Italiani.it interviews Elena of “Women who Emigrate Abroad” an Italian who has lived in London for twenty years!
Women who Emigrate Abroad is a website of Italians living outside Italy.
How is Italian spirit promoted in the world?
I defend instead of promoting: I can't stand anyone who speaks badly of Italy without having direct knowledge of it.
Unfortunately, a certain fame precedes us, so it is difficult to convince foreigners to the contrary.
In my field (insurance), for example, certain insurers have had a terrible experience with Italy and the Italians, and as a result they no longer want to work there.
How did the idea of opening a blog dedicated to women expatriate abroad come about
The idea came to Katia Terreni, expat in the Seychelles, who began by telling about her experience. Strengthened by the consensus received, and above all by the stories of other expat women, she decided to create a Facebook group, proposing collaborations to those who were interested. The group has grown, both in terms of authors and geographical areas covered and in terms of audience, and on this basis the blog was born.
What are the main reasons why a woman decides to leave Italy?
The work, especially in recent years, for which we often leave with her husband, but also alone.
The search for one's own identity, for a reality more suited to one's personality, the spirit of adventure and the desire to explore the world for those who leave alone.
All linked by the common experience of living abroad, yet in places often very far from each other. How did you find yourself?
We found ourselves thanks to the group; Katia keeps us united, coordinating us authors and the activities, fruit of her creativity.
Some have lived in multiple foreign countries. Isn't there a risk of feeling rootless? Where is "home"?
For me, home is London, the city in which I have lived for nineteen years. It's the city itself that is more so than a brick house, since I've changed my address eight or nine times.
It is the city where I met my exes, where my children were born, where I made a career and of which I feel an integral part. Having said that, I would be ready to leave immediately if the opportunity arises to move to the United States, my secret dream. I believe that the motto "home is where your heart is"(home is where you have your heart).
Do you happen to think about what could be the best place to raise a child?
I had no doubts about where I would raise my children: in London. When my first child was born, I had been a resident for over two years. In the following years, when I found myself a single mom, I resisted the pressure of my parents to return to Italy, although there the practical life, with their support, would have been easier.
But I knew that to raise my daughter well, I had to feel good, and this was not possible in Italy. Also, I wanted her to have English as her first language, while still teaching her Italian. Years later I made the same choice with my second son when I found myself alone again. I am satisfied with my double choice: my children are bilingual and grow up in a city in constant motion, which offers them the freedom to be what they want.
What advice do you have to give, Elena, to a woman who decides to move to another country?
Only one: to integrate.
I suggest not to think about what you have left behind (your home or your parents' home, your car, your habits, your loved ones). Instead, I invite you to immerse yourself in the reality you have chosen and to appreciate what it offers. Comparisons do not help and, in my opinion, only increase the discomfort.
For example, on my arrival in London I accepted everything willingly: sharing a house, when I had my own small apartment in Italy; the use of public transport, when in Italy I had my car. The structure of the houses, with the walls of papier-mâché, so different from Italy; the presence of carpet in the bathrooms: the absence of the bidet, a tragedy for many compatriots.
Today, I feel perfectly integrated and my native colleagues and friends consider me one of "them".
Since you started writing this blog, what has changed in your life?
I changed jobs, going through a short period of unexpected unemployment; I moved home; my children have grown up. As an author, I have written a lot and I find that my style has evolved over time. I have a small following among our readers, which makes me really happy.
Your book “Women who emigrate abroad” is a collection of stories. Tell them by revealing even intimate aspects concerning the experiences lived far from Italy.
How did you feel when you finished writing it?
For each of us, seeing our expat story told in a choral book was a great satisfaction and a source of pride.
Is there anyone in particular you feel you want to dedicate this book to?
The dedications are, in general, for the family. I dedicate it to my children, my parents and my brother.
Thanks to Elena Fanelli for the interview.
If you want to read Elena's other stories, as well as the book, you can find them HERE
