5 Things I'm Grateful for as an Expat Living in Italy

Happy belated Thanksgiving, ya'll. Yesterday I flew back to Calabria after spending two weeks in the U.S. I deliberately chose to fly on Thanksgiving, hoping the flight wouldn't be too full!

In case it's not obvious, Italians don't celebrate Thanksgiving. To them, it's a vague concept that somehow involves turkey. Honestly, it's my least favorite holiday, so I don't miss it too much.

What I do appreciate about Thanksgiving is that it's a reminder to be grateful for what we have. And on that note, here are several things I'm grateful for as an expat living in Italy.

1. I Am Grateful for the Lower Cost of Living

It's one of the reasons I chose to move here. Costs are rising in the U.S. (which I was shocked to see on my trip), and I simply wouldn't be able to have the life I have now if I'd continued to live in San Diego (which has one of the highest costs of living in the country!).

Without so much stress on needing an exorbitant amount of money to live, I can relax and enjoy life here.

2. I Am Grateful for the Sense of Community

The longer I live in Davoli, the more I fall in love with it. While people were a bit reserved when I first arrived (I think they thought I didn't speak Italian, so they'd direct their questions to Fra), they now greet me warmly when I pass by. I'm constantly getting invited into the bar for a coffee or beer.

The other day, I went for a nice, long walk around the town. Toward the end of my walk, I ran into my brother-in-law, who immediately took me for a coffee. Ten minutes later, I ran into our neighbor/cousin Giacinto (ciao Iaci!), who invited me in to try his cherries soaked in anise liqueur. I love walks like these.

When I had my surgery a few months ago, I swear that EVERYONE knew about it. It irritated me because I tend to be private about certain things, but I also see that they only wanted to make sure I was okay when they asked about it.

When I lived in Kensington in San Diego, this sense of community was what I was striving for. I found it to a degree there, but I think the Italian personality is what makes me feel even more connected here. It's lovely.

3. I Am Grateful for My Italian Family

I'm 48 and practically consider myself a grown-up, but I have to say, it's lovely to be able to taken care of now and then. My mother-in-law goes with me to stressful doctor's visits (and to the hospital for my surgery). My father-in-law is quick to resolve any home problem we have. And my brother-in-law, in addition to feeding me coffee, is always happy to drive me 45 minutes to the airport.

In addition, I have dozens of cousins, which makes for great built-in friends. We have cousins in England and France, so when they come, it makes for a fun time together.

4. I Am Grateful for My Deepening Relationship with Plants

When I moved to Italy, it was my intention to study herbalism and start using herbs for healing. I've done exactly that, and living in Davoli has increased my knowledge, since I'm surrounded by herbs that I pick and use for teas, salves, and oils.

I've even launched my own herbal care line, Magara Botanica! I sell calendula salve, muscle rub, and lip balm, and people here love it!

Every single day, I find something to be grateful for as an expat living in Italy. Even on difficult days, which still happen now and then, I can find a reason to be happy I made the choice to move here.