From Bed Bugs to Budgets: Our Italian Travel Adventure One Year Abroad (Catch Up Episode)

The Irish Podcast

In this catch-up episode, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of our Italian journey, sharing the highs and lows that come with navigating life in a new country.

Segment 1: Getting Accommodation

The challenges and successes of finding suitable accommodation.

Getting our first apartment, worries of getting scammed and helpful websites.

Idealista.it, 100casa, and Foreigners in Florence Facebook Group.

Proposals, contracts, Agency fees and deposits.

Segment 2: Work Overview

How Cormac got work without speaking italian.

Jane’s digital nomad experience in losing clients and finding new work.

Tax and Grants.

Segment 3: Visitors and Making Friends

Sharing stories of friends and family visiting.

Discussing the process of making friends in a new country.

Finnegan’s Pub, Bumble Friends

Segment 4: Learning Italian

Challenges and victories in learning the language.

Duolingo, Udemy and cheat sheets. https://www.udemy.com/share/103MTu3@MBDWthbSVJ6V1NdfLJboM3EuPpsMrmK03F0FXmLoIH7uo-0vkb4UkBSPTEMwJ0Hlbw==/

Segment 5: Deciding to Stay - Going to Edinburgh (Taking a Break)

The thought process behind deciding to stay in Italy.

Bad patterns and routines. Working late nights.

Taking a break and going to Edinburgh - the significance of the trip.

Self Development & creative projects. WSET-2 wine course.

Segment 6: Bed Bugs

We had 3 de-infestations but unfortunately it was a building wide issue.

Segment 7: Our new location

FOLLOW US

Website: www.altlivin.com
Instagram: @altlivin
TikTok: @altlivin
Youtube: /Altlivin

ABOUT SEASON TWO

Meet Jane and Cormac, your companions on a captivating journey through the highs and lows of embracing an Irish life in Italy. Join us as we unravel the tales of our relocation, navigating life as digital nomads and bartenders, and immersing ourselves in the daily hustle of a new country.

Prepare to venture into the heart of Tuscany with us, where we'll uncover the enchanting nuances and quirks that define Italy. From awe-inspiring landscapes to side-splitting misadventures, including our memorable 'Bed Bug' experience – a story that's not to be missed!

Take a special detour with us to the Edinburgh Fringe, where we'll regale you with our escapades and encounters in one of the world's most dynamic cultural festivals.

Whether you're a seasoned travel enthusiast or simply curious about the intricacies of relocating to a new land, our podcast offers you a front-row seat to a medley of stories, laughter, and the warm embrace of Irish hospitality. So, grab your headphones, settle in, and let us entertain you! 🌍✈️

ABOUT US

Cormac is a professional Irish bartender having worked in the hotel and bar industry for 8 years. Originally from Leitrim, he studied Hotel Management and Business at GMIT. He was working in Galway in the bar trade for 5 years before he decided to move abroad. His original plan was to work on a vineyard in Northern Italy using WWOOF.

Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a worldwide movement to link visitors with organic farmers, promote a cultural and educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming and sustainability practices. Find out more: https://wwoof.net

Jane is a communications consultant working in the culture and energy sectors. She has previously produced and promoted international organisations including Web Summit, Edinburgh Festival Fringe and European Capital of Culture projects. After 10+ years of working in Communications & Events, Jane has transitioned to fully remote consulting work. Although regularly travelling back to Ireland for work, she is now based in Florence with Cormac.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE DAY-BY-DAY GUIDE (FREE)

Here is our day by day excel sheet of our 6 week summer trip across Italy. It includes the following categories: Dates, Transport Methods, Accommodation Links, Fun (Tours, Bars & Excursions), Food and Tips for the following cities:

• Naples
• Salerno
• Sorrento
• Rome
• Siena
• Florence
• La Spezia (and Riomaggiore)
• Venice
• Desenzano del Garda
• Sirmione
• Malcesine
• Riva del Garda

Download the travel guide for free at: https://www.altlivin.com/shop