Beautiful home in France. ❤❤❤❤
You have come into your own in Sicily!!!
Yeah we had a gorgeous house… but a house is just a box, really. Our house here is tiny but our lives are HUGE. Just love it here… Thanks for the kind words 😊
Wow! You did a Beautiful job on the French house. I'm sure you will do the same with the new home. Go where your heart is happy.😃
Yes! We’ll see what happens 😊
Thanks for posting such an honest and personal take on your journey in France. I lived in Germany and found the “helpful but closed” vibe to be similar.
One of the reasons we are interested in southern Italy is the more open sociability. Nice to hear that you are finding that there!
Thanks. And we feel very, very lucky. I think you can find what you’re looking for there…
Thank you for sharing. We are 56 and 61 and have been married 32 years. This age feels like a time of transition for me also. Trying to figure out how to make the most of the next 20-30 years-Lord willing! I have been keeping my eye out for a place in Italy for years but the hubs loves his job. Who knows?!
Sounds like “retirement” will be a big transition 😉 I never really liked my work so this was easy for me. Best of luck!!
Buongiorno guys. What a beautiful tale. I lived in a hamlet of 40 souls and a pet sanglier in the foothills of the Cevennes. It was magical - Peter Mayle on steroids. The neighbours were wonderful. My restoration experience was challenging, but ultimately sublime. But I moved. The winters were too long. I'm looking seriously at Sicily, most particularly the village of Gratteri. I'll have to get an ERV and enter the bureaucracy of Italia. However, as a survivor of the 'brick wall' of the Chambre de Commerce de Nîmes, I think I'll cope 😎. Your joie de vivre is infectious. Doors close and doors open. Arriba!
🤣🤣 Funny. And man… I love Peter Mayle. Good on you! I think you’ll like Sicily and the Sicilians. For us so far? The bureaucracy has not lived up to its reputation. Easy peasy
Gosh your French home was amazing, I love it . I just spent a week in Lyon and the villages around and fell in love. The food was delicious and cheap compared to Italy. I found the people polite helpful and willing to speak English ( contrary to what most people believe) I think being an expat has its challenges. Well done for the adventure. One chapter closes and another opens. You will add a lot to anywhere you are and the community will welcome you. Thanks for sharing your journey
Are you binging? 🤣🤣
@@beeseurotravel yes! I usually don't have time to watch anyone except an hour on Sunday. But today I did a 6km walk and an hour long lake swim and the collapsed on the couch and watched 4 of your videos ha ha
Life is forever evolving. Love your story. Europe does it for me too. I love the culture and people.❤🇦🇺
Yes on both counts. And thanks for the kind words 😊
I don’t know what it is about you two. I thought that the videos of you cleaning up the olive trees and painting the roof were great. I thought the scenery was the magic. But this video is great too. You are both fabulous story tellers. And what a story! It checks all the boxes and it makes me feel sorry for anyone who hasn’t found your beautiful channel. Yet.
Awww. That’s really nice. Thanks! Comments like yours keep us going and they mean more than you might imagine. For 30+ years I was an insurance broker and didn’t really like what I was doing. But I sucked it up and just did it, all the while wishing I could make a product, create a service, do SOMETHING that wasn’t so negative (in case you didn’t know most people HATE insurance 😝😉). I always thought that it could be a good product, but I never got the right idea and it never happened. Oddly, that void got filled for me when we started making these videos. The really nice “happy” comments we receive have done the trick. Glad you like our videos 😊
Missed seeing you guys. Have a great week
Thanks! You, too
I came to be living in Catellammare del Golfo, Sicily for 6 months of the year after having a spinal cord injury. Long story. But there is something about Sicily, more than just my Sicilian heritage, that draws you here. It's hard to explain. Yes the food is great, yes the climate is SO much better than Wisconsin, and the people I've become friends with are beyond wonderful. But for me anyways, it's almost like something mystical, a sense that I NEED to be there. It draws you and keeps you wanting more. Does any of this make sense? Haha Soon I will be looking into getting my Elective Residency visa so I can stay in Sicily full time. Ok, looking forward to your future episodes. Ciao, Paul
You Hit the nail on the head, saying that it is more than one's Sicilian heritage that draws one back. As a sicilian living in Germany I fully agree to that!
You are right on the money. There is something about this place that draws you in but is almost impossible to explain without sounding complete woo woo 😎
You did a lovely job on that French property. I used to flip houses and got thoroughly excited about projects when I was in my 20's and 30's. Now almost 60 I get upset if I have to change a light bulb. Non merci.
Hahahahah! I get it! As I get older I’m getting over it, too 😉
Happy Memorial day! Love watching you both on your videos and have been very interested in buying an Italian property for a while and you have me seriously considering Sicily. Thank you for sharing your experiences and giving a wonderful look into your journey in Noto, Sicily
It’s a great place. Thanks for watching 😊
Today on the Life Styles Of The Cold and Grey…I’m hoping that you can see this experience as a stepping stone to this new adventure. This can be the greatest little French Village and not be the right village for you. I’m glad that you are sharing this experience. Living for a dream can be disheartening because life never ends up being perfect. BTW, I’ve lived in my house for 23 years and we are finally ripping out the 80’s kitchen. You far surpassed my renovation schedule!😘
😝 You’re funny. Thanks for watching 😝
Beth and Brian, I am new to your channel and am really enjoying it. I have to say this video really touched me and I so appreciate your honesty and openness. My husband and I have a total fixer upper in a small village in Abruzzo that we bought during covid. We didn't intend to retire there, but instead go for long visits. Our circumstances changed, however, keeping us in the US most of the time. And the house needs so much work. I wish we had purchased something smaller, so I can sympathize with Beth on that! We haven't given up on Italy, but we are certainly having to take the longer view. Anyway, enough about me. From watching your videos you do seem so, so happy in Sicily! The happiness is infectious! Thanks for sharing and allowing others to vicariously live the Sicily experience.
Thanks. And best of luck to you. I hope you’re able to figure things out and spend as much time as you’d like in Abruzzo. 😊
I love watching your videos. It’s so inspiring to see you following your dreams together.
And for me I enjoy seeing the love and respect between you. I just got divorced after 36 years of marriage and trying to find what is next for me. I love Italy, but have only traveled solo and long for someone to share it with.
You guys give me hope that happiness is possible even when things don’t go exactly as planned.
Ugh. That’s a long time. Hopefully you’ll find a great travel partner and friend. We got really lucky. My Dad died when I was young. Tragic. But I’d have never been here if that didn’t happen. I hope there is some serendipity in the future for you 😊
As a French native who moved to the US 30 years ago, and now moving back (half year only for now as the kids are still in high school) to Europe, I decided to choose Sicily where my heart has been since I was 12. I got so many questions about why I was not moving back to my birth country. The Sicilian people (and beautiful Sicily of course) were an easy choice for my husband and I. While very attached to my French roots, it is not for me. I grew up in a French village so I understand your decision 100 percent! I do think that things happen for a reason and your story continues in a new place, with a beautiful story to tell about your French life :) Benvenuti alla Sicilia!!
Mon frangin a quitté l'Italie à cause des taxes. De retour en France, il économise 1000€!
Thanks for that. And the same to you 😊
Sometimes what we think we want, is not what we need. But you did it. How blessed you are to have one another.
Yes… we are very, very lucky 😊 Thank you.
Love you two more than words can ever say. ❤
Thanks, Cheryl. We love you, too
When I saw you in your sweater, I knew instantly you were not in Sicily. Lol. Living in France and Germany can be cold, rainy and dark, it does take some getting used to. Thanxs for sharing the very personal story of your journey in Europe. Having lived in Germany for 40 years, I can see how it all played out. So happy for you all to have found a place your belong. I wish I had gone to Sicily earlier in my travels, I would have returned there again. It was such a wonderful surprise. Glad you are back to videos.
Thank you 😊
Cold rainy and dark? LOL! What are the places you've been to?
@@longingfortheharpazomoment7743 In France? We’ve been just about everywhere. I spent around 4 months in Basque Country, 2 months in Provence, 6 weeks in the Languedoc, a month in the Dordogne, endless weeks in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Normandy and Brittany. And then 5+ years here!
@@beeseurotravel Oh it was not addressed to you at all. But to Kerriegood.
First of all welcome to Italy and then wow what beautiful words, I wish you a life full of joy and happiness ❤❤❤❤
Thank you 😊
So glad I found you guys! My France was in Tampa. I know the heart felt emotions you went through. And I dislike that end of the job punch list, as well!!!
Yeah. It sucks when it doesn’t work out the way you’d hoped, but I’ve always told my kids “Don’t Retreat!” So we kept after it and found this amazing place in Sicily. And the punch list crap? Don’t get me started 🤣
Oh, forgot to tell you what a great job you both did on the hotel remodel. We loved the before and after shots, especially the after shots! Gorgous!
Thanks. We’ll lay the tile and plaster some walls if you help us with the solar? 😉😘
@@beeseurotravel That's a deal guys!
So good to have u back been checking daily for a video. I have same worries about our planned move to Sicily as my husband is very social. Im more introverted. But we need a change, an adventure. For now im living vicariously through you. Beautiful honest video.
Thanks 😊 Send us a msg on Instagram. Maybe we can put your mind at ease. Beth is pretty introverted, too, believe it or not
I love your channel! My grandfather came from Sicily, and it’s wonderful to get a tiny window into the place he lived. The idea of moving from the US to Italy or Sicily is a dream for me (fantasy, truly)…there’s no way we could make that work for a number of reasons, but I did want to say that even where we live (smallish town) in California, the mentality changed after COVID. People are more distant. Even our group of friends do a lot less together now. It’s sad. I think people realize that when the SHTF, you’re on your own. It’s kind of awful, regardless of how accurate it might be. Best of luck with your life in Sicily! Enjoy!
Thanks! And C19 did really change a lot, didn’t it? I feel like it made people a lot more distant, too, (angry as well) and maybe you hit the nail on the head? My sister had the same experience in NC. Its sad. Thanks for watching our videos. Hope they give you a little pick me up from time to time 😊
I want to go to Sicily so bad. And my husband has about 10% left on projects left to finish in our current home here in California. But he rebuilt a ho.e a France as well and I'm always up gor an adventure. I'm excited for you guys.
Ah. The dreaded 10%. That has hung over my head like a thundercloud for the past 30 years 🤣 Good luck !!
Fun to hear the back story. I know Noto well having lived in Malta for seven years. I can imagine the vibe you are experiencing. in Sicily. Noto is especially beautiful.
Yeah. It’s great 😊
That was a really beautiful video of you being so honest. I envy you being a couple, sharing those experiences and memories. That hasn’t been available to me in my life unfortunately. It’s so amazing that you still have the adventurous spirit to create more memories. I do agree the whole Covid debacle changed many aspects of society, promoting fear and damaging possibilities. I love your videos and watching you create more memories. I’ve been to Italy once and want to come back. It’s just so beautiful there..maybe it’s possible for me to return in the next year.
Thanks for the kind msg. Don’t retreat! You never know… and I hope you make it back to Italy sooner rather than later 😊
You guys have a remarkable attitude!! Loved hearing your story ! 🌺🌸🌺🌸
Thanks. We try ! 😊
Hello you 2, missed your videos😢 but good to "see" you again! 😊
Thanks 😊
Great parenting!
Would love to see a link to the listing of your house in France when you put it up For Sale.
Ok. Will do
What a great video. This videos fills in some gaps for us viewers. When one door closes another one opens…. You would have never had Sicily if you had not jumped in and did France! Ok. One question, so, have you gone to France to actually sell the house? Is it sold?
Yes. Exactly. And yes we are here to get the house ready to sell. Yesterday the guy came to do the inspection necessary for us to sell the house…and we passed with flying colors 😅😅
wow, avec mes 11 frères et sœurs , nos enfants et leurs enfants nous sommes à peu près 100 dans ma famille…nous pourrions facilement remplir un petit village…lol. Ayant voyager en France et en Italie pour moi les deux sont fantastiques. Le but est vraiment d’être heureux c’est ce que vous semblez être. Amusez vous et allez de l’avant. 💕💕💕
😝 Merci bien. Venez nombreux !
Beth & Brian,
I was so happy to see you had a video up today!
Wow, you really touched me with such transparency. Sharing the deep love and support you have for one another was wonderful. I am deeply honored by your vulnerability. Thank you ❤
I'm excited to see how your Sicily home comes along!
So kind. Thank you. It makes us happy to know that we are making a small difference 😊
Hola from our mountain in Spain. We moved from UK 18 years ago, bought a plot of land, lived totally off grid for 6 years before building a dream house. 10 happy, exciting years living in that, but always a niggle it wasn't IT ! We loved the house, the village, the lifestyle & the advantage of some family close by. So.....at the ripe old age of 73 we soid up & took on another project. We bought an old Casita, unlived in for well over 20 years and started again. We love it, its reduced me to tears far more than building from scratch, but we know this is it !! A new adventure, keeps us going, and proves its never too late... Sicily is a stunning part of the world, your have such a pretty house to work with. Enjoy every minute, and just take your time. Love ♥️
Ah! Another crazy couple! 😝 Congrats. I admire your love of life and your sense of adventure. 🙌
That makes perfect sense. I wonder, how did you find Sicily? Had you been all over Italy and then chose Sicily? Sicily sounds perfect. Was it the weather?
We travelled a fair amount thru Italy. Tuscany was beautiful, but really touristic. Same for Como and that area. Umbria was nice. But we found that the further south we went the more friendly and open the people became. Puglia was great, but Sicily? It’s so hard to explain but it’s almost like a siren call. We spent 6 weeks in Sicily and became enchanted. It’s magical and you should visit 😎
It is always hard to recognize that where you are is just not what you thought it was. You guys are putting it out there, respect. We are at that point in Vancouver, BC. I am from California, wife is from Austria. We lived in Austria for 18 years. Moved to Canada when our son was in college. Now we plan to go back to Austria or Italy. New adventures seem to keep you (and I) going. Thanks for sharing your adventures and wish you both a healthy and happy future in bella Sicily!
Thanks a lot. And all the best to you, too, in finding your happy place 😊
We bought a fixer-upper home in Domme, France in 2012. You are spot-on regarding the locals. We had no friends and mostly talked to other expats but it was difficult. In 2022 we sold our home and bought another in Tucson, Arizona. Big change but we have settled in. But I miss it in so many ways and now am dreaming of southern Italy. I’ll be watching and yes perhaps planning.
It’s like night and day. We are so happy here. Come and visit and maybe you’ll find it. People here are exceptionally warm and friendly and open 😍
You two are so much in love! It's plain to see. Thank you so much for sharing your journey together with all of us. Brian, France was a dream of yours that many of us share. I'm so happy you have Beth to share your dreams with. Don't let a good life get in the way of a great one! We look forward to seeing your next adventure together in Sicily.
Yeah… we are. So lucky. Thanks for watching and we can’t wait to get things rolling again in Sicily!
Hi Beth & Brian, what a sweet tribute Beth! We are coming to Sicily next Easter and would like to know if you think the festival in Ferla is the best one to go to. Thanks!
I don’t know 🤷♂️ There are lots of them sprinkled throughout Sicily. For us, this was all new and exciting and the size and proximity was perfect for us!
Lol I am going through the same thing here in Australia. as I am now sadly single and downsizing in anticipation of my retirement in eighteen months. I have decided to move to another state in the countryside ( which in Australia is like moving to another country as far as people are concerned ) my old neighbours look at me blankly and say W H Y ?
My answer is simple “ because I want too, “, it’s like that saying from an old Audrey Hepburn movie where she says ,”I am from New York but I LIVE in Paris “
it’s that simple I deserve a new life simple . !
All power and best wishes to you both in your new adventure in life.
Good on you!! I love that. And all the best to you, too. Thanks for the kind words 😊
Such an inspiring video! My husband and I are both middle school teachers (20 years in) and the job has changed so much, I am now counting the time until retirement. Italy has long been the dream and you are starting to sway us towards Sicily. If only to have someone to play board games with! We are hoping to come for another visit in a year or so, to test it out. Your videos keep us yearning to go back. Thanks for the content ❤
It’s a great place 😊 Thanks for watching and Beth was a middle school teacher for 15 years. too!
You two are winners no matter where you are planted! God Bless and love you both!
Awww. Thank you.
You hit the nail on the head. Friends.
As expats in Sweden a majority of our good friends are other American expats. We have very little native Swedish friends. Like 3.
That feeling of having the type of friends who can drop by anytime say hello, invite to coffee, dinners, birthdays, and talk about medical care tips 😊, etc. so important!
We are lucky, both our neighbors are friendly, we share plants during garden season (the few months we have), we can ask them any house questions, and end up talking during yard work, etc.
For us it’s the long winters. Very hard since we both are from sunshine states.
Truth be told, it’s been my dream to live in the south of France similar with Gite. Grow a massive garden and lavender. Had map of France in the US hanging in my office. We took French lang course (omg hard lang.) we only took 6 courses and stopped. Also didn’t help the class was so so. We have great Swedish courses.
But because hubs didn’t speak the lang. No hope of a job transfer = no long term residency. We’re still curious about one area in France, but mostly Italy. We will explore a few area this Oct. and likely do the whole -couple months in Italy to escape the darkness, and explore Italian regions.
Your home in France is stunning. That alley transformation wow ❤ And your home in Sicily is wow, a gardeners farmers dream. ❤❤❤ Every time you show your property, trimming olive trees, and your amazing neighbors, we say wow, that’s what would be so nice. Thank you for sharing.
All about family, friends, farming/gardening, and sunshine for days.
Yes! I LOVE FRANCE 🇫🇷. Full stop. And if we could have found something in France for an ok price we probably would’ve stayed. But we got this amazing house and property for 65,000 €. And then pile on the beautiful people and food and wine? Sold.
And yes. The friend piece is so important. Americans are really different and I didn’t realise how open we are until I came here. Sicilians are even MORE so. Firehouse so. And we love it. Best of luck to you two. If you come to Noto look us up 😎
Ciao guys, really enjoyed the latest video and speaking for all of your new expat friends in Sicily, we're very happy that you are here! Looking forward to your return and the gathering that follows! Stay safe and Ci vediamo presto,
John and Diana
Can’t wait for the reunion!
Brian,what an awsome job you did on the home (building) Look what you gave to the village! There's more life to live,and you may change your mind again. BE HAPPY 😊
Thank you!! A lot I think? But I have to admit that I’m a little sad that only one our neighbors has come by to say goodbye 🥲 Maybe the French are bad at goodbyes 🤷♂️
Hi we were in your neighbourhood yesterday Ragusa and Noto and have to say it's truly a magical area. 😊
Right? I can never quite find the right adjective…
Love your courageous outlook and sense of adventure. 💞
Thanks! We are trying 😊
France was a first step outside US. It is still Europe, which is in some respect dying, but still is the best place to live. I live in Florence (actually, it is Firenze!) and Tuscany is a wonderful region, no need to say. However, Sicily is on its own: history, places, people, food, sea, sun, a deep philosophy of life which has no comparison. The way to accept you as you are, with no judgment, because of their inner feeling that in any case they know much more of life than you can imagine.
You’re 💯 right 😊
Thank you for being so open about the struggles you faced in France. I look forward to your adventures in Noto. Greetings from Eugene, Oregon!
Go Ducks! Thanks for watching 😊
Wow, what a beautiful difference on your home in France . I love the stone work.
Thanks! Us, too 😍
What talent you guys have! That house is gorgeous! Totally understand why you are moving on. So excited to see more from Sicily!!
Us, too! 🤣
You guys did a great job with the house in France, but it’s time to move on to new experiences. You’re doing the right thing. ❤
Thanks 😊 Well before we decided to look around for another house I told Beth I only have one renovation left in me! This is it…
Thanks for the honesty on your journey. Yes, the house is gorgeous but a house isn’t everything as you’ve learned. Community and friendships are the keys to a content life at least it is for us. We moved to Ireland 3 years ago and have never looked back after living most of my life in the US. We spent 6 weeks in France this winter hoping it would be a great yearly break.
We felt very lonely there after getting used to the friendliness in Ireland. I’ve never been to Sicily but will visit next winter and I have a good feeling that we will enjoy it enough to maybe e return yearly. e.
Wish you all the best on your new chapter. 💚☘️
I think you’re on to something 😉 Thanks for watching 😊
Thanks for being willing to be so transparent. You are a breath of fresh air ~ genuine, authentic. Just subscribed, and I'm following your journey now in Sicily. 💕
Thank you 😊 Glad you are enjoying the videos!
Terrific and informative video, highlighting that life doesn’t always go as planned. However, with hope and determination, new chapters can be written. Second-guessing oneself isn’t productive; it’s inspiring to see that you both are embracing the change and making the best of it. Sicily will give you so much for so little and I wish you continued happiness!
Thank you so much 😊
Hey, I know you from Oregon! My family had a soccer team that your son played on a bit.
We've been thinking of moving to France for a year for some adventure - so funny that UA-cam popped your video into my feed. Good luck in Sicily!
The team with the Minors? He loved playing indoor soccer 😎 Good luck to you!
you have so much perspective. you are open to growing, beautiful!
Beth is much better at it than I am but I’m learning 😝
Hi Beth and Brian thanks for your honesty I can see it’s been an emotional journey and your home in France is lovely, but perhaps it was all a necessary part of your way to your forever home in Sicily. You have made me want to explore more of Italy and now Sicily, where previously I was just concentrating on France. I admire you for “having a go” as we say in Australia, life is short enjoy your adventures. Good luck ❤
Thanks for the kind words 😎 And you’re exactly right. France is GREAT. I love France, the people, the food, the wine, everything. But I have to admit that Sicily is even better. Except for maybe the wine 😉 Good luck with your travel plans. It’s hard to go wrong in Sicily.
No. I completely understand. I don’t want to argue with you. For us the tax situation is marginally worse here. We save around 3,000€ on property tax. Food, restaurants and many other daily living things are much cheaper. It’s just not income tax. Plus we would never choose a place to live solely on income tax. And we would never have found this kind of a property for 65,000 € in France. It doesn’t even exist! So for right now we’re happy paying what we have to pay for the quality of life we have here.
What a story .. my curiosity is that it would have been great to see the French property in a walking video in and out .. my roots are Italian and I have been there playing music many times ! Palermo has a great big band
Your 💯 right. I wish we’d done more video in the beginning, but…
you did a beautiful job on the restoration, I'm sure you can do it again, this time in the sun!
Yes! Thank you 😊 Can’t wait to get back at it.
Brian, I am “almost” 40 years in the trades (high end tile and cabinetry) and your work ethic on renovations puts a majority of them to shame. There comes a time when that last 10% needs a less critical eye… balancing progress with perfection is the tight wire professionals have to deal with daily. Blessings on your journey!
Im so glad to hear that. Thanks. It means more than you know…
Hi. New to your channel. Only saw a few videos so far. May I ask why you initially didn’t choose Nice or some other city on the southern coast which has sunny weather.
We were really interested in Antibes but we just got priced out. Plus we decided we wanted some land. We bought our place for 65,000 €. That wouldn’t even get you a studio apartment in Antibes (never mind Nice!)
Thank you so much for explaining your situation! Oddly mirrored mine after 25 years in northern Italy (my parents Italian) from California, the thing about small towns, and mine wasn't as small as yours, is that tho people were kind and I did have friends who invited me all the time and them to me... frankly it was very provincial and I too got bored, I think it's the luck of the draw.
I'm now in Mexico, also because of those long cold grey European winters and sort of thinking I would see my son and his family more from Denver... altho that hasn't panned out as I had hoped, their kids are in high school now and you know how that is 🙄, they're all busy and that's just life.
But I'm happy with the weather, tons of sun, average temp year around about 70-85, I remodeled, work in the garden because that's what I like to do, have friends from all over the world who understand what's going on and so you can discuss things and frankly get along better with them than the Americans here, because in my heart I'll always be more European than American. 🙊
A lot more challenges than in Europe, the power goes out all the time, water issues, contractors say they know 'everything' and don't... but over all I'm just fine here for the last chapter. My house is comfortable but not big and fancy and somehow have accumulated 5 dogs ( you'd have to be here to know how that happens, there are many of us who never thought we would do that 😄) tho not a partner in the adventures. Anyway it's my life and I feel fortunate that I've been able to see, taste and experience a lot of countries and my world has been big and learned that we are ALL members of the family of man and fundamentally with the same hopes and expectations as everyone else on this planet... a wish for a roof, safety, 'enough' and peace.
Wow. Very well said and I can totally relate. Thanks for sharing that.
@@beeseurotravel Well you hit a cord... sorry to have gone on and on, but with all the YT videos telling people how wonderful everything is ( because I do like European remodel videos), it sort of makes me laugh. Because once the house is done you have to live with the reality of where you are and you WILL find out if it suits you or not. 😉
Awesome, really appreciate you sharing your experiences. I’m curious how much time you spent in France before deciding to move there? My plan is to be in Italy in the next 3-5 years. I have been to Italy many many times and have some friend in the north.
Around 6 months…
Visited friends in France last week, she is French, he English but has lived in France for 35 years. They moved 15 years ago for work from Brittany to Normandy and have no friends at all where they live now. They have tried, he plays bass in a band so lots of socialising but no friends. It’s a strange cultural thing I think - glad you found Sicily and your people there.
Thanks. Us, too. I don’t get it either… we worked really hard to integrate, but? 🤷♂️
@@beeseurotravel I was so sad for our friends who in retirement are now looking to move from the home they have spent years making exactly as they want it in a beautiful little village. Same experience - perhaps a village / small town thing ? When they were living near Rennes we joined them once for a great NYE party with their friends and community - in a large function hall, we all brought food, all carefully planned as to which of us were to bring which dishes. There were bands and karaoke - all on large tables so no cliques - everyone was super welcoming of us Brits and we partied eating drinking and dancing till dawn.
What a lovely wife.
Yes. Beyond amazing…
My son and I have been watching your videos for about a month now. “What a lovely wife” was a remark my 52 year old son said to me one evening. That’s a nice compliment to both of you.
Wow the house is awesome.
Thanks. Yes. Classic French country! 😍
I think you are so pretty. I love your hair cut. Such a sweet personality.
Beth says « thank you. » 😊
cool video!! great insights
Thanks. And thanks for watching 😊
When you say you think you were unlucky what did you mean? Like, in what respect? Did the inspector mean they thought you might have found a community where you would've found friends in another neighborhood or another part of France? 17:45
Yes. I think the in the south we might’ve had better luck as the people are much more “open.” The sun makes a huge difference.
This is what I said in another comment (copied): Long story, but bottom line we just didn’t land in the right village. Absolutely gorgeous, but a little too much history between the rival “clans” and because we weren’t in one of them it got us kicked to the Island of Misfit Toys 🤣🤣 We were just kind of lonely. We know English people in other local villages who’ve had totally different experiences, get together regularly with their neighbors and feel like they’re really part of the community. People In Feniers ALWAYS had our backs and that felt great, but we never really felt included…
I'm with you Brian, dammit she made me cry too!
Right? I’m a lucky guy…
Love your content and style! I see myself doing what you’re doing! Quick question about driver’s license and registering a vehicle in Sicily. Did you get European licenses and was it easy to register a vehicle? Thanks in advance for the reply! Ciao!
Not. We have to tackle that challenge soon. We have 1 year
@@beeseurotravel Thanks for the reply and all the best! Looking forward to more great content.
♥
Long article in the NYTimes yesterday about the terrible drought that Sicily has suffered from for several years - and it's getting worse. This isn't just a watershortage, it's desertification. Scily is drying up. Farm production is collapsing and water levels in reservoirs are down 90%. That's not a typo or an exaggeration.
It's climate change, folks. It's real. It's burning up the whole of southern Europe.
Climate change is definitely an issue.
The covid distance was, sadly, worldwide. Fear of life and the future. Lack of trust. You will love Italy. However, if after time, you need something or somewhere else, go and do it. You can rewrite your chapters. 😊❤
Yes 😊
Hi Brian & Beth...Can you tell us a bit about the process of moving to Sicily, with the paperwork, immigration etc? My husband and I are now planning our retirement and Sicily is the place we think we want to be. We currently live in Canada but need a change. Any helpful hints would be wonderful, how do we start the process? Thanks so much for any help you can give. muchly appreciated ...
It’s not hard. Come and spend as much time as you can to find your « place » then go for it. Buying a house is easy and for us even the elective residency visa was a breeze!
@@beeseurotravel Hi Brian & Beth, thank you so much for responding. I have been watching your videos, just love them. I hope that we can be over there next May for 4 - 6 weeks. ,crossing my fingers. I love the countryside that you have shown, can you share more specifics of where you are ??? It looks amazing.
I just found your videos! As a 🇨🇦 looking to retire in 2 years to Italy. I’m curious about the location choice? I love Tuscany but also love the water. I’m thinking Puglia. Sicily looks wonderful and could be an option, do you find the ferry an issue? Or fly? I’m on Vancouver Island and at times it’s frustrating getting off the island!
Tuscany for us was a little too touristic but we LOVE Puglia. Sicily is Puglia but even better
@@beeseurotravel thanks for replying. Ya Tuscany is touristy, I have romantic ideals from a summer I spent there in my 20’s. 😀. I will check out Sicily, a good friend is from Siracusa and he just sold his mothers apt! 50kEU. Great condition and location .
Thank you! I agree European lifestyle is the best.
I wished America could be like that.
Me, too…
What did you mean by being unlucky in France?
Long story, but bottom line we just didn’t land in the right village for us. Absolutely gorgeous, but a little too much history between the rival “clans” and because we weren’t in one of them got us kicked to the Island of Misfit Toys 🤣🤣 We were just kind of lonely. We know English people in other local villages who’ve had totally different experiences, get together regularly with their neighbors and feel like they’re really part of the community. People In Feniers ALWAYS had our backs and that felt great, but we never really felt included…
@@beeseurotravel thanks for replying! Did you consider moving to another village in France? Maybe one with better winter weather?
Yes. But the south of France has become impossibly expensive. We bought this place with 7.5 acres, fruit trees, etc. for the price of a Tesla. In the south of France it would be 500k. Even more in Provence. We just weren’t ready to go all in…
@@beeseurotravel 500k?!?! 😳 Smart move to Italy, which is my dream. 🤞
Right? It was a no brainer for us. I hope you can make your dream come true. It’s very inexpensive to live here and it’s a beautiful life 😊
Spent cost theory
Yeah… we left before it got serious 😉
You definitely chose the wrong area in France
Yep. I love France. I love French people… but yes …
@@beeseurotravel Apologies, I couldn't follow the pronunciation of the village in France...is it Feniers? I am also looking at (planning for!) retirement in France or Italy, but have problems with cloudy/gray days (not many in California where I live)....could you please provide the general location where you were in France? I had been looking at the south of France, but the allure of land and a home has my search spreading all over France. I started with Italy, but thought that France may have an easier visa situation to navigate....I'm still learning :). Thank you for this video, it really helps to see people (bravely) throw themselves into a dream and then (bravely) change their minds and treat themselves with grace. I've been there (!) and you inspire me to do this better going forward. All the best to you in Sicily!
1970s kid / old school punk Nyc writer living in Europe since 1995….never bought, never had the cash, artist life doesn’t bring much $ other than entering other worlds/ dimension of imagination…& creating those spaces for audience…but writing about ww2 my midwife mother in Nazi germany & polish officer captured by Germans,…Germany is tough and nyc winters at least hv sun….vs the Berlin East German gray so for last ten years looking at lower France where there is sun…and west Sicily…I hv artist comrade who is French build house in noto…outside-ish noto and I will be enrolling in Italian school to learn language & wander & seek good humans / goats / cheese making and a cheap house near water…coast…hoping to find…calmly..and syncranicity …not forcing….the Italian energy allows that…( but I worry about Americans coming to buy buy flip flip…as THAT AMERICAN REAL ESTATE VIRUS IS DIRTY & has destroyed america soul) ( most Italians don’t hv that “buy sell but sell” virus) I pray more beings that come to Sicily come w respect & humbleness!!!!
We are visitors..to their land…
& petsonally .I need to be warm in winter…I felt THE WAY YOU SPOKE about France for a while..
The ITALIANO VIBE IS MORE EXPRESSIVE / warm/ open/ less “chilly” ( weather & heart) more akin…to my old school New Yorker communication…we all chat, w passion, speak w our hands…( not anymore in nyc but I still do when I go back 1x a year) I appreciate your joy….& ageless adventure..I am a 50 something gay old school lady orphan just seeking good community…kindness, ancient churches and sanctuary, and compassion….to serve, help, care …old fashioned codes of honor and virtue..
I pray I can find my path…and hope to support your GREAT ADVENTURE / great expectation epic journey into the great SIMPLICITY OF THIS LIFE….YOU ALREADY HV EACH OTHER…WHAT A treasure gift u guys have!!!! Soooo many do not hv that WEALTH….another humanoid who “gets you”…
Blessings to you both….and respect for ur sharing…honesty….”we never lose…/ no mistakes….we can only win….or learn….”
Mon frère a habité en Italie pendant 20 ans. Nous sommes français mais aussi italiens. Il vient de faire tous les papiers pour ne plus être domicilié en Italie vu les taxes abominables que le gouvernement impose! Moins cher donc en France! Vous n'êtes pas allé là où il fallait aller!!! Mais en Sicile, ils sont peut-être sympas, mais vous allez vous ennuyer aussi car leur mentalité est très très très fermée!! Ce sont eux les meilleurs selon eux, tout comme les américains qui pensent pareil de leur pays. Je vis aux USA maintenant et pour moi, c'est difficile de voir la superficialité des gens! Signé : une française dont le grand-père est calabrais et la grand-mère, sicilienne.
That hasn’t been our experience, but sorry it didn’t work out for your brother.
@@beeseurotravel It did work out!!! But retirement is hell in Italy but you'll discover by yourself. By living back to France, he's saving €1000 a month! Good luck!
Good for him 😎
@@longingfortheharpazomoment7743I think you have watched too many stereotypical Hollywood movies about Sicilians. And if you say that besides being French, you are also Italian, then maybe you are just as closed minded as they are. Luckily my experience with Sicilians has always been great. Love Sensational Sicily!
@@artlover7638 No I didn't watch Sicilians movies but my family (dad and grand parents) are 100% Italians and brother lived in Italy for more than 30 years. If I were close minded, I wouldn't live in another country than the one I was born in.
The covid distance was, sadly, worldwide. Fear of life and the future. Lack of trust. You will love Italy. However, if after time, you need something or somewhere else, go and do it. You can rewrite your chapters. 😊❤
Yep. Sad, but we all learned a lot…