Leaving Texas for Our New Life in Sicily: Emotional Moving Day Adventure

Relocating is always a significant life change, but when that relocation involves leaving behind everything familiar and embarking on an international journey to start anew, the emotions and logistics can be overwhelming. This isn’t just a vacation; it’s a permanent shift, a new chapter in our lives filled with both excitement and sorrow.

In this blog, we share our heartfelt goodbyes in Texas, the challenges of international travel, and our first impressions of settling on the beautiful island of Sicily.

Saying Goodbye: The Bittersweet Farewell to Texas

The journey began long before we stepped foot on an airplane. It started with weeks of preparations, countless conversations with family and friends, and the realization that we were about to leave behind our adult children and grandchildren. The decision to move wasn’t made lightly, but it was fueled by a deep desire for change and the opportunity for Croce to retire in the land where he was born and raised.

As we packed our final suitcases and left the home and family we had been close to for years, a wave of emotions hit us. We were leaving behind not just a house but memories—laughter-filled dinners, warm Texas sunsets, and the comfort of proximity to our loved ones. The hardest part was saying goodbye to our children and grandkids, knowing that the frequent visits and Sunday gatherings would now be replaced with video calls and occasional visits.

Though our hearts ached, we held onto the hope that this move would bring new adventures, fresh experiences, and a chance to embrace a different way of life.

Navigating the Journey: From Dallas to Sicily

With a heavy heart but determined spirits, we departed from Dallas, setting our sights on our new home. Our itinerary would take us from Dallas to Atlanta, then onto Rome, before our final landing in Palermo, Sicily. While the thought of arriving in Sicily was exhilarating, the logistics of international travel presented their own set of challenges.

First Stop: Atlanta International Airport

Our first layover in Atlanta gave us time to regroup, stretch our legs, and grab a cup of coffee. We found our gate early, charged our phones, and observed the bustling environment around us. Despite the anticipation of moving abroad, the reality of what we were leaving behind weighed heavily on our minds.

The Flight to Rome: An Uncomfortable Lesson in Booking

As we boarded our overnight flight to Rome, I was initially relieved that I had planned and requested bulkhead row seating, considering my severe claustrophobia. Unfortunately, due to a mistake by the airline agent, I ended up in a highly cramped seat. To make matters worse, the passenger in front of me fully reclined their seat for the entire flight, making it nearly impossible for me to move comfortably.

Lesson learned: Always confirm the seating configuration of your aircraft with the airline to avoid unpleasant surprises! What I thought was a bulkhead seat turned out to be a regular economy seat with a misleading red stripe. This mistake made for an exhausting and uncomfortable journey across the Atlantic.

Exploring Rome Fiumicino Airport: A Welcome Break

Upon arrival at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport, the atmosphere immediately shifted. The exhaustion from the long-haul flight was momentarily forgotten as we stepped into a bustling yet elegantly designed airport that truly embodied Italian culture.

We had a long layover, so we took the opportunity to explore. We admired the stunning airport artwork, observed fellow travelers, and even found a cozy spot to enjoy Italian espresso and cappuccino. Croce indulged in a delicious ciabatta sandwich with prosciutto crudo, parmesan cheese, arugula, and tomato, savoring the first authentic taste of Italy since our departure.

A particularly memorable moment was when a young man started playing the piano in the terminal, filling the air with a sense of romance and nostalgia. It was a beautiful and unexpected reminder of the cultural richness that awaited us in our new home.

Final Leg to Sicily: Excitement and Anticipation Build

With Rome behind us, we prepared for the short flight to Palermo, Sicily. However, just as we were about to board, an announcement came overhead—our flight was delayed due to an issue with the aircraft’s tires. While inconvenient, we were grateful that the problem was identified before takeoff.

Once we finally boarded, the flight was short but breathtaking. As we approached Sicily, the Tyrrhenian Sea sparkled beneath us, and the rugged Sicilian coastline came into view. This sight immediately made us forget the exhaustion of travel and filled us with excitement for what lay ahead.

Welcome to Palermo: A Family Reunion

Landing at Punta Raisi Airport, the reality of our move finally began to sink in. The moment we stepped off the plane, the warm Mediterranean air and the distinct sounds of Italian conversations surrounded us. Our baggage took longer than expected to arrive, but when we finally retrieved our suitcases, we moved through customs with ease.

Waiting for us on the other side was Croce’s brother, Rosario (Saridu), greeting us with a heartfelt hug. It was a touching moment as the two brothers reunited after years apart. As they caught up, I took in the sights and sounds of Palermo, absorbing the energy of our new home. It felt as though I had stepped back in time—ancient buildings, lively streets, and a deep cultural history embedded in every corner.

First Impressions and Our First Meal in Sicily

Driving through the Province of Palermo, I was mesmerized by the historic architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street life. Although this was a world away from Texas, something about it already felt familiar and inviting.

After settling in, we enjoyed our first taste of Sicilian seafood; a simple yet flavorful dish of fresh octopus, cooked to perfection by Saridu, who’s an expert in fruits of the sea. The flavor was unlike anything we had tasted before, so fresh and tasted of the sea.  Eating this traditional dish upon arrival is a symbol of welcome and good luck, and solidified for us that food would be an essential part of our new life in Sicily.

Our adventure is only just beginning, and while the emotions of leaving Texas still linger, the excitement of discovering Sicily is taking over. From historic ruins to Mediterranean coastlines and bustling markets to serene countryside, there is so much to explore and experience.

For anyone considering a move abroad, especially to Italy, this journey will offer a firsthand look at the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of expatriate life. Moving to Sicily from America is never easy, but it is a journey filled with growth, learning, and a deeper appreciation for the world.

Stay tuned as we continue to share our experiences, from settling into our new home to uncovering the wonders of Sicilian life. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Sicily, retiring abroad, or simply exploring a new way of life, join us on this incredible journey!