I definitely agree with the trash all over Italy and especially Sicily and the job market. As for pollution and stress I feel that it's the same as every city in the world at least on the positive the longevity in Italy is far longer than most other places in the world.
@@letsandiamo Diversity is no value in itself. It's neither good nor bad. Where is the point in making a country "diverse", anyway? Would you complain about countries such as Nigeria or the Philippines to be not diverse enough?
@@MrPinoCavallo whoa Mr sensitive. likes and dislikes are a personal opinion, you don't have to agree. If someone said they lived in Canada and didn't like snow I wouldn't take it personally like that way you are. Note, I never said I wanted Italy to be diverse.
Thanks for speaking the truth, sis! A lot of people will appreciate knowing the realities of living in Rome (and Italy), too. Living abroad isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. We know that after spending years abroad. Every country has pros and cons. 👏🏽
I am an Italian living in Austin. Just a remark on the cost of living. Italy can be very attractive financially if you have or can get a European citizenship / permanent residency and have worked most of your career in the US. The citizenship will get you access to healthcare and education anywhere in the EU while the savings you have accumulated generally, speaking (each situation is different), may be enough to purchase a nice condo in any other major Italian city (not Milan or Rome) like Genova or Trieste and get you by until your social security kicks in. 3000 Euro / month is a respectful budget for a small family. But for a young person like Kenya I totally agree. Nepotism and economic stagnation make Italy a good travel destination but certainly not a place where you want to move to if you have professional ambitions.
This video is very accurate which is why my husband that grew up there was willing to move to the states.. you can never own property there unless you are wealthy. And yes some Italians do stare at you in a rude manner if you are black...I mean not a stare and look away but a full stare..
I loved small non touristic cities in Italy, they are gorgeous and the people are lovely. I managed to get to few Italian family dinners, it was so awesome, i love the spirit of the Italians and their friendship among relatives. I was more impressed by Italian nature and small non touristic cities than Rome or Venice.
@@NaturallyKenya We visited Italy twice, and stayed 9 cities on top of visiting at least 10 others. We avoided larger, typical cities, although we did a one-day trip to Veneza. But Padova, Mantova, Bologna, Turin, etc... are gems.
I have always had the feeling Rome was a tough city. I still do. There are easier places where to live in Italy up north and not necessarily Milan. And by the way, Kenya, you're great
Anyone should live where She or he likes.consider that all big cities have problems.nevertheless they have themost opportunities.only of you are very Rich you May enjoy big cities and project your self
In a nutshell: wanna live in Italy? DON'T choose Rome. Seriously I've lived there and it's hell. I feel all these cons in the video are just related to Rome. Try other, smaller and less known cities.
@@yannip2083 it depends on what you are looking for. Sun, snow, sand, historical cities/towns, green landscapes (Tuscany, Umbria, Piemonte), mountains, comfy cities (north of the Country) a growing skyline (Milan)? Italy has it all
Hi Kenya, I am italian and started laughing when you started talking about our driving style X-D. Everything you said about Italy is correct, the only thing that I hadn't realised is the negative energy the others may feel when someone is nervous. And about the job market what you say is right, but a salary of 2200€ net is very difficult to earn here (I am mechanical engineer and still earn less) and it's still not enough to buy a house in a medium-sized or big city. You make a very good content and release positive vibes!
Ciao Marco! Thank you so much for watching and giving your feedback! I try to share as much about my Italian life as possible and I appreciate your opinion.
Hello! your video was very well made and every point is on spot. as a young italian all of this makes life sooo stressful, and every time i complain like "why there is no good job which can pay me rent and food at least" (they always want you to work on stage so like 500 euros per month) the answer people always give me is "go abroad"... yes thanks... Sadly a lot of young people just go on with help from their families (how can they afford such expensive houses? rich families is the answer) but I don't know how this system is going to work in the long run since the population is getting older and older! anyways i hope that after covid there will be a rise from younger generations to change all of the negative aspects that you described! peace on and good luck for everything!
Thank you very much Kenya!!!I've been in Rome for 1 year and a half and as a student(who knows a few), I can really relate to some of the things u've mentioned!!! We appreciate your time and content.....looking so beautiful too🥰♥️.
Great video!! If 2200 is the real average salary, I’m doomed. Most people I know earns 1500-1600 euros a month, professional or not. Hope the situation gets better specially for high qualified professionals
So basically moving from NYC to Rome will be a cakewalk for me; My ancestors down to my maternal grandmother, were from Messina and Ramacca, so maybe I can get regular citizenship. Thanks so much for this. ♥️✌🏼
Hi Jessica! That may be the case for you. Make sure to do your research, as there are a few exceptions. Wishing you nothing but the best on your citizenship journey! Maybe the easiest route through Jure Sanguinis. 😉
Thanks for sharing,really interesting to hear from someone living there.I have visited most major Italian cities and always thought I`d love to make the place home.Language barrier always made me hold back,it was already a struggle to learn German and I did not want to start over. Having said that, Italy is somewhere im always excited to visit,it helps that flights with easy jet are so cheap or just taking the train from where I live. Once more, thanks so much, really enjoyable.
Ciao again! Not sure why, but your comment posted twice, so I'll respond to this one as well! I posted a video on the Cost of Living in Rome here that you can reference: ua-cam.com/video/PmNksbUpAww/v-deo.html Thanks for watching!
I left Houston with a Gios Torino postcard, prayed in Lubbock and the bike came to me,,,hungry enough for Italy since then ('70's) to drive many Fiat and several Italian Bici, Peace3ed
I agree, Italy is amazing! However, Italy also has some problems such as too many bureaucracies for everything especially involving government things. So many people smoking and a huge number of young Italian are smoking ( this I hate so much). And Italians love to use their car horn and make noise. Just a quick note I am also Italian.
Yes! Everything in life comes with pros and cons, and I made this video to let everyone curious about life in Italy, more specifically Rome in some of these points, that there can be negatives as well, similar to anywhere in the world! I’m happy you found my energy to be positive. I do try to concentrate on the beautiful aspects in life and not dwell too much on the negative. Thanks for watching!
Would you guys consider purchasing one of the many *1€* homes (fixer-upper) that are being offered throughout Italy? If a young couple could find a location that has the following: A.) Near a rail station with >1 hour travel to Roma (or another "Brand" city) B.) Optional: Overlooking the Mediterranean! C.) Excellent Internet D.) Within a short drive (15-20 min.) of a town with modern amenities - shopping/entertainment/Health care E.) In a village where other young people are moving in... If the trend is working primarily from home, and it may ultimately cost a _reasonable_ €200K to renovate one of these homes into a fully custom showcase over a period of a few years (no rush), why wouldn't you?
I'm too much of a city girl at heart! Haha! 99.9% of the time, I want to leave my house and walk to everything without taking the car. When I need a break, I go to my second home in the countryside, Molise, so I've already checked the "vacation" home box. Also, the pandemic has complicated a lot of the procedures for those homes, as there are still travel restrictions between regions, still a deadline in which you must complete the renovations, including the thousands of dollars you need to invest to make the place decent/livable as well. At this point in my life, I don't have the energy, but I definitely think it's a good idea for pensioners with more time on their hands, or people with more flexible jobs where they can work remotely. Unfortunately, the best job markets are in the major cities (i.e., Rome, Milan), which will still require you to go to the office 99.9% of the time. Italy is behind on the natural technology progression of working primarily from home, in my opinion. I will make my next home purchase outside of Italy. 😊 Have to diversify the portfolio! Haha!
@@NaturallyKenya A'ight, let me get this straight: You live in Rome, where you want to live You have a vacation home in Molise, where you obviously enjoy your time there You envisioned yourself living in Italy as a child You _earned_ an Engineering degree from a top rated University You _earned_ a graduate Engineering degree in the EU You are content in a loving relationship with "he who shall not be named" You have the wherewithal to entertain acquiring another residence outside of Italy You are enjoying your life, which you have _engineered_ for yourself, through hard work/smart work, and some sacrifice overall You have a Lego project you haven't completed yet 😊 You are under 30 years old - and have the nerve to state "At this point in my life, I don't have the energy", as if you are as old as I Excuse my French, but ... That's some serious-ass *Black Girl Magic* shit right there. You personify "Living an _Intentional Life."_ 99% of all people do not live Intentional lives. They live their lives - and Limit their lives - based on the values of what the society at large indoctrinates them to believe. Again I implore you to be the inspiration you are to other Women (including young women that don't yet recognize their potential or have yet to develop the self confidence), by sharing the journey of your experience in Mentorship. Sooner rather than later - please. Please.
Well, regarding mentorship, I’ll just say that I do my part but don’t feel the need to advertise on social media about it. I share my general experiences living in Italy online, but that is just a portion of who I am. As I continue to grow in my experiences, both personally and professionally, I intend to increase that reach as well. Just one thing you have to understand about me is that I tend to give 100% effort or nothing at all. 😉 I hope through all of my videos discussing the processes of moving abroad inspires others to do the same as well! You can’t force the dream onto someone who doesn’t want it, unfortunately. I hope seeing my face is already some inspiration and speaks volumes in itself. ☺️
Rome is my favorite city, but I wouldn't live there. We moved to Le Marche, which is a rural region 3 hours east of Rome. It is the best decision we ever made. The people are amazing, the landscape is spectacular and the art and architecture are unsurpassed. We have been adopted into the community and we have a rich life. Once you get the permesso process down, it isn't much of a pain. Every two years, we will out a form and take it into the post office. Then, a 20 minute wait at the Questura, and we are done. The only thing we miss is the world food choice available in the US. We can't figure out why we would ever return.
The only problem with living in a small place is access to healthcare, especially to the excellent Italian hospitals, if you're a senior. Heaven forbid you have an MI or a stroke and the nearest hospital is kilometers away. This happened to a friend of mine who retired to Italy. LIved in a beautiful town, full of expats, but when he suffered a stroke they couldn't get him to Rome on time. Long story short, he had to be repatriated and is now living in a nursing home because he can no longer care for himself. If you're young, it's fine, but after a certain age, make sure a good hospital is nearby.
hi! i was wondering if you could break down some of the regions/cities of italy and their differences, so to help someone decide where to go for an extended time? thanks!
I am retired so it is easier for me. Since I won't be working I have been told qualifying is much easier. Rural southern Italy is what appeals to me, more small town. I hate big cities in America, so I wouldn't live in one anywhere else.
You have to consider that we have a free welfare system here in italy. You don't have to pay for school and health care. We have a care system for unemployment and many other. Workers in Italy have many rights, which is difficult to find in the cultures of many other countries, especially in the US. I don't mean that our system is better than others, but when it comes to low wages, these factors need to be taken into account. In Italy anyone can get free health care, even without insurance.
Very true! I also want to mention I've had candid conversations with Italians, and some say they wish they could pay fewer taxes to cover these systems/universal healthcare in exchange for higher salaries and take-home pay. I guess you can't have the best of both worlds! In the US, it can be detrimental if an emergency happens and you don't have insurance. No place is perfect, so I like to produce content that makes people think of both the pros & cons of any experience. Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate it.
@@giovannamoro8564 I was vacationing in Pescara and had an emergency. The hospital had bugs, the doctor’s breath smelled alcohol and the medicine was expired. I rather pay and get a shot at getting better.
I was planning on moving to Italy, Europe to take care of my grandmother's brother. He lives in southern Italy. The countryside is definitely a site but I have to still decide about this. City life isn't for me haha but this is helpful!
Hi Kenya, basically correct video. however, a foreigner who actually looks at it might have the impression that all of Italy is like Rome, which is known in Italy for being a city of its own as regards, for example, traffic and waste but also breakdowns in the Metro and inefficiencies in buses. Another city that resembles it could only be Naples but otherwise in the vast majority of Italy these problems are practically unknown, if not sporadically and not at these levels. Even the idea of taking a house in the center of Rome is a little naive because many of the Romans themselves do not want it at all and as soon as they can they escape to the suburbs where houses cost up to a quarter compared to the historic center of Rome. If you lived in cities like Milan, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Genoa, etc, it would seem like you were living in another world. But even in the south there are fine cities where the only real problem is very high unemployment but where the standard of living is fantastic and pollution is almost non-existent. So: right to talk about the problems of Rome but pointing out that we are talking about Rome and not about Italy in general. I warmely greet you.
Ciao Carlo! You will notice that anytime I mention something specifically about Rome, where I have lived here in Italy, I will state that. These are general comments about my experience here, and I am always approaching my videos from a foreigner viewpoint, who is curious about Rome and would actually enjoy living in the centro storico and walking around more than taking the car. I hope that’s clear! Again, these are generalizations, because the country has many different cities with varying environments! Unfortunately, this video is ONLY 11 minutes and I can’t cover everything! Haha! Thanks for watching!
You talked throughout the video about “reasons not to move to ITALY”… But, instead, you should have said “reasons not to move to ROME”. Even with the same cost of living (no savings moving to Italy), I would still definitely choose ROME over any American cities because of many advantages. These include low crime, better foods, culture, healthcare, efficient transportation systems (not best in Europe, though), less obnoxious people, ease to visit other counties, etc… well, too many to list. 🤯
If you listen closely, anytime I mention a reason specifically Rome related, I say “Rome”. 😊 go back and give it a listen again and you’ll hear. Also, many may be applicable throughout Italy, I’ve just spent the majority of my time in Rome. Also In terms of the reasons to move to Rome you listed, I wouldn’t include efficient transportation systems as one of the best elements (in Rome at least). Yes, it works, but there are high headway times between arrivals of buses and the metro (at times), which doesn’t make it THAT efficient. You can use it, sure, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best system in the Europe. Haha! Also the “obnoxious people” comment is a bit personal as well, since we express ourselves much differently in the US vs. Italy. Some people could say the opposite is true, depending on your outlook. I love Rome (and Italy) too, so don’t miss the PROS video: ua-cam.com/video/VW6EkkHBbjA/v-deo.html Thanks for watching!
Definitely the people who do: If papa's not happy nobody is going to be happy! It's been a long time since I lived in the scent-of-stress-city. Good reminder!
It’s always been my dream To Move to Italy and I hear a lot of negative things about the major cities, so my question is where’s the best place to live where it’s more countryside like ? And are there any cons to living on the countryside?
My husband and I want to move to Italy but a smaller town type.. We want to just buy a home with land because I also want to have a rescue on it.. My husband is an Executive Chef BUT, I'm working online with FIVVER etc.. Thank you so much for making a video about getting a Visa. We want to be a perm resident though.. Also, giving this information as a POC is really what we were looking for as well..
You are so very welcome! Thank you for tuning in. There are pros and cons to big cities and the same for small cities, so it really just depends on what you are looking for! I hope you have a fantastic search for your dream property.
I’m enjoying your videos. I know just what you mean about the friendliness of Texans. I’m in North Texas. You are a beautiful and smart girl representing the Lone Star State!!!!
Thank you so much! I love a good random conversation with a friendly stranger. Haha! When I first went back to Texas, I was thinking, “Why is everyone talking to me?” Haha! 😂 Now I miss it!
@@francescaimpieri6291 Ciao Francesca! It’s just a way of getting to know new people. You never know when you might have a colleague or a friend in common. Never hurts to network! You never know who you might meet and their interests. Everyone has a story.
@@NaturallyKenya Of course, but we don't do much small talk with strangers at the supermarket or in line for the bus here in Italy. Friendships are usually made in school or at work or you can befriend your neighbours or meet other people through your friends. We don't call each other friends after 5 minutes like Americans, we are more into long lasting friendships, we always keep in touch with our friends, because friendships in Italy is for life. We don't like to bother other people unless we already know them, when they are out in the streets, and we don't go around asking strangers"Hi, how are you"? This beaviour is perceived as fake here.
you can get a house for one dollar in a village small town peaceful quiet and cheap cost of living.... You can find the same in USA in some bits of the Arizona desert
Ciao non mi aspettavo che avresti parlato dell inquinamento visto che in Italia abbiamo una buona aspettativa di vita e che Roma è meno inquinata rispetto al nord Italia…. Ti posso assicurare che la situazione sigarette/fumo e’ molto molto migliorata da quando è stato proibito di fumare nei bar e ristoranti dovevi vedere 20 anni fa 😂😂saresti rimasta allibita
I can definitely identify with the cons you list in this video!!! I can agree that more than a quarter smoke haha. There are definitely some frustrating parts to life as to Italy vs the US but as my friend says, you just have to pick which shit sandwich you want to eat at the end of the day. I've been living here for a few years and just started making content on some of the beautiful experiences to be had in la Bella Italia!!! Baci xoxo
Fresh and great content. I hope you get to see someone you can relate to, soon. That would get to me after a while. Love that home-girl southern charm. Don't you dare lose that! 💖 Stay fresh. x
@midnightmc3096 It is very Southern, a beautiful culture all is own. And I'm sorry if you've missed that. When I return to the U.S. from traveling abroad, I return through Dallas sometimes, rent a car and travel the 3 days back up north. I was born and raised on a ranch in Montana, so maybe you can't feel the difference because of that. But there is a distinct difference, and it is something to be celebrated. It feels like home. Warm. Maybe it's just the difference that I am able to feel because of where I am from and the distance I have traveled at home , and abroad. It's a shame, really, if others have not detected this beauty. A real shame.
@@allthatrouble I am not debating the beauty aspect of it, I’m just pointing out that the “south” as in “the old south” is not the same thing. Just like Florida would also not be related to as being the “south” by a truly educated or knowledgeable person… do you see where I’m going here? It’s not a geographical thing, it’s an historical fact. If anything, Texas should be referred to as being the west. To my point, I live in southern California, and you would never refer to me as being from the south or have southern values. Neither would you regarding a person living in Arizona for example, Just consult a professor of anthropology or history and he/she would set you. straight, I guarantee it.
Seems you're talking about issues unique to large cities. You mention Rome a lot so I'm guessing that is your main point of reference. I'm looking for a small remote town so few, if any of these, items relate to my situation.
@@NaturallyKenya ops,I've seen just now the video on why you've choosed Rome. Ok,I got it. But for me living in Rome,with all its inefficiencies and problems(keep in mind it's a special administration area like Washington D.C. but with a bunch of other problems), just adds more stress to your life. That's why I told you you'd better come to Milan... Makes more sense in a long-period perspective. And also it's a pretty vibrant city 😉✌🏻
Im thinking of doing my degree there, where do u recommend me to go? Turin? Milan? Bologna? I don't really care about aesthetic and all, i just want a fun place, with some good clubs and pubs, field to play football and good food hahha. Or is spain a better option compared to Italy?
Depends on what you are getting your degree in and if you already know Italian. When I studied, it was difficult to find bachelors programs in English. Mostly Masters.
As an Italian I agree with everything you've said. Also, I'm not from Rome but I was there in September for a weekend and, let me tell you, I was SOOOOO happy to go back to Milan. Like... the RELIEF I felt when the train arrived in Milano Centrale cannot be put into words. The city itself is fascinating but it's extremely bad kept. Dirt, trash all over the place are not pleasant at all. I also found the city quite dangerous and as a woman I would have been deadly scared if I had been alone (thankfully i was with my male cousin) especially at night. The food was delicious tho!
All might be true....but since You are reversing an old joke about a roman guy visiting Milan and declaring the best part of the journey was the train back to Rome...you are a fake!
@@dardo4110 ...Fake WHAT??? I didn't even know about the joke smh. Uhm no, sorry If I felt uncomfortable while walking around the city because of the people, the mad traffic, the DIRT. I truly felt that relief when I got in Milan because Rome was exhausting in a sense...
I currently live in Rome and I agree with everything Kenya said in her video. However, being originally from NYC, I find Rome to be very safe. I guess it depends on where you live/work. My area is full of embassies so there are military everywhere. I also walk through the Villa Borghese most days as it gets me directly to the Centro Storico, and while there are homeless people, they are generally harmless and never as many as I see in NYC. I would definitely avoid the area around Termini and the Via Nazionale (once a thriving, shopping area and now literally a dump). But the Centro and the areas around the Villa Borghese are beautiful and safe (though, in true Roman fashion, not clean).
Thank goodness for this channel.As a American/Italian born and raised in Brooklyn,NY I was considering moving to Italy but Nahhhh I rather visit!I'm good!
Ciao!! Grazie! I've already made a video on the Cost of Living in Rome a few months ago! I'll link it here for your easy access: ua-cam.com/video/PmNksbUpAww/v-deo.html Thanks so much for watching and if you have any other video suggestions, let me know!
If Italy has its faults like every other country, then why move from Italy to another country to experience another countrys' faults? Pick whatever faults you're willing to deal with and adjust accordingly to the earthquake, when it occurs. There are faults everywhere.
Ciao! I encourage you to check out my other videos to understand my story and how I decided on Italy. Life is dynamic and requires adjustments everywhere, but, if you may know, being flexible has its benefits too! Check out my pros video as well to see the other side. Thanks!
I was in Bari and so many of what you said here is true! Especially about pet excrements, UGH! 🤮 I read the comments from Italians and they are too sensitive. You clearly said it is about Rome. Plus they have a bias being Italian - can't really be objective right?
I guess you can’t make everyone happy. 😂 Thanks for understanding, though! I think it’s important to highlight the positives AND the negatives regarding moving abroad to any country! I definitely wouldn’t be offended if a foreigner did the same about the US. I’d have popcorn 🍿 saying, “Welp. That is true.” Haha! Thanks for watching!
Hi Kenya, I really enjoy your videos. You got some great points and these are problems that exist in all Mediterranean countries, not just in Italy. In fact, at least in Italy you got all the absolutely beautiful architecture and perfectly preserved buildings and all the art...etc. Imagine having all these negatives (with the trash, pollution...etc) and have some ugly blocks of flats all over a city, without the gorgeous Italian style and character....I don't wanna point fingers now or name those countries but the salaries are also a lot worse in other Mediterranean countries. To cut a long story short, you got some great points about the negatives but what choices do we have? You either accept the place as it is, with all its negatives and live in beautiful Florence or Rome...or, you can leave, move back to a characterless city (in the US, Australia or any other young country...) which are more organised and with fewer of the issues you've mentioned, but...without any sense of style, tradition, decent architecture or history and that way avoid all of Italy's "negatives". The choice is yours/ours. I personally choose a great place like Italy with all it's negatives as I see more substance in it. Mediterraneans are warm and although it will take a bit longer to form good friendships, they will be exactly that, good friendships with depth and substance. Now as far as the whole thing with being of a certain race is concerned, it never meant anything to me and I am sure you will find great Italian people who won't really care about your cultural/racial background but will focus on who you really are . Of course you'll get the idiots/racists too...they are everywhere, not just in Italy.
Ciao!! We will most likely still be in this lockdown in May, in my opinion. I would suggest you to postpone to when all the sights are actually open, which at this point, only seems to be when we are in "zona gialla" or the yellow zone! It would be such a shame for you to miss out on all the beauty Rome has to offer. Good luck for your trip! Wishing you the best.
Qualcuno mi spiega come fanno allora gli italiani a vivere al novanta per cento in appartamenti di loro proprietà o di loro congiunti? E come fanno a avere una aspettativa di vita di dieci anni maggiore rispetto agli USA?
9:42 “Afro-italiani” the way it’s described in this video is strange. Because on one hand there is nationality, which can be obtained by birthright or naturalization, and on the other there is ethnicity, which is recognized in your biological makeup & ancestry. “Afro-” refers to ethnicity, not nationality. So being born in Italy or being like 3rd generation or something, does not make your ancestry Italian; it just makes you Italian by nationality. Someone who is Afro-italiani has to have ethnically Italian ancestors.
Ok, let me clarify as I see there is confusion. In this video, I’m referencing being of African descent but also Italian, similar to how we say African American. I’m both American and African American, although I still don’t know my actual familial ties to Africa because of slavery. Hope that helps!
@eo2353 I don't fully agree in terms of applying consistency because there are some Italians with strictly just Germanic descent for example who get a free pass IMO as being perceived/considered/accepted as being Italian (both in terms of ethnicity and nationality) compared to those with actual indigenous/native (for a lack of better words) Italic/Etruscan descent/ancestry. I don't see why Afro-Italiani can't be considered as Italian as much as the Germanic Italians that don't have any native (again for a lack of better words) Italic/Etruscan ancestry. I mean how long does the generations of migrating populations outside of Italy have to settle in Italy and assimilate to be considered ethnically Italian if they did not intermix with the previous indigenous Italic/Etruscan population? To me it's like a double standard in giving this assimilation recognition to one group of people who look different and come over to Italy from Northern Europe/Central Europe) and got basically 'grandfathered' in as being Italian in terms of ethnicity compared to those from the opposite direction from in terms of ancestry (aka sub-Saharan Africa). I do agree with you however that 'Afro' refers to ethnicity and not nationality as you stated.
Kind of unrelated, but I've seen lots of people complain about trash cans in Korea, Japan and other countries. Like...what are you guys carrying? Amazon boxes?
I've lived there 4times as teacher from the UK and I had a very idealised view. It is an horrific place to work after working in the uk , but beautiful food and inspiring for my writing. You have to understand the culture of furba to make it there. Beautiful people a fuori but essentially very closed and hard to puncture groups. Also racist I felt ,but its such a beautiful but exotic place .
I would venture that most these "dislikes" are part of big city life in Rome, Naples, Venice?........If you can afford Northern Italy, Florence, etc.....I think one might find civilization a bit more "organized", but expensive. If you are looking for lower cost of living it would be prudent to check out the southern parts, and village (communes) of italy where there are commonly less than 1000 people living in these villages. You can be close enough to the city, but enjoy a nicer side of Italy.
I am Italian and I confirm the bureaucracy is the highest in the world, we smoke a lot yeah, and the citizenship 10 years is high but it is quite standard in Europe. however, in the concession standings, we are the country that grants the most citizenship in Europe. We confirm we are crazy when we drive ahaha it seems fast an furious ahah About racism, no i do not agree, in my opinion we are the least racist country in the West, IMO we don't care about skin and job, but the foreigner who doesn't respect our culture and land makes us angry. In fact, I dislike the Chinese very much, they don't integrate, they don't pay taxes and they compete unfairly in our country by laundering money, buying brands and companies ... but it's not their fault, they have a culture completely opposite to ours, so I don't hate them . let's say our problems are the Italian politicians who do not protect us and sell us off for a loaf of bread Economically they are literally destroying us in the EU, if we are still standing it is only because we are an economically competitive country with made in Italy. But another European country would already be bankrupt if it had experienced what we have experienced. If you want advice on friendships, we get bored if we see that there is a foreigner who wants to be our friend for interests, in Italy friendship is never calculated, we are less practical and more spontaneous ,byeee!
it feels like ur diminishing other people’s experiences with racisms in Italy. you singling out chinese’s people calling them “the chinese” shows me a lot about your character.
Ive had a house here for 17 years, resident for 5 years. Biggest mistake i ever made. Im in Piedmonte, DONT whatever you do come to live here. Seems nice to visit, a NIGHTMARE to live here. Con men, corruption, builders ripping you off, crap cafes with plastic furniture and inflated rip off prices, property fines, police fines, you WILL get sick of all the old derelict buildings. YOU WILL get ripped off, all the time. Im currently selling up and getting out. Sooner the better.
Did you believe the tale of the 'dolce vita?' the one that many you tubers talk about, well, you have touched the hell in which we Italians have always lived. There is also the good, but the bad prevails, now, more than ever, and now we have fallen into another nightmare (try to guess why if I put some terms I get canceled)
Yep, I think you pretty much nailed it. Italy is not the place to go to experience any kind of efficiency. Garbage, graffiti, insane driving, smoking, and the fact that Italy is not really into the whole melting pot notion as it pertains to refugees and immigrants. Ironically, it is Italy's supreme beauty and culture that offsets all this :).
How could I forget to mention the graffiti! Haha! Good point! Thanks for adding that. I don't notice it anymore. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Haha! Italy is definitely one of the most beautiful countries in the world, which makes all the other negatives tolerable... at times. Haha!
Yes, of course they do! The process is a bit more complex when you are a foreigner (more bureaucracy 😉), but I only used the average salary in Lazio (Rome's region) as an example to compare it with housing prices and the affordability in the city center.
I already know that living in a giant city is going to be a shitshow. Who wants to be crammed up like sardines and pay three times what you should for the luxury. I don’t think I heard you say anything about Italy in general though.
Well, there’s nothing like being in the city center and walking everywhere vs. taking a car and not being able to find a parking space. 😅 so you choose your battles. Haha! Not sure if you are new here, but there are plenty of videos on my channel giving more insight into general life in Italy since this was more of a personal reflection. Those will probably provide any answers you may have. Thanks for watching!
Hey kenya, Thank u for making these videos I will be coming to italy to study medicine soon Id love to get to know u and become friends once Im there I was worried i woudn't be able to finde any person of colour!!
Do you dislike anything about living in Italy? Let me know in the comments below.
Lack of diversity, racism, not an accessible country ie if you have a mobility disability.
I definitely agree with the trash all over Italy and especially Sicily and the job market. As for pollution and stress I feel that it's the same as every city in the world at least on the positive the longevity in Italy is far longer than most other places in the world.
I think there's a mix of Souverainism and bigotry that must be washed away....
We're currently working on that. Please, be patient 🤣
An Italian
@@letsandiamo Diversity is no value in itself. It's neither good nor bad. Where is the point in making a country "diverse", anyway? Would you complain about countries such as Nigeria or the Philippines to be not diverse enough?
@@MrPinoCavallo whoa Mr sensitive. likes and dislikes are a personal opinion, you don't have to agree. If someone said they lived in Canada and didn't like snow I wouldn't take it personally like that way you are. Note, I never said I wanted Italy to be diverse.
Thanks for speaking the truth, sis! A lot of people will appreciate knowing the realities of living in Rome (and Italy), too. Living abroad isn’t always rainbows and sunshine. We know that after spending years abroad. Every country has pros and cons. 👏🏽
Facts!! 💯💯💯 Just stating my truth! Thanks for watching!
yes dont come here its a joke living here you will be robbed of all you own
No one is fake mean lol. I like that Europeans are honest with their feelings. Forcing niceness is neurotic and annoying.
I am an Italian living in Austin. Just a remark on the cost of living. Italy can be very attractive financially if you have or can get a European citizenship / permanent residency and have worked most of your career in the US. The citizenship will get you access to healthcare and education anywhere in the EU while the savings you have accumulated generally, speaking (each situation is different), may be enough to purchase a nice condo in any other major Italian city (not Milan or Rome) like Genova or Trieste and get you by until your social security kicks in. 3000 Euro / month is a respectful budget for a small family. But for a young person like Kenya I totally agree. Nepotism and economic stagnation make Italy a good travel destination but certainly not a place where you want to move to if you have professional ambitions.
You are right. Not a place to earn serious money.
Just a good place to travel and have fun for a while.
Im italian and everything you've said is true
Help me plz in study visa
So u r honest people lol
This video is very accurate which is why my husband that grew up there was willing to move to the states.. you can never own property there unless you are wealthy. And yes some Italians do stare at you in a rude manner if you are black...I mean not a stare and look away but a full stare..
I loved small non touristic cities in Italy, they are gorgeous and the people are lovely. I managed to get to few Italian family dinners, it was so awesome, i love the spirit of the Italians and their friendship among relatives. I was more impressed by Italian nature and small non touristic cities than Rome or Venice.
It’s a different world in the countryside, at times! Although I consider myself more of a city girl, I love the peace the small towns bring. ❤️
@@NaturallyKenya We visited Italy twice, and stayed 9 cities on top of visiting at least 10 others. We avoided larger, typical cities, although we did a one-day trip to Veneza. But Padova, Mantova, Bologna, Turin, etc... are gems.
I have always had the feeling Rome was a tough city. I still do. There are easier places where to live in Italy up north and not necessarily Milan. And by the way, Kenya, you're great
Thanks, Matteo! Thanks for watching!
What about living in Verona?
Anyone should live where She or he likes.consider that all big cities have problems.nevertheless they have themost opportunities.only of you are very Rich you May enjoy big cities and project your self
“To be honest, it’s been 3 weeks since I’ve seen…anyone like me” 😂 I cannot imagine what that feels like
Welcome to my world. 🌍
In a nutshell: wanna live in Italy? DON'T choose Rome. Seriously I've lived there and it's hell. I feel all these cons in the video are just related to Rome. Try other, smaller and less known cities.
@Leo Lam probably because of the crazy tourism all year round
What are the nicer Italian cities for retirement?
@@yannip2083 civitanova marche
@@yannip2083 it depends on what you are looking for. Sun, snow, sand, historical cities/towns, green landscapes (Tuscany, Umbria, Piemonte), mountains, comfy cities (north of the Country) a growing skyline (Milan)? Italy has it all
We only visited Rome for 2 days and the hell vibe was all consuming. So grim. Puglia is somewhere I think I would love to live
The Italian government should listen and learn from these videos to make Italy more better for everyone.
Italian governments never listen to anyone. Like all other governments, really.
Hi Kenya, I am italian and started laughing when you started talking about our driving style X-D. Everything you said about Italy is correct, the only thing that I hadn't realised is the negative energy the others may feel when someone is nervous. And about the job market what you say is right, but a salary of 2200€ net is very difficult to earn here (I am mechanical engineer and still earn less) and it's still not enough to buy a house in a medium-sized or big city.
You make a very good content and release positive vibes!
Ciao Marco! Thank you so much for watching and giving your feedback! I try to share as much about my Italian life as possible and I appreciate your opinion.
Hello! your video was very well made and every point is on spot. as a young italian all of this makes life sooo stressful, and every time i complain like "why there is no good job which can pay me rent and food at least" (they always want you to work on stage so like 500 euros per month) the answer people always give me is "go abroad"... yes thanks... Sadly a lot of young people just go on with help from their families (how can they afford such expensive houses? rich families is the answer) but I don't know how this system is going to work in the long run since the population is getting older and older! anyways i hope that after covid there will be a rise from younger generations to change all of the negative aspects that you described! peace on and good luck for everything!
Thank you very much Kenya!!!I've been in Rome for 1 year and a half and as a student(who knows a few), I can really relate to some of the things u've mentioned!!! We appreciate your time and content.....looking so beautiful too🥰♥️.
You are very welcome and thanks so much for the compliment and for continuously tuning in for my new videos! Much appreciated. ❤️
Great video!! If 2200 is the real average salary, I’m doomed. Most people I know earns 1500-1600 euros a month, professional or not. Hope the situation gets better specially for high qualified professionals
i salari sono più bassi che nella Repubblica Ceca ... e i prezzi sono più bassi qui. sono sorpreso
I enjoyed this thoughtful video very much! Thank you for posting!
Glad you enjoyed it!
So basically moving from NYC to Rome will be a cakewalk for me; My ancestors down to my maternal grandmother, were from Messina and Ramacca, so maybe I can get regular citizenship. Thanks so much for this. ♥️✌🏼
Hi Jessica! That may be the case for you. Make sure to do your research, as there are a few exceptions. Wishing you nothing but the best on your citizenship journey! Maybe the easiest route through Jure Sanguinis. 😉
You are spot on and absolutly unbiased. And btw, you are brlliant, well spoken and a stunning beauty.
@@NaturallyKenya Grazie ♥️
We left 'crazy' land and moved to Italy in 2021 - no regrets here. Keep up the good work
Thank you for watching!
And to add to what you said, crazy-land is getting crazier by the minute. And I am in blue state California…
Very realistic video. You cover many important issues. Good job keeping it real.
I just want to say you have such a pretty smile! Thank you for your honesty and tips!
Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed my honest approach.
Thanks for sharing,really interesting to hear from someone living there.I have visited most major Italian cities and always thought I`d love to make the place home.Language barrier always made me hold back,it was already a struggle to learn German and I did not want to start over. Having said that, Italy is somewhere im always excited to visit,it helps that flights with easy jet are so cheap or just taking the train from where I live.
Once more, thanks so much, really enjoyable.
U just cracks me up with your FACTS ! Love it.
You look beautiful sis! Would love to see a video on cost of living in Rome, ie. rent, social activities, gym, groceries, utilities...etc.
Ciao again! Not sure why, but your comment posted twice, so I'll respond to this one as well! I posted a video on the Cost of Living in Rome here that you can reference: ua-cam.com/video/PmNksbUpAww/v-deo.html Thanks for watching!
I left Houston with a Gios Torino postcard, prayed in Lubbock and the bike came to me,,,hungry enough for Italy since then ('70's) to drive many Fiat and several Italian Bici, Peace3ed
I agree, Italy is amazing! However, Italy also has some problems such as too many bureaucracies for everything especially involving government things. So many people smoking and a huge number of young Italian are smoking ( this I hate so much). And Italians love to use their car horn and make noise. Just a quick note I am also Italian.
The way you present these cons with a radiant energy, it doesn’t feel like cons at all 😅 thanks for sharing though 😊
Yes! Everything in life comes with pros and cons, and I made this video to let everyone curious about life in Italy, more specifically Rome in some of these points, that there can be negatives as well, similar to anywhere in the world! I’m happy you found my energy to be positive. I do try to concentrate on the beautiful aspects in life and not dwell too much on the negative. Thanks for watching!
Would you guys consider purchasing one of the many *1€* homes (fixer-upper) that are being offered throughout Italy?
If a young couple could find a location that has the following:
A.) Near a rail station with >1 hour travel to Roma (or another "Brand" city)
B.) Optional: Overlooking the Mediterranean!
C.) Excellent Internet
D.) Within a short drive (15-20 min.) of a town with modern amenities - shopping/entertainment/Health care
E.) In a village where other young people are moving in...
If the trend is working primarily from home, and it may ultimately cost a _reasonable_ €200K to renovate one of these homes into a fully custom showcase over a period of a few years (no rush), why wouldn't you?
I'm too much of a city girl at heart! Haha! 99.9% of the time, I want to leave my house and walk to everything without taking the car. When I need a break, I go to my second home in the countryside, Molise, so I've already checked the "vacation" home box. Also, the pandemic has complicated a lot of the procedures for those homes, as there are still travel restrictions between regions, still a deadline in which you must complete the renovations, including the thousands of dollars you need to invest to make the place decent/livable as well. At this point in my life, I don't have the energy, but I definitely think it's a good idea for pensioners with more time on their hands, or people with more flexible jobs where they can work remotely. Unfortunately, the best job markets are in the major cities (i.e., Rome, Milan), which will still require you to go to the office 99.9% of the time. Italy is behind on the natural technology progression of working primarily from home, in my opinion. I will make my next home purchase outside of Italy. 😊 Have to diversify the portfolio! Haha!
@@NaturallyKenya A'ight, let me get this straight:
You live in Rome, where you want to live
You have a vacation home in Molise, where you obviously enjoy your time there
You envisioned yourself living in Italy as a child
You _earned_ an Engineering degree from a top rated University
You _earned_ a graduate Engineering degree in the EU
You are content in a loving relationship with "he who shall not be named"
You have the wherewithal to entertain acquiring another residence outside of Italy
You are enjoying your life, which you have _engineered_ for yourself, through hard work/smart work, and some sacrifice overall
You have a Lego project you haven't completed yet 😊
You are under 30 years old - and have the nerve to state "At this point in my life, I don't have the energy", as if you are as old as I
Excuse my French, but ... That's some serious-ass *Black Girl Magic* shit right there.
You personify "Living an _Intentional Life."_ 99% of all people do not live Intentional lives. They live their lives - and Limit their lives - based on the values of what the society at large indoctrinates them to believe.
Again I implore you to be the inspiration you are to other Women (including young women that don't yet recognize their potential or have yet to develop the self confidence), by sharing the journey of your experience in Mentorship. Sooner rather than later - please.
Please.
Well, regarding mentorship, I’ll just say that I do my part but don’t feel the need to advertise on social media about it. I share my general experiences living in Italy online, but that is just a portion of who I am. As I continue to grow in my experiences, both personally and professionally, I intend to increase that reach as well. Just one thing you have to understand about me is that I tend to give 100% effort or nothing at all. 😉 I hope through all of my videos discussing the processes of moving abroad inspires others to do the same as well! You can’t force the dream onto someone who doesn’t want it, unfortunately. I hope seeing my face is already some inspiration and speaks volumes in itself. ☺️
@@NaturallyKenya Fair enough. Thanks for the honesty as always. I won't broach the subject again.
I don’t even know why you would have any responsibility / feel necessarily compelled towards mentoring anybody 😎@@NaturallyKenya
Hello. Very honest video. You just forgot discrimination which is indeed a cultural pattern difficult to ignore.
I feel like I would like to hear about the smaller places. I want to know of education, plumbing, electrical, how reliable these things are.
And healthcare/hospitals. Make sure they're easily accessible in case, heaven forbid, you have a health issue.
Rome is my favorite city, but I wouldn't live there. We moved to Le Marche, which is a rural region 3 hours east of Rome.
It is the best decision we ever made. The people are amazing, the landscape is spectacular and the art and architecture are unsurpassed. We have been adopted into the community and we have a rich life.
Once you get the permesso process down, it isn't much of a pain. Every two years, we will out a form and take it into the post office. Then, a 20 minute wait at the Questura, and we are done.
The only thing we miss is the world food choice available in the US.
We can't figure out why we would ever return.
The only problem with living in a small place is access to healthcare, especially to the excellent Italian hospitals, if you're a senior. Heaven forbid you have an MI or a stroke and the nearest hospital is kilometers away. This happened to a friend of mine who retired to Italy. LIved in a beautiful town, full of expats, but when he suffered a stroke they couldn't get him to Rome on time. Long story short, he had to be repatriated and is now living in a nursing home because he can no longer care for himself. If you're young, it's fine, but after a certain age, make sure a good hospital is nearby.
hi! i was wondering if you could break down some of the regions/cities of italy and their differences, so to help someone decide where to go for an extended time?
thanks!
I am retired so it is easier for me. Since I won't be working I have been told qualifying is much easier. Rural southern Italy is what appeals to me, more small town. I hate big cities in America, so I wouldn't live in one anywhere else.
You have to consider that we have a free welfare system here in italy. You don't have to pay for school and health care. We have a care system for unemployment and many other. Workers in Italy have many rights, which is difficult to find in the cultures of many other countries, especially in the US. I don't mean that our system is better than others, but when it comes to low wages, these factors need to be taken into account. In Italy anyone can get free health care, even without insurance.
Well said and these points you mentioned are a super-plus in my opinion.
@@giovannamoro8564 No kidding!
Very true! I also want to mention I've had candid conversations with Italians, and some say they wish they could pay fewer taxes to cover these systems/universal healthcare in exchange for higher salaries and take-home pay. I guess you can't have the best of both worlds! In the US, it can be detrimental if an emergency happens and you don't have insurance. No place is perfect, so I like to produce content that makes people think of both the pros & cons of any experience. Thank you for your feedback! I appreciate it.
@@NaturallyKenya i'm italian ,in my opinion our national healthcare is very valid , a true demonstration of democracy .
@@giovannamoro8564 I was vacationing in Pescara and had an emergency. The hospital had bugs, the doctor’s breath smelled alcohol and the medicine was expired. I rather pay and get a shot at getting better.
This is changing my miiiiiinddd 😩😩😩
I was planning on moving to Italy, Europe to take care of my grandmother's brother. He lives in southern Italy. The countryside is definitely a site but I have to still decide about this. City life isn't for me haha but this is helpful!
Hi Kenya, basically correct video. however, a foreigner who actually looks at it might have the impression that all of Italy is like Rome, which is known in Italy for being a city of its own as regards, for example, traffic and waste but also breakdowns in the Metro and inefficiencies in buses. Another city that resembles it could only be Naples but otherwise in the vast majority of Italy these problems are practically unknown, if not sporadically and not at these levels. Even the idea of taking a house in the center of Rome is a little naive because many of the Romans themselves do not want it at all and as soon as they can they escape to the suburbs where houses cost up to a quarter compared to the historic center of Rome. If you lived in cities like Milan, Florence, Bologna, Turin, Genoa, etc, it would seem like you were living in another world. But even in the south there are fine cities where the only real problem is very high unemployment but where the standard of living is fantastic and pollution is almost non-existent. So: right to talk about the problems of Rome but pointing out that we are talking about Rome and not about Italy in general. I warmely greet you.
Ciao Carlo! You will notice that anytime I mention something specifically about Rome, where I have lived here in Italy, I will state that. These are general comments about my experience here, and I am always approaching my videos from a foreigner viewpoint, who is curious about Rome and would actually enjoy living in the centro storico and walking around more than taking the car. I hope that’s clear! Again, these are generalizations, because the country has many different cities with varying environments! Unfortunately, this video is ONLY 11 minutes and I can’t cover everything! Haha! Thanks for watching!
You talked throughout the video about “reasons not to move to ITALY”… But, instead, you should have said “reasons not to move to ROME”. Even with the same cost of living (no savings moving to Italy), I would still definitely choose ROME over any American cities because of many advantages. These include low crime, better foods, culture, healthcare, efficient transportation systems (not best in Europe, though), less obnoxious people, ease to visit other counties, etc… well, too many to list. 🤯
If you listen closely, anytime I mention a reason specifically Rome related, I say “Rome”. 😊 go back and give it a listen again and you’ll hear. Also, many may be applicable throughout Italy, I’ve just spent the majority of my time in Rome. Also In terms of the reasons to move to Rome you listed, I wouldn’t include efficient transportation systems as one of the best elements (in Rome at least). Yes, it works, but there are high headway times between arrivals of buses and the metro (at times), which doesn’t make it THAT efficient. You can use it, sure, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best system in the Europe. Haha! Also the “obnoxious people” comment is a bit personal as well, since we express ourselves much differently in the US vs. Italy. Some people could say the opposite is true, depending on your outlook. I love Rome (and Italy) too, so don’t miss the PROS video: ua-cam.com/video/VW6EkkHBbjA/v-deo.html
Thanks for watching!
Definitely the people who do: If papa's not happy nobody is going to be happy! It's been a long time since I lived in the scent-of-stress-city. Good reminder!
It’s always been my dream
To Move to Italy and I hear a lot of negative things about the major cities, so my question is where’s the best place to live where it’s more countryside like ? And are there any cons to living on the countryside?
Ciao Kenya, ti consiglio di vivere a Bologna. In effetti Roma è un po' speciale nel bene e nel male, purtroppo!
Hey I live in bologna
My husband and I want to move to Italy but a smaller town type.. We want to just buy a home with land because I also want to have a rescue on it.. My husband is an Executive Chef BUT, I'm working online with FIVVER etc..
Thank you so much for making a video about getting a Visa. We want to be a perm resident though.. Also, giving this information as a POC is really what we were looking for as well..
You are so very welcome! Thank you for tuning in. There are pros and cons to big cities and the same for small cities, so it really just depends on what you are looking for! I hope you have a fantastic search for your dream property.
I’m enjoying your videos. I know just what you mean about the friendliness of Texans. I’m in North Texas. You are a beautiful and smart girl representing the Lone Star State!!!!
continue enriching Italy with diversity is cool
Thank you so much! I love a good random conversation with a friendly stranger. Haha! When I first went back to Texas, I was thinking, “Why is everyone talking to me?” Haha! 😂 Now I miss it!
@@NaturallyKenya Why should we talk to strangers? It's weird and a waste of time
@@francescaimpieri6291 Ciao Francesca! It’s just a way of getting to know new people. You never know when you might have a colleague or a friend in common. Never hurts to network! You never know who you might meet and their interests. Everyone has a story.
@@NaturallyKenya Of course, but we don't do much small talk with strangers at the supermarket or in line for the bus here in Italy. Friendships are usually made in school or at work or you can befriend your neighbours or meet other people through your friends. We don't call each other friends after 5 minutes like Americans, we are more into long lasting friendships, we always keep in touch with our friends, because friendships in Italy is for life. We don't like to bother other people unless we already know them, when they are out in the streets, and we don't go around asking strangers"Hi, how are you"? This beaviour is perceived as fake here.
yay new video!!!
why, yessss. It is a new one! Haha! 😉
you can get a house for one dollar in a village small town peaceful quiet and cheap cost of living.... You can find the same in USA in some bits of the Arizona desert
Oh hey Kenya hello from Houston. Just watched your video on why Italy ruined your life. Just want to say you are so brave, thank you for your unloads!
Ciao non mi aspettavo che avresti parlato dell inquinamento visto che in Italia abbiamo una buona aspettativa di vita e che Roma è meno inquinata rispetto al nord Italia…. Ti posso assicurare che la situazione sigarette/fumo e’ molto molto migliorata da quando è stato proibito di fumare nei bar e ristoranti dovevi vedere 20 anni fa 😂😂saresti rimasta allibita
I can definitely identify with the cons you list in this video!!! I can agree that more than a quarter smoke haha. There are definitely some frustrating parts to life as to Italy vs the US but as my friend says, you just have to pick which shit sandwich you want to eat at the end of the day. I've been living here for a few years and just started making content on some of the beautiful experiences to be had in la Bella Italia!!! Baci xoxo
Fresh and great content. I hope you get to see someone you can relate to, soon. That would get to me after a while. Love that home-girl southern charm. Don't you dare lose that! 💖 Stay fresh. x
Thank you so much!! I like to stay authentically me, so no worries. 😉
@@NaturallyKenya Perfect! 😘
Really now, Texas isn’t “southern” except for latitude, but your point is well taken 😎
@midnightmc3096 It is very Southern, a beautiful culture all is own. And I'm sorry if you've missed that. When I return to the U.S. from traveling abroad, I return through Dallas sometimes, rent a car and travel the 3 days back up north. I was born and raised on a ranch in Montana, so maybe you can't feel the difference because of that. But there is a distinct difference, and it is something to be celebrated. It feels like home. Warm. Maybe it's just the difference that I am able to feel because of where I am from and the distance I have traveled at home , and abroad. It's a shame, really, if others have not detected this beauty. A real shame.
@@allthatrouble I am not debating the beauty aspect of it, I’m just pointing out that the “south” as in “the old south” is not the same thing. Just like Florida would also not be related to as being the “south” by a truly educated or knowledgeable person… do you see where I’m going here? It’s not a geographical thing, it’s an historical fact. If anything, Texas should be referred to as being the west. To my point, I live in southern California, and you would never refer to me as being from the south or have southern values. Neither would you regarding a person living in Arizona for example, Just consult a professor of anthropology or history and he/she would set you. straight, I guarantee it.
Seems you're talking about issues unique to large cities. You mention Rome a lot so I'm guessing that is your main point of reference. I'm looking for a small remote town so few, if any of these, items relate to my situation.
Anytime I mention Rome, it’s about Rome! Thanks for watching.
I really needed this. U helped me a lot. Thank u so much
You are very welcome! I like to share my authentic experiences here. Thanks for watching!
I appreciate your style of sharing very practical information! Thank you Kenya!
You are very welcome. Hope it was helpful!
Ciao Kenya,
prima volta che ti vedo (grazie algoritmo di UA-cam! 😉)
Vieni a Milano, se trovi il posto giusto ti troverai benissimo!✌🏻😃
Ciao! Benvenuto! Grazie per aver guardato il mio video!
@@NaturallyKenya ops,I've seen just now the video on why you've choosed Rome. Ok,I got it.
But for me living in Rome,with all its inefficiencies and problems(keep in mind it's a special administration area like Washington D.C. but with a bunch of other problems), just adds more stress to your life.
That's why I told you you'd better come to Milan... Makes more sense in a long-period perspective.
And also it's a pretty vibrant city 😉✌🏻
@@mennio100 meglio Foggia direi!
I think all major cities (wherever you are in the world) have bad air pollution
Believe it or not, NYC has great air quality
Im thinking of doing my degree there, where do u recommend me to go? Turin? Milan? Bologna? I don't really care about aesthetic and all, i just want a fun place, with some good clubs and pubs, field to play football and good food hahha. Or is spain a better option compared to Italy?
Depends on what you are getting your degree in and if you already know Italian. When I studied, it was difficult to find bachelors programs in English. Mostly Masters.
@@NaturallyKenya fair enough, thanks!
Brava intelligente ed onesta!!!👍🙋🏻♂️
Grazie, Emanuele!
As an Italian I agree with everything you've said. Also, I'm not from Rome but I was there in September for a weekend and, let me tell you, I was SOOOOO happy to go back to Milan. Like... the RELIEF I felt when the train arrived in Milano Centrale cannot be put into words. The city itself is fascinating but it's extremely bad kept. Dirt, trash all over the place are not pleasant at all. I also found the city quite dangerous and as a woman I would have been deadly scared if I had been alone (thankfully i was with my male cousin) especially at night. The food was delicious tho!
All might be true....but since You are reversing an old joke about a roman guy visiting Milan and declaring the best part of the journey was the train back to Rome...you are a fake!
@@dardo4110 ...Fake WHAT??? I didn't even know about the joke smh.
Uhm no, sorry If I felt uncomfortable while walking around the city because of the people, the mad traffic, the DIRT. I truly felt that relief when I got in Milan because Rome was exhausting in a sense...
I currently live in Rome and I agree with everything Kenya said in her video. However, being originally from NYC, I find Rome to be very safe. I guess it depends on where you live/work. My area is full of embassies so there are military everywhere. I also walk through the Villa Borghese most days as it gets me directly to the Centro Storico, and while there are homeless people, they are generally harmless and never as many as I see in NYC. I would definitely avoid the area around Termini and the Via Nazionale (once a thriving, shopping area and now literally a dump). But the Centro and the areas around the Villa Borghese are beautiful and safe (though, in true Roman fashion, not clean).
Thank goodness for this channel.As a American/Italian born and raised in Brooklyn,NY I was considering moving to Italy but Nahhhh I rather visit!I'm good!
I’m happy you are enjoying my uploads! Thanks so much for considering my viewpoint.
You look gorgeous! Would love to see a video on cost of living in Rome. Be blessed sis :)
Ciao!! Grazie! I've already made a video on the Cost of Living in Rome a few months ago! I'll link it here for your easy access: ua-cam.com/video/PmNksbUpAww/v-deo.html
Thanks so much for watching and if you have any other video suggestions, let me know!
If Italy has its faults like every other country, then why move from Italy to another country to experience another countrys' faults? Pick whatever faults you're willing to deal with and adjust accordingly to the earthquake, when it occurs. There are faults everywhere.
Ciao! I encourage you to check out my other videos to understand my story and how I decided on Italy. Life is dynamic and requires adjustments everywhere, but, if you may know, being flexible has its benefits too! Check out my pros video as well to see the other side. Thanks!
The smoking point is sooooo true!!!
Over 4 years later, and I still get a bit irked about it. 😂
I am surprised they are allowed to smoke in restaurants too!
Very informative. And, as a bonus, you are adorable! 🙂
Having lived in Italy I commend your review it is very accurate.
I was in Bari and so many of what you said here is true! Especially about pet excrements, UGH! 🤮 I read the comments from Italians and they are too sensitive. You clearly said it is about Rome. Plus they have a bias being Italian - can't really be objective right?
I guess you can’t make everyone happy. 😂 Thanks for understanding, though! I think it’s important to highlight the positives AND the negatives regarding moving abroad to any country! I definitely wouldn’t be offended if a foreigner did the same about the US. I’d have popcorn 🍿 saying, “Welp. That is true.” Haha! Thanks for watching!
Unfortunately people in Bari do not value public spaces, although now the mentality is changing
how did you get your hair braided out there?
I did it at the me, myself and I salon. haha, alone.
Hi Kenya, I really enjoy your videos. You got some great points and these are problems that exist in all Mediterranean countries, not just in Italy. In fact, at least in Italy you got all the absolutely beautiful architecture and perfectly preserved buildings and all the art...etc. Imagine having all these negatives (with the trash, pollution...etc) and have some ugly blocks of flats all over a city, without the gorgeous Italian style and character....I don't wanna point fingers now or name those countries but the salaries are also a lot worse in other Mediterranean countries. To cut a long story short, you got some great points about the negatives but what choices do we have? You either accept the place as it is, with all its negatives and live in beautiful Florence or Rome...or, you can leave, move back to a characterless city (in the US, Australia or any other young country...) which are more organised and with fewer of the issues you've mentioned, but...without any sense of style, tradition, decent architecture or history and that way avoid all of Italy's "negatives". The choice is yours/ours. I personally choose a great place like Italy with all it's negatives as I see more substance in it. Mediterraneans are warm and although it will take a bit longer to form good friendships, they will be exactly that, good friendships with depth and substance. Now as far as the whole thing with being of a certain race is concerned, it never meant anything to me and I am sure you will find great Italian people who won't really care about your cultural/racial background but will focus on who you really are . Of course you'll get the idiots/racists too...they are everywhere, not just in Italy.
Sounds mostly like my experience in Kyrgyzstan. Except housing is cheaper and they really LOVE black people
Kyrgyzstan??
@@edturner3615 yep
Hopefully, I'll be there soon & you see me on the street! lol I'm trying for May now since I got held up in March
Ciao!! We will most likely still be in this lockdown in May, in my opinion. I would suggest you to postpone to when all the sights are actually open, which at this point, only seems to be when we are in "zona gialla" or the yellow zone! It would be such a shame for you to miss out on all the beauty Rome has to offer. Good luck for your trip! Wishing you the best.
@@NaturallyKenya Yea! It all will depend on when work is able to move me there safely. I will thankfully still be remote. Thank you!!
Ah, perfect!! Then come on over, girl! Haha!
@@NaturallyKenya I'm so excited!
I’m excited for you! Cheers to new experiences! 🥂
While moving to the US without a fixed job ..is easy? Besides at least is
Qualcuno mi spiega come fanno allora gli italiani a vivere al novanta per cento in appartamenti di loro proprietà o di loro congiunti? E come fanno a avere una aspettativa di vita di dieci anni maggiore rispetto agli USA?
Da romano posso dire che è meglio vivere in piccole città italiane.
strong guapele vibes. super gorgeous queen sheeeeeeeesh....
Thank you for sharing keep make real videos , reality is important do talk also about do they accept muslims? Jobs ? Study everything
9:42 “Afro-italiani” the way it’s described in this video is strange. Because on one hand there is nationality, which can be obtained by birthright or naturalization, and on the other there is ethnicity, which is recognized in your biological makeup & ancestry.
“Afro-” refers to ethnicity, not nationality. So being born in Italy or being like 3rd generation or something, does not make your ancestry Italian; it just makes you Italian by nationality. Someone who is Afro-italiani has to have ethnically Italian ancestors.
Ok, let me clarify as I see there is confusion. In this video, I’m referencing being of African descent but also Italian, similar to how we say African American. I’m both American and African American, although I still don’t know my actual familial ties to Africa because of slavery. Hope that helps!
@eo2353 I don't fully agree in terms of applying consistency because there are some Italians with strictly just Germanic descent for example who get a free pass IMO as being perceived/considered/accepted as being Italian (both in terms of ethnicity and nationality) compared to those with actual indigenous/native (for a lack of better words) Italic/Etruscan descent/ancestry. I don't see why Afro-Italiani can't be considered as Italian as much as the Germanic Italians that don't have any native (again for a lack of better words) Italic/Etruscan ancestry. I mean how long does the generations of migrating populations outside of Italy have to settle in Italy and assimilate to be considered ethnically Italian if they did not intermix with the previous indigenous Italic/Etruscan population? To me it's like a double standard in giving this assimilation recognition to one group of people who look different and come over to Italy from Northern Europe/Central Europe) and got basically 'grandfathered' in as being Italian in terms of ethnicity compared to those from the opposite direction from in terms of ancestry (aka sub-Saharan Africa). I do agree with you however that 'Afro' refers to ethnicity and not nationality as you stated.
Every country has faults no country is perfect
That's what I say. ☺️ Pros & Cons always.
Kind of unrelated, but I've seen lots of people complain about trash cans in Korea, Japan and other countries. Like...what are you guys carrying? Amazon boxes?
I've lived there 4times as teacher from the UK and I had a very idealised view. It is an horrific place to work after working in the uk , but beautiful food and inspiring for my writing. You have to understand the culture of furba to make it there. Beautiful people a fuori but essentially very closed and hard to puncture groups. Also racist I felt ,but its such a beautiful but exotic place .
Italy is great for holiday, if you want to live and work in Italy well get ready to go trough a different story compared to what you watched on TV.
I'm Italian and therefore I know the cons of living in Italy, but I don't write them because otherwise I would finish in a week.
I soliti stereotipi e luoghi comuni?🥱🥱😴😴😴
It can’t be that bad surely
@@fabmanly1070 it’s a joke
😂
Your beautiful! Appreciate the video. 💛 Love from Texas~
I would venture that most these "dislikes" are part of big city life in Rome, Naples, Venice?........If you can afford Northern Italy, Florence, etc.....I think one might find civilization a bit more "organized", but expensive. If you are looking for lower cost of living it would be prudent to check out the southern parts, and village (communes) of italy where there are commonly less than 1000 people living in these villages. You can be close enough to the city, but enjoy a nicer side of Italy.
Smoking is a huge con for me so that point was quite appreciated
… just saying! Haha. For some people, they don’t mind, but being from the US, not many people smoke cigarettes these days!
Grazie Mille!
nice video. thx
I am Italian and I confirm the bureaucracy is the highest in the world, we smoke a lot yeah, and the citizenship 10 years is high but it is quite standard in Europe.
however, in the concession standings, we are the country that grants the most citizenship in Europe.
We confirm we are crazy when we drive ahaha it seems fast an furious ahah
About racism, no i do not agree, in my opinion we are the least racist country in the West, IMO we don't care about skin and job, but the foreigner who doesn't respect our culture and land makes us angry.
In fact, I dislike the Chinese very much, they don't integrate, they don't pay taxes and they compete unfairly in our country by laundering money, buying brands and companies ... but it's not their fault, they have a culture completely opposite to ours, so I don't hate them .
let's say our problems are the Italian politicians who do not protect us and sell us off for a loaf of bread
Economically they are literally destroying us in the EU, if we are still standing it is only because we are an economically competitive country with made in Italy.
But another European country would already be bankrupt if it had experienced what we have experienced.
If you want advice on friendships, we get bored if we see that there is a foreigner who wants to be our friend for interests, in Italy friendship is never calculated, we are less practical and more spontaneous ,byeee!
it feels like ur diminishing other people’s experiences with racisms in Italy. you singling out chinese’s people calling them “the chinese” shows me a lot about your character.
I agree with you! Im an italian living abroad since ages, and never plan to come back!
I’m an Italian that’s never even set foot in Italy…ironic…
Ive had a house here for 17 years, resident for 5 years. Biggest mistake i ever made. Im in Piedmonte, DONT whatever you do come to live here. Seems nice to visit, a NIGHTMARE to live here. Con men, corruption, builders ripping you off, crap cafes with plastic furniture and inflated rip off prices, property fines, police fines, you WILL get sick of all the old derelict buildings. YOU WILL get ripped off, all the time. Im currently selling up and getting out. Sooner the better.
Did you believe the tale of the 'dolce vita?' the one that many you tubers talk about, well, you have touched the hell in which we Italians have always lived. There is also the good, but the bad prevails, now, more than ever, and now we have fallen into another nightmare (try to guess why if I put some terms I get canceled)
When will you visit Kenya?
Hopefully, sometime this year or next!
Northern Italy was nicer imho.
Yep, I think you pretty much nailed it. Italy is not the place to go to experience any kind of efficiency. Garbage, graffiti, insane driving, smoking, and the fact that Italy is not really into the whole melting pot notion as it pertains to refugees and immigrants. Ironically, it is Italy's supreme beauty and culture that offsets all this :).
How could I forget to mention the graffiti! Haha! Good point! Thanks for adding that. I don't notice it anymore. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Haha! Italy is definitely one of the most beautiful countries in the world, which makes all the other negatives tolerable... at times. Haha!
My path is thru Jure Sanguinis
Then you will probably have an easier time! 😉 Not like that process doesn't come with potentially a few headaches as well. Haha! Thanks for watching!
Everything you mentioned sounds like living in the east coast, minus the diversity
Don't they have loans for real estate?
Yes, of course they do! The process is a bit more complex when you are a foreigner (more bureaucracy 😉), but I only used the average salary in Lazio (Rome's region) as an example to compare it with housing prices and the affordability in the city center.
I don’t think they have mortgages for over 100 years, so your original point still stands in my opinion 👍
Not ones that are stretched out 100+ years. Come on man 😀
I was in Rome a couple of weeks ago. Rome is filthy. Sorry, real talk.
I already know that living in a giant city is going to be a shitshow. Who wants to be crammed up like sardines and pay three times what you should for the luxury. I don’t think I heard you say anything about Italy in general though.
Well, there’s nothing like being in the city center and walking everywhere vs. taking a car and not being able to find a parking space. 😅 so you choose your battles. Haha! Not sure if you are new here, but there are plenty of videos on my channel giving more insight into general life in Italy since this was more of a personal reflection. Those will probably provide any answers you may have. Thanks for watching!
From Kenya🇰🇪
Good video !
Thanks so much!
Hey kenya,
Thank u for making these videos
I will be coming to italy to study medicine soon
Id love to get to know u and become friends once Im there
I was worried i woudn't be able to finde any person of colour!!
Really? I want too, which city are u considering?
How would you compare italian racism versus american?
Thank you, love your videos!