Moving to Ofena

[maryann]

Originally Posted by Barry

Maryann,
Sounds like you are eligible for dual citizenship! It takes a bit of work and time so you should get started on it as soon as possible. Carrufo had 2 feet of snow around christmas. It melted right away but it was still cool. Even on the beaches outside of the tourist season it can be very quiet. We went in May once and stayed in Silvi Marina on the beach and we were the only ones in the hotel!
Our villages are fading away. There are no young people and most of the residents are in their 70's and 80's. Only in July and August the population doubles with young families. If you find a good size town, ie 5000 to 10000 people it would probably be livelier in the winter. Watch to see if the population is to old or if there are a number of younger people around. You might check out villages or towns around a larger center such as Pescara. The advantages of Pescara is it's right on the sea plus it has the airport with direct flights to New York and Toronto during the summer as well as Ryan Air to London and Frankfurt all year round.
Barry

Dear Barry,
I think I am going to print out your email because it is just filled with lots of good tips. Other people living and going on vacation to Calabria have not had the chance to tell me things like this because they go during the vacation season and many many buy the modern new built apartments in complexes; we call them townhouses or condominiums here in the states. I have read from some that the resorts get empty in the winter. I definitely will keep that in mind to seek out 5000 - 10000 population.It makes sense. I really do not want mydaily life to be always around oler people. We need a place where people are friendly, lively, a little younger. We are a youngish 58 and 61. lol At least, we try!

We had been to Pescara. It had all you would need, although it is not the type of city I want to live in. I want more of a town with les moern buildings, but I also do not want to live in a place where there are all ruins and gray peeling plaster on all buildings. I loved Silva Marina. Passed through it. Citta Angelo was also sweet. We went through many many towns and I took careful notes and rated them. lol

I have all documents I need and have had them for over a year or so. When my mom and died died recently, she had them all in the home. I have my grandparents' original birth certificate, marriage cert, citizenship document, my mom's original birth cert, etc. I was planning to pursue it with my non helpful NYC Consulate and even had a DEcember appointment for last December. But having the appointment does not mean they work on it or take your papers. They simply tell you if ou have the right papers. You have to get apostilles on any document from the US. When I visited Abruzzo last summer, I specifically found the right office and asked the individual if it is easier for me to get Italian citizenship after moving here and living here or by doing it now in my home country, USA. He quickly said it is easier to do it in Italy. My husband was born in France, a war baby, his mother being a French woman, Dad born in US. He is a French citizen, so I guess it makes him a EU national. I am not sure exactly what that gives him the right to.
Would you possibly know, Barry, for I find you very informed?

So, I canceled that December appointment and decided to just bring all my paperwork there when we move and do it there.

I think this trip will help me decide if I should rent there and stay. I don't know, as you get older, things do start seeming like projects. In the last year, I have seen death come early to a number of people. My best friend has had 2 brain biopsies, is 54, protein deposits on the brain blood vessels, and is very unaware of things and does not have her mental capabilities and has decreased in her cognitive abilities greatly; it is an aging process that occurs in the 70's, and is similar to Alzheimer's. So, down deep I probably know I should give it a try and rent a while, but honestly, Barry, it seems like such a project because now it would be a 2 step project to live there for good. Rent there, but then what do I do with my home here? Sell it, keep it empty? Then, if we like it there after being there say 6 mos., then what , more trips back here to sell the house, but then we would have had to look around there for a home to buy, and what order would one logically do anything? It is something to decide, though, because renting is sensible. I would not want to sell all and then hate it over there.

I am going to price out flying to England first then to Rome. I did that last year and it was more money. We paid a high airfare. It was $3300 rt for the 2 of us.

Wow, I went on and on, didn't I? Hope you do not mind. Please do not feel pressured that you must write back, but it is a terrific thing. Barry, thanks for listening Barr, how do you pm someone here? Like everyone is seeing what I write.
MaryAnn

[Barry]

MaryAnn,

That's a terrible price to fly to Europe. I had a quick look at Zoom Airlines and you can fly JFK to Gatwick for $750 return. Gatwick to Rome usually runs less than $ 200 return. We did Calgary to Rome last fall for $800 each return.

Pescara isn't the nicest city in Italy but there are a lot of beautiful towns around it. Chieti sits on a hill with bus service into Pescara and has an amazing museum as well as more bars and restaurants than you can count.
Property is more expensive by the ocean but there is a greater variety as well.

Barry

[maryann]

Originally Posted by Barry

MaryAnn,

That's a terrible price to fly to Europe. I had a quick look at Zoom Airlines and you can fly JFK to Gatwick for $750 return. Gatwick to Rome usually runs less than $ 200 return. We did Calgary to Rome last fall for $800 each return.

Pescara isn't the nicest city in Italy but there are a lot of beautiful towns around it. Chieti sits on a hill with bus service into Pescara and has an amazing museum as well as more bars and restaurants than you can count.
Property is more expensive by the ocean but there is a greater variety as well.

Barry

Yes, we had been to Chieti and it was very nice. I went back a second time to see it. yes, Pescara had lovely towns around it. We also bathed at Francavilla a Mare. Terrific. I think that place must get very quiet in the winter.
I will check out these airfares. When you say "return", Barry, do you mean round trip? so, if I flew to Rome, then I would have to take another flight to Calabria, right? We are flying into Lamezia Terme, on the west coast. That price might not be too bad, though, from Rome to there. Thank you for checking that out for me, Barry. You're a good guy!
We leave July 11, return 27th, in case during that time you do not hear from me.
MaryAnn

[Barry]

MaryAnn,

Those are round trip fairs going through Gatwick. You would have to check EasyJet and others to see where else in Italy they fly. We have always rented a car and driven to Carrufo. Hour and a half from Rome. I would guess you could drive to Calabria in a couple of hours or take the bus. The Italian bus service seems to be very fast and efficient and goes just about everywhere.

[maryann]

Originally Posted by Barry

MaryAnn,

Those are round trip fairs going through Gatwick. You would have to check EasyJet and others to see where else in Italy they fly. We have always rented a car and driven to Carrufo. Hour and a half from Rome. I would guess you could drive to Calabria in a couple of hours or take the bus. The Italian bus service seems to be very fast and efficient and goes just about everywhere.

Thanks, Barry. If I can help you with any information, please let me know.
Is there anything I can look into for you or call while I am in the Italian haven?
Please let me know.
MaryANn

[Barry]

MaryAnn
just have a good time and don't pressure youself into buying something.
Barry

[maryann]

Originally Posted by maryann

Dear Barry,
I think I am going to print out your email because it is just filled with lots of good tips. Other people living and going on vacation to Calabria have not had the chance to tell me things like this because they go during the vacation season and many many buy the modern new built apartments in complexes; we call them townhouses or condominiums here in the states. I have read from some that the resorts get empty in the winter. I definitely will keep that in mind to seek out 5000 - 10000 population.It makes sense. I really do not want mydaily life to be always around oler people. We need a place where people are friendly, lively, a little younger. We are a youngish 58 and 61. lol At least, we try!

We had been to Pescara. It had all you would need, although it is not the type of city I want to live in. I want more of a town with les moern buildings, but I also do not want to live in a place where there are all ruins and gray peeling plaster on all buildings. I loved Silva Marina. Passed through it. Citta Angelo was also sweet. We went through many many towns and I took careful notes and rated them. lol

I have all documents I need and have had them for over a year or so. When my mom and died died recently, she had them all in the home. I have my grandparents' original birth certificate, marriage cert, citizenship document, my mom's original birth cert, etc. I was planning to pursue it with my non helpful NYC Consulate and even had a DEcember appointment for last December. But having the appointment does not mean they work on it or take your papers. They simply tell you if ou have the right papers. You have to get apostilles on any document from the US. When I visited Abruzzo last summer, I specifically found the right office and asked the individual if it is easier for me to get Italian citizenship after moving here and living here or by doing it now in my home country, USA. He quickly said it is easier to do it in Italy. My husband was born in France, a war baby, his mother being a French woman, Dad born in US. He is a French citizen, so I guess it makes him a EU national. I am not sure exactly what that gives him the right to.
Would you possibly know, Barry, for I find you very informed?

So, I canceled that December appointment and decided to just bring all my paperwork there when we move and do it there.

I think this trip will help me decide if I should rent there and stay. I don't know, as you get older, things do start seeming like projects. In the last year, I have seen death come early to a number of people. My best friend has had 2 brain biopsies, is 54, protein deposits on the brain blood vessels, and is very unaware of things and does not have her mental capabilities and has decreased in her cognitive abilities greatly; it is an aging process that occurs in the 70's, and is similar to Alzheimer's. So, down deep I probably know I should give it a try and rent a while, but honestly, Barry, it seems like such a project because now it would be a 2 step project to live there for good. Rent there, but then what do I do with my home here? Sell it, keep it empty? Then, if we like it there after being there say 6 mos., then what , more trips back here to sell the house, but then we would have had to look around there for a home to buy, and what order would one logically do anything? It is something to decide, though, because renting is sensible. I would not want to sell all and then hate it over there.

I am going to price out flying to England first then to Rome. I did that last year and it was more money. We paid a high airfare. It was $3300 rt for the 2 of us.

Wow, I went on and on, didn't I? Hope you do not mind. Please do not feel pressured that you must write back, but it is a terrific thing. Barry, thanks for listening Barr, how do you pm someone here? Like everyone is seeing what I write.
MaryAnn

Good morning, Barry,
My husband and I are researchers and smart shoppers and I thought since we were going to Italy, we should just talk to a good builder and price out what a 2 bedroom home would cost. Would you happen to know of any names of builders who have been thorough and honest?
MaryAnn

[Barry]

MaryAnn,
Sorry I don't know any builders. You would probably have to pick your spot first then since you can get by in Italian, talk to the locals. In the smaller centers you can probably talk to the mayor to get advice. They are desperate for development in the south and everyone seems anxious to please.
Barry

[maryann]

Originally Posted by Barry

MaryAnn,
Sorry I don't know any builders. You would probably have to pick your spot first then since you can get by in Italian, talk to the locals. In the smaller centers you can probably talk to the mayor to get advice. They are desperate for development in the south and everyone seems anxious to please.
Barry

Barry, thank you once again. Have a great day.
MaryAnn

[maisie21]

Hi Mary Ann
Thanks for getting back to me.
We have had our new builder recommended to us by the House around Italy 'girl friday'. She is a lovely girl and very concientious.I will be able to supply the builders full name as soon as we return from our next trip.
Ofena is about 40 mins from Pescara, it is a very quiet village with approx 250 families living there(so not very big).I understand your concerns about being able to get about when you are older, I am 54 and my husband is 58, but we feel that we will be able to cope living in Ofena and as we both drive(although I do most of it when we are there) there should not be too much of a problem.At the moment we rent a car for our visits but as soon as we move we will take up residency and buy one.
We have found the weather very mild throughout the year, it has been in the 20's in February so we are looking forward to the move which will take place in 2010.
we are also planning to ship our furniture to Italy although we are also buying new as we renovate various rooms at the house as we also have a large barn that will eventually be converted to accomodate any visitors.
I would certainly like to keep in touch to exchange views and ideas.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Judy.