Living in Piemonte Region of Italy

csainz · #1 (**permalink**) 19th April 2010, 07:53 PM

Hello All,
Does anyone live in the Piemonte Region of Italy and specifically around Alba? I am interested in this area because of all that it offers and want to know what others living there think.
Thank you, Charlotte

barbarosa · #2 (**permalink**) 5th May 2010, 07:33 PM

hi
Charlotte

we have recently moved to the Piemonte Region from Scotland and still finding out what is has to offer. the area is mainly rural although Allessandria has a reasonalbe centre and a good alternative to travelling to milan. i am also told that the wine from the area is well respected but you may already have attended the wine festival in Alba and would know that for yourself.

Quote:

Originally Posted by csainz

Hello All,
Does anyone live in the Piemonte Region of Italy and specifically around Alba? I am interested in this area because of all that it offers and want to know what others living there think.
Thank you, Charlotte

csainz · #3 (**permalink**) 7th May 2010, 09:06 PM

Thank you so much for the reply. Any info you get would be helpful. When you find out about the weather, please drop me a line. I will check out Allessandria.
Charlotte

Quote:

Originally Posted by barbarosa

hi
Charlotte

we have recently moved to the Piemonte Region from Scotland and still finding out what is has to offer. the area is mainly rural although Allessandria has a reasonalbe centre and a good alternative to travelling to milan. i am also told that the wine from the area is well respected but you may already have attended the wine festival in Alba and would know that for yourself.

krestenkrej · #4 (**permalink**) 12th May 2010, 07:14 AM

Hi Charlotte,, We have spent a great deal of time in the Alba area over the past 15 years. It is a fantastic area for those who love food and wine and for the beauty of the surroundings. Alba is just a 45 minute train ride to Torino which offers a rich cultural life. I have been to Alba in the winter and it is rather bleak. I Have lived in Milano and still have family in both Milano and Toscano, I have no problem with the language and the mentality. A move to this area requires a deep knowledge of the language. I do not think that it will be that easy to blend in with the local population unless you have school age children who attend the local schools or a previous close contact. If you have any other questions, just let me know. Good Luck, Jane

csainz · #5 (**permalink**) 12th May 2010, 07:39 PM

Thank you so much Jane. I am studying Italian now and am looking for an area with good food and wine! I am 59 years young and want an area where I can feel comfortable. I so enjoy the beauty of the country and the warmth of the people. Does the Alba area have 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)? Is there another area where you might recommend that someone could retire and enjoy the wonders of wine and food and feel more comfortable?

Charlotte

krestenkrej · #6 (**permalink**) 13th May 2010, 07:57 AM

Thank you so much Jane. I am studying Italian now and am looking for an area with good food and wine! I am 59 years young and want an area where I can feel comfortable. I so enjoy the beauty of the country and the warmth of the people. Does the Alba area have 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)? Is there another area where you might recommend that someone could retire and enjoy the wonders of wine and food and feel more comfortable?

Charlotte

[/QUOTE]

krestenkrej · #7 (**permalink**) 13th May 2010, 08:34 AM

Hi, It appears as though you are looking at relocating permanently to Italy. This is a very serious step for many reasons. While Italy is the jewel in the crown cultually, historically and gastronically, to live there permanently as a single person with no contacts whatsoever will be an enormous challenge. Yes, the Italians that tourists meet during their stays in Italy are open and friendly. For many of them it is a business necessity. Yet this openness to strangers is not reflected in the daily life of most Italians. The Italians have friendly and open relationships with the people whom they meet on a daily basis.... shopkeepers, restauranteurs, neighbors, etc. Their social circles are built on long term relationships and family. In the larger cities, there is more social mobility. It is not easy however for newcomers to enter the private social life of an Italian. If one is introduced to a native and there are shared interests, there could be a possibility of creating a friendship. Perhaps you should investigate areas where there are a good number of foreigners and at least initially you would be able to have some companionship.

There are 4 seasons in Alba. Temperatures are between -2 and 4C. My husband and I would have considered buying a place in Alba 10 years ago but the weather is not optimal 5 months
out of the year.

I have family in Tuscany and thus have some knowledge of certain areas. Due to the size of Tuscany, you would need to focus in on the areas that you would like to explore. My belief is that you need to rent a place for 4 or 5 months in an area that you like and then make the relocation decision.

krestenkrej · #8 (**permalink**) 13th May 2010, 11:43 AM

Chalotte,
Omittted the word WINTER in front of temperatures are between, etc. There seems to be a way to edit the posting but I had no luck in finding it. Best, jane

krestenkrej · #9 (**permalink**) 13th May 2010, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krestenkrej

Thank you so much Jane. I am studying Italian now and am looking for an area with good food and wine! I am 59 years young and want an area where I can feel comfortable. I so enjoy the beauty of the country and the warmth of the people. Does the Alba area have 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)? Is there another area where you might recommend that someone could retire and enjoy the wonders of wine and food and feel more comfortable?

Charlotte

[/QUOTE]

Charlotte,
I omitted the word WINTER in front of temperatures etc. I believe there is a way to edit postings but had no luck in finding it. Best, Jane

Fiona C · #10 (**permalink**) 13th May 2010, 03:19 PM

My knowledge is more of central Italy, but I've never had a problem with meeting people/making friends in Italy (much easier than when I moved to London for instance! - or anywhere else for that matter). Of course, it depends on how extrovert you are - the more the better. It's may be better that you're on your own, as you have to make the effort. Learn as much Italian as you can, work on your gesticulation and off you go.