Lost Our Home in Sicily – Starting Over

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a place where breathtaking natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural diversity come together in perfect harmony. Here, the past and present coexist seamlessly—ancient ruins and Baroque architecture stand side by side with the dynamic energy of modern life.

For those fortunate enough to call Sicily home, life on this island is nothing short of enchanting. From traditional stone cottages tucked away in rural villages to luxurious villas perched on cliffs with sweeping sea views, Sicilian homes are imbued with an undeniable charm.

These houses, often built from the island’s iconic limestone, take on a warm, earthy hue that allows them to blend effortlessly into the sun-kissed landscapes. With terraces and balconies that capture the essence of Mediterranean living, these homes offer the perfect setting to enjoy the island’s idyllic climate.

Our moving to Sicily from USA journey was meant to mark the beginning of a new chapter—a dream of settling in this beautiful and vibrant place. However, just days before our move, we faced an unexpected setback that altered our plans. Our long-awaited cottage rental unexpectedly fell through, leaving us in a difficult situation.

Instead of letting this challenge stop us, we’ve chosen to see it as an opportunity for growth. In this blog, we’ll share how we are embracing the unexpected, adjusting with a positive mindset, and moving forward with excitement as we continue our journey in Sicily.

A Sudden Setback: Losing Our Dream Cottage

Our dream of moving to Sicily began months ago with high hopes and a vision of settling in a picturesque cottage by the sea. We carefully negotiated the rental terms and received assurances from the owner. Everything seemed perfectly arranged. But just ten days before our departure, we received a crushing blow—the owner could no longer honor the agreement. Despite months of planning and anticipation, we were left without a place to stay.

At first, the news was a jarring letdown. The cottage, which had been at the heart of our plans, seemed like the perfect spot to begin our new life. The disappointment was palpable. Yet, in the face of this setback, we realized that dwelling on the loss wouldn’t serve us. We decided to adapt, adjust our expectations, and approach this challenge with a positive mindset.

Adapting with Positivity: Embracing Flexibility

At times like these, it’s easy to get discouraged. But Croce and I are firm believers that everything happens for a reason. We’ve learned to stay flexible, and we’ve seen how challenges can lead to new opportunities. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment of losing the cottage, we’ve chosen to focus on the bigger picture: our dream of living in Sicily and experiencing a new chapter of life.

The good news? We already have a beautiful temporary place to stay while we regroup and figure out the next steps. We’re heading to the home of dear friends in Texas, where we’ll be able to relax and reset before our flight to Italy. This has provided us with a much-needed opportunity to adjust our plans and move forward with renewed energy and optimism.

A Heartfelt Farewell in Texas: Celebrating Friendships Before the Move

Before embarking on our journey to Sicily, we had the chance to say goodbye to our close friends in Argyle, Texas. They hosted a beautiful dinner for us, giving us the opportunity to spend quality time with some of the most important people in our lives. It was a moment of reflection and gratitude, and it reminded us that no matter where life takes us, the connections we have with others are what truly matter. These precious moments spent with family and friends are what will stay with us as we transition to a new life in Italy.

Plans for a New Home in Sicily: A Fresh Start

Despite the setback with the cottage, we are already taking steps to find a more permanent place to stay. We’ve reached out to Croce’s distant cousin, Rosario Amato, who has been instrumental in helping us secure a legitimate rental contract. Although Rosario is currently unwell, we’ve been in touch and have made arrangements to meet once we arrive in Sicily. With his help, we are confident that we will find a home that suits our needs and comes with a proper lease agreement.

In addition to finding a home, we’ll also be working on renewing our Italian passports and securing residency in Italy. Our journey to settle in Sicily is progressing, and while there are still challenges to overcome, we have faith that everything will fall into place.

Downsizing for the Move: Simplifying Our Lives

One key aspect of this transition has been our decision to downsize. We’ve realized that we don’t need to carry the weight of excess belongings with us. Instead, we’re focusing on the essentials: just one suitcase and a carry-on bag each. The rest of our belongings will be stored with our son in Texas until we return.

This simplification process has been liberating, allowing us to focus on what’s truly important: the experiences and opportunities that await us in Sicily. The freedom of traveling light will also make it easier to navigate the logistical aspects of the move and settle into our new life more smoothly.

Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Future

While the setback with our cottage was disappointing, it has not diminished our excitement for the future. On the contrary, it has strengthened our resolve and deepened our appreciation for the journey ahead. We’re eagerly looking forward to the experiences that await us in Sicily, from exploring the rich culture and history of the region to enjoying the beauty of the Mediterranean coastline.

In addition to settling into our new rental homes in Sicily, Italy, we’re excited to begin shopping for the essentials we’ll need to make Sicily feel like home. The prospect of starting fresh in a new country is thrilling, and we’re ready to dive into this next chapter with enthusiasm.

Embracing Change: A Lesson in Flexibility and Resilience

The loss of our cottage was a setback, but it has reminded us of the importance of flexibility and resilience. Life rarely goes exactly as planned, but with the right attitude, we can adjust and make the most of every situation. Croce and I are embracing this change with open hearts, knowing that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth.

As we prepare for our move to Sicily, we’re grateful for the support of family and friends, the guidance of trusted advisors like Rosario, and our unwavering belief that everything will work out in the end. We may not have the cottage we originally planned for, but we’re confident that Sicily still holds many wonderful surprises in store.

This is just the beginning of our adventure, and we’re thrilled to share it with you. From the ups and downs of moving to a new country to the joys of discovering a new home, we invite you to follow along as we navigate this exciting chapter.

Sicily may not have been the smooth transition we initially envisioned, but it’s already teaching us invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the beauty of embracing change. Here’s to new beginnings, unexpected opportunities, and the magic of Sicily.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey. The best is yet to come.