208. Surprising Differences of Daily Life in Italy

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! If you enjoy our podcast please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, Grazie Mille! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso mention they started this podcast almost 5 years ago. They share stories from their two months since their move to Italy, highlighting the unique aspects of Italian culture, which are noticeable and well received. Key Points: Celebrating Five Years: Kimberly and Tommaso mark nearly five years of their podcast, which started on April 13, 2021. They plan a special 210th episode to celebrate this milestone, possibly a “Greatest Hits” edition. Living in Italy: Listeners have shown interest in their move to Italy, with many expressing that they are “living vicariously” through the hosts. Kimberly and Tommaso focus on sharing experiences that highlight Italian characteristics and culture. Daily Interactions: They have genuine conversations daily with locals in bakeries, pharmacies, and grocery stores. These interactions make them feel connected and help them make new friends. Locals often greet them by name, adding to their sense of belonging. Italian Hospitality: Kimberly and Tommaso recount being invited to a four-course dinner by a couple they met for only 15 minutes. Bar Culture: Italian bars serve multiple functions throughout the day, from coffee to aperitivo. Bars are lively, with baristas chatting to regulars who often read multiple newspapers over a single espresso. Italian Style: Italians, even in a small village, are well-dressed. The prevalence of tailor and shoe repair shops reflect the importance of Italian fashion. An Italian fashion designer explains that dressing well is a reflection of Italy’s culture of beauty. Simple Pleasures: Kimberly enjoys the abundant high-quality and reasonably priced Parmigiano cheese daily. Tommaso appreciates the respect shown to the elderly and the intergenerational communication he observes. Different Perspectives on Life: Younger Italians aspire to move to America for better economic opportunities. Older Italians express satisfaction with their lives in Italy, knowing they live well and in a beautiful country. Despite admitting to national problems, Italians generally view Italy as a good place to live. Travel Advisory: Kimberly mentions a Level 2 travel advisory for Europe due to the Middle East conflict. Travelers should be aware of “war exclusion clauses” in travel insurance policies, which can void coverage if traveling to warned areas. Kimberly recommends signing up for government alert systems like America’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Closing Thoughts: Kimberly and Tommaso thank listeners for their congratulatory messages and notes of “jealousy.” They give a shout-out to old neighbors, Tom and Nicole, who miss their laughter. The episode ends with a reminder that “laughter is the best medicine,” especially during challenging times. Ciao!!

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their recent experiences moving to Italy, including challenging administrative tasks and funny observations. They also provide insights into upcoming travel changes in Italy, highlight various festivals, and discuss the growing issue of AI-generated travel content. Key Points: Navigating Italian Bureaucracy: Kimberly and Tommaso discuss the difficulties of setting up utilities and managing documents in Italy. Kimberly shares a humorous anecdote about forgetting her passport for a critical appointment, despite having submitted many copies previously. Tommaso jokes about the prevalence of hex screws in Italian furniture assembly, suggesting archaeologists would be confused by their abundance. Upcoming Travel Changes and Festivals: Kimberly mentions the ongoing, lengthy immigration process, which will take over a year and a half to complete. They praise the Arena di Verona, the venue for the recent Olympics closing ceremony, for its preservation and beauty. Kimberly and Tommaso talk about upcoming Italian festivals, including the Olive Oil Festival in Monopoli and the San Nicola celebration in Bari. Other events mentioned include the Valle d’Itria opera festival in Martina Franca and the Loco Rotondo Grape Festival in Puglia. They also highlight unique festivals in Tuscany, like the Palio di Somari (donkey race) in Torrita di Siena, and Pisa’s Luminaria di San Ranieri, a candlelit celebration along the Arno River. Annoying Travel Updates: Rome has started charging a two-euro fee to see the Trevi Fountain, following a successful experiment with an elevated walkway to control tourist flow. Kimberly and Tommaso discuss the delayed rollout of the EES (Entry-Exit System) and the Aetius Visa, noting long lines and potential four-hour delays at major European airports. They advise travelers to consider flying into smaller EU airports to avoid potential bottlenecks. The DHS’s shutdown of Global Pass in the US is also noted as a potential issue for American travelers returning from Italy. Rome recently removed 12 iconic umbrella-shaped pine trees from the Via dei Fori Imperiali due to age and safety concerns after several fell and injured pedestrians. Agriturismo Experiences: Agriturismos (renovated farmhouses offering accommodations) are growing in popularity across Italy. These establishments provide organic, farm-to-table food, often with their own vineyards, and many activities like cooking classes, olive oil tastings, and yoga. Kimberly highlights the historical context of agriturismos, which emerged after WWII to revive rural farm life and encourage tourism. She describes waking up to the sounds of cowbells, enjoying fresh farm eggs, homemade bread, and goat cheese, all with modern amenities. Beware of AI Slop: Tommaso expresses frustration with “AI slop,” online articles generated by artificial intelligence that provide unauthentic or inaccurate travel information. He cites examples of articles recommending crowded tourist spots like Siena and Lucca as places “where tourists won’t go.” Kimberly adds that these websites often automatically launch booking platforms and feature fake family photos. They encourage listeners to seek out authentic travel information from real people with local experience, differentiating between genuine content creators and purely digital, ad-driven sites.

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share their experiences after living in Italy for almost a month. They discuss the daily adjustments, from understanding local customs to enjoying Italian cuisine. Key Points: The Italian Tabacchi: More Than Meets the Eye: Kimberly and Tommaso explain how a “tabacchi” in Italy serves multiple purposes beyond selling cigarettes. It is a place to purchase a “Marco da Bolo,” a stamp needed for immigration applications. This discovery highlights the unique role of local establishments in daily Italian life. The Rhythm of Reposo: Kimberly and Tommaso describe the challenge of adapting to store closing times for “riposo” or “pausa,” the Italian equivalent of a siesta. Store hours vary, making it tricky to plan errands. They joke about needing a spreadsheet or an “Airtable database” to keep track of business hours. These closures offer a peaceful atmosphere, especially during midday, creating a quiet charm in the streets. Grocery Shopping Adventures: A humorous incident occurs when Kimberly attempts to bring a two-wheel shopping cart into a grocery store. She learns that these carts are not allowed inside due to unspoken rules. Kimberly ‘s New York City instincts made her hesitant to leave her cart unattended. The grocery manager’s reaction to her concern about theft provides a moment of cultural contrast. A Culinary Awakening: Kimberly and express their delight in the quality and accessibility of Italian food. Small “alimentaries” (local markets) specialize in different products, from prosciutto to Parmigiano. Even simple roasted vegetables become a culinary revelation due to the fresh ingredients and olive oil. They highlight the artistic display of food in shops, which makes shopping a visually appealing experience. The Echoes of History: Living in a village with roots dating back to the Bronze Age give Kimberly and Tommaso a deeper appreciation for history. The Venetian architecture in their village adds to its charm. Tommaso Il Favoloso reflects on his lifelong dream of living in Europe and the magical feeling of making Italy his home. Ciao!

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso talk about their first two weeks in their new home in Italy. They share the joys and challenges of moving to a new country with a new language and new rules. Key Points: Setting Up a New Life in Italy: Kimberly and Tommaso record their first podcast from their new, unfurnished apartment in Italy. They describe the initial setup, including one bed, one table, two chairs, a kitchen, and many empty boxes. They express admiration for those who immigrate to new countries, especially with language barriers. Navigating Italian Bureaucracy: The process began with picking up an immigration application from the post office within eight business days of arrival. They found the process was what they had expected with Kimberly’s Italian language skills coming to the rescue. They recount a humorous experience at the post office involving a friendly, funny clerk. A local festival closing the post office caused a moment of panic about missing their eight-day deadline. A visit to La Questura (police station) revealed the need for a “declaration of entry” due to their indirect arrival through France. They discovered that all printers in Italy come with built-in scanners, highlighting the local need for frequent document scanning. Deliveries and Shopping Experiences: Delivery tracking in Italy is often inaccurate. Packages arrive unexpectedly, sometimes before they are even marked as shipped online. Kimberly and Tommaso joke that the only way to reliably receive a package is to stay home all day. Or all week! Shopping in Italian malls is a different experience than in the United States. Malls are vibrant, aesthetically pleasing, and full of people. They describe a first mall experience with an exquisite wine bar and restaurant, feeling like they were in Venice or Rome. The stores themselves offer a personalized, art-gallery-like experience with attentive staff. Despite visiting on weekdays, the malls were busy, indicating a thriving shopping culture, unlike the decline of malls in America. Recycling Rules: Italy has a thorough and strict recycling system, with daily pickups for specific items. Food scraps go into communal compost, used for local agriculture. The community effort for recycling is apparent everywhere. They appreciate that the Italian system explains where recycled materials go, fostering a sense of purpose. Ciao!

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso share essential tips for a smooth first trip to Italy. They offer advice on everything from arrival to transportation and local etiquette. This episode helps travelers avoid common mistakes and enjoy their Italian experience. Key Points for First-Timers: Arrival and Taxis: When you arrive at the airport, look for official white taxis with city emblems or company names. Do not accept rides from unauthorized individuals offering cheaper fares. Have your hotel address ready and practice the correct pronunciation beforehand to tell it to the driver. Using translation apps can help. Hotel Expectations: Be ready for smaller hotel rooms, beds, and cars compared to what you might expect. Air conditioning may not be as strong or as flexible as in other countries. It might have temperature limits or seasonal availability. Coffee Culture and Etiquette: To order coffee, pay at the “Cassa” (cash register) first, get a receipt, then take it to the barista. A “latte” in Italy is mostly steamed milk. Research coffee options like espresso, macchiato, ristretto and cappuccino. Avoid ordering milk-based coffees like lattes or cappuccinos after 11:00 AM. Italians believe milk after this time slows digestion. Standing at the coffee bar is common and often cheaper than sitting at a table. Do not bring a laptop to work if you sit down. Train Travel: Italian trains are generally timely, reliable, and clean. Book seats in advance due to high visitor numbers. If you buy a paper ticket at the station, validate it at a freestanding machine before boarding. Failure to do so can result in a fine. Online tickets come with a QR code. Have it ready when you pass through electronic gates to the track. Choose the correct train number, not just the destination, to avoid getting on the slow regional trains. Travel with small carry-on suitcases or backpacks. Large suitcases should be stored at the end of each car. Rental Cars and Driving: Obtain an International Driver’s License before your trip. Most rental agencies require it. Rent from known companies like Europcar, Hertz, or Avis. Avoid cheaper, lesser-known options. Before driving off, video record the entire car to document any existing damage. Kimberly and Tomasso share a story about this. Be aware of ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) signs, which restrict traffic in historic city centers. Driving in these zones can lead to high fines. Parking is indicated by colored lines: white for free, blue for paid (use kiosks), and yellow for reserved spaces. General Etiquette and Recommendations: Be polite and patient. A simple “Buongiorno” or “Buonasera” with a smile goes a long way. Dress appropriately. Italians pride themselves on fashion, so avoid casual attire like t-shirts and flip-flops in cities. Embrace later dinner times. Locals typically eat later, so dining at 6:00 PM will likely mean you will be dining only with other tourists. Remember that staff members deal with many tourists daily, all season long. Be understanding and thankful.

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Links for the Show: Fondazione FS Italiane National Railway Museum Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria  Via di Linari In this episode, Kimberly Holcombe and Tommaso share insights from their friends who recently traveled to Italy during the Christmas holiday. They discuss historical train routes, exciting activities like driving a Ferrari through Tuscany, and adventurous hiking and biking options. Join us in this episode for unique ways to experience Italy beyond the typical tourist paths. Key Points: Christmas in Italy: Venice was less crowded than Rome during the holidays. Italian locals gather in Rome for Christmas, making it more crowded. Venice had crowds during specific events like the Santa Claus gondolier parade. Uber Black in Rome: Friends used Uber Black successfully in Rome, despite previous reliability concerns with standard Uber. Uber Black offers larger, luxury vehicles with professional drivers. Historical Exploration: Friends regretted not researching the history of Italian landmarks before their trip. Tommaso suggests spending ample time before the trip researching historical facts so they are better prepared once there. New Travel Options for 2026: Historical Train Journeys: Italy’s historic railways, managed by La Fondazione FS Italiane. Binari Sensa Tempo (Timeless Tracks): Offers dozens of itineraries across the country. The National Railway Museum is in Pietrasara, outside Naples. The Christmas Market Train (Treno de Mercantini di Natale) runs from Sulmona to Roccaraso in Abruzzo. A day-long excursion from Torino to Canelli offers wine tastings in Piemonte. The train features Centoporte (100 Doors) carriages from the 1920s to the 1980s. Sommeliers offer tastings of regional wines like Barolos. Olive Mill Trains: Frantoi Aperti (Open Olive Mills) trains run every weekend through mid-November. Organized by Strada dell’Olio DOP Umbria (The Olive Oil Road). Visitors can taste fresh extra virgin olive oil and learn about production. Guided tastings led by professional tasters are available on board. The route runs from Arezzo to other Umbrian towns like Spoleto and Assisi. Promotes mindful travel and reduces carbon emissions. Luxury Driving: Drive a Ferrari through the hills of Tuscany. Prices are around 4,000 euros per day, or 2,000 euros per person for two. Multi-day excursions include high-end hotels. Adventure Hiking: Via Di Linari: An ancient 93-mile trail through medieval monasteries, abbeys, and a national park. The trail snakes through Emilia-Romagna and the Apennine Mountains into Tuscany. Best hiked in spring or fall, taking about nine days to complete. Sections are no more than 12 miles long. The website Camini Emilia Romagna provides detailed itineraries and accommodation options. Monasteri Aperti: Monks open their doors to hikers for hot meals on certain autumn weekends. Biking Expeditions: Flat, scenic rides connecting food capitals like Parma and Bologna to Venice. Explore historic sites like Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sardinia: Features rugged coastlines and routes for all levels. Sicily: Combines history and natural beauty, with cycling through the Valley of the Temples and around Mount Etna. Egadi Islands (Isola Egadi): Offers idyllic cycling vacations. Isola di Levanzo is ideal for mountain bikers. Isola di Favignana has paved roads and gravel paths. Isola Marettimo is for serious mountain bikers, featuring a small idyllic village.

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso wish everyone a Buon Natale and a Happy New Year. They share their past Christmas experiences in Italy, highlighting the unique ways Italians celebrate the holiday season. The episode reflects on how these traditions bring people together and how a few of their friends are currently experiencing Italy for Christmas. Key Points: Tomaso’s Holiday Message and Shout-Out: Tomaso extends sympathy to Australian listeners for a recent tragedy. Tomaso also gives a shout-out to participants of the Sydney to Hobart sailing race on Boxing Day. Christmas Eve Traditions: Kimberly and Tommaso share their plans their Christmas Eve dinner with handmade fusilli, bresaola and fresh mozzarella. They pair their meal with a special pesto from Geneva and a bottle of wine by a roaring fire. Listener Reviews and Italian Phrases: Tomaso thanks two listeners, Traveling Zia and Miller Sherry, for their reviews on Apple Podcasts. Kimberly shares various ways to say “that’s very nice” in Italian. Kimberly’s First Christmas in Italy: Kimberly recounts her first Christmas in Italy driving from Milano to Sicilia in a 25-year-old Fiat Cinquecento. She describes how Italians decorate their cities with lights strung across buildings, fostering a sense of connection. She remembers seeing a huge Christmas tree made of hundreds of red poinsettias in Taormina. An Expat Christmas Dinner in Milano: Kimberly organized a Christmas dinner for expat friends and models stuck in Milano for the holidays. Each person made a dish from their home country, creating a diverse and humorous meal. A friendly Italian neighbor invited everyone to his Nonna’s apartment for traditional panettone and pandoro. Christmas in Italy in 2024: Kimberly and Tommaso describe their trip through Italy in December 2024, visiting Rome, Montepulciano, Cortona, Arezzo, Modena, Bergamo, Castelrotto, and Treviso. They experienced outdoor festivals, concerts, flag throwers, and Christmas markets, emphasizing the community spirit. Tomaso notes the non-commercial aspect of Italian Christmas celebrations, focusing on regional specialties. Friends’ Christmas Trip to Italy: Kimberly’s friends from Boston are currently traveling in Venice and Rome for Christmas. They saw hundreds of gondoliers dressed as Santa Claus (Babbo Natale) on the Grand Canal. Murano chandeliers light up Piazza San Marco, a skating rink in Campo San Polo, and artisan craft demonstrations on Murano and Burano. Their friends will also experience Rome’s sights, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the new Metro station that has artifacts like a museum. A Look Ahead: Kimberly and Tommaso thank listeners for their patience with bi-weekly episodes. They promise to return to weekly episodes when they move to Italy, sharing their experiences of living there. They end the episode wishing everyone a New Year filled with love, peace, pasta, tiramisu, and Brunello!

Please follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠! In this episode, Kimberly and Tommaso talk about travel to Italy during the high season. They suggest places to visit and compare their personal recommendations to those generated by AI models like Google Gemini and ChatGPT. Key Points: High Season in Italy: The high season in Italy now runs from Easter through September. The discussion focuses on how crowds impact the travel experience during this period. Navigating Travel Information: Tommaso discusses the prevalence of AI-generated content and the rapid growth of the influencer market. They highlight the need for authentic and reliable information in travel planning. Kimberly and Tommaso’s Top Recommendations for High Season 2026: Lago Molveno: A tranquil mountain lake village, perfect for hiking and biking, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Portovenere, Liguria: A colorful coastal village south of Cinque Terre, offering boat trips to Palmaria Island and delicious pesto. Cuneo Province, Piemonte: Ideal for a driving trip, known for its truffles, Barolo wine, and charming towns like Alba and Bra. Also features the Santuario di San Magno with spectacular mountain views. AI Recommendations vs. Reality: ChatGPT’s suggestions for high season include popular, often overcrowded, destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Cinque Terre, Taormina, and Florence. Google Gemini suggests the Dolomites, Verona, Puglia, Sicily, Ischia, Umbria, and Bologna. Both AI models acknowledge the presence of crowds in their suggestions, but Kimberly and Tomaso emphasize the extent of overcrowding in these popular areas during peak season. AI models currently provide summaries of information, lacking the personal opinions and unique experiences that human experts offer. Many Italian businesses close for Ferragosto, impacting city experiences. Authenticity in Travel Planning: The hosts advocate for authentic, ground-level expertise over generic AI recommendations. Kimberly notes that AI cannot convey the magical, sensory experiences of travel, such as the one-of-a-kind experience of waking up to the scent of Edelweiss flowers in the Italian mountains.

Kimberly Holcombe will introduce you to her long standing love of Italy and the Italian people. She explains how she moved to Milan many years ago to further her fashion photography career, and how those years impacted her life to this day. A few hysterical stories of finding her way pre-internet, and the life changing cappuccino, only enriched her love affair the country and the people, who in her mind, truly know live la dolce vita.

Please Follow us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! In this special 200th episode, Kimberly and Tommaso celebrate a milestone while discussing their upcoming move to Italy. They share insights into Italian holiday traditions and meals, offering a look at how these differ from American celebrations. Key Points: The Podcast’s Journey: Kimberly and Tommaso il Favoloso reflect on 200 episodes of their podcast which they started during COVID.. Their podcast’s goal has always been to share their love of Italy and offer travel insights. Future plans include returning to a weekly episode schedule after their move to Italy. Thanksgiving in America vs. Holidays in Italy: Kimberly describes the traditional American Thanksgiving meal, which has remained largely unchanged for 400 years. Tommaso shares his enjoyment of the Thanksgiving meal. The conversation shifts to Italian holiday meals, highlighting their variety and cultural significance. Visiting Italy during a holiday offers a chance to experience unique traditions and less crowded destinations. Italian Christmas Eve (La Vigilia): Most Europeans celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve with their main meal. The traditional Christmas Eve meal in Italy is seafood, a “lean day” without meat. Italian Christmas Eve dinner begins early with aperitivo, followed by antipasti (no meat), pasta or risotto and fish as the main course. Desserts include panettone, pandoro and torrone. Kimberly recounts loud, lively Christmas Eve dinners in Milan with extended family. Italian Easter (Pasqua): For Easter, Italians eat lamb, not ham. The day starts with Colomba, a dove-shaped, sweeter version of panettone, symbolizing peace and rebirth. Eggs are important, appearing in dishes like torta pasqualina and brodetto pasquale. Artichokes, asparagus, or chicory accompany the lamb. A popular dessert is pastiera napolitana, a creamy, sweet cake from Naples. Other Italian Holidays: Italy celebrates several non-religious holidays, such as Liberation Day and Festa della Repubblica. Religious holidays like Ognissanti on November 1st involves eating Pane de Morti (bread of the dead). New Year’s Eve (Capodanno) is a religious holiday focused on symbolic foods for luck and prosperity. Old school Italians eat 12 grapes at midnight for luck in each month of the year. Epifania (Epiphany) on January 6th, marks the end of the Christmas season and includes a fun tradition with La Befana, a kind witch who brings treats. Celebrations for La Befana include a regatta in Venice and a national festival in Urbania Planning Your Trip: Experiencing Italian holidays offers a chance to enjoy different cultural traditions and foods. Agriturismos or small family-run hotels are ideal for experiencing traditional holiday meals. Join us in this episode as we uncover the true essence of Italian holiday traditions, providing a realistic and enriching perspective on what to expect and enjoy.