What's it like living in the 'post-Brexit world' then?
Well, being honest, nothing's really changed for us, because we officially became resident in Italy prior to the 31st of December 2020.
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| 'Pre-Brexit' signage |
This would 'simply' involve updating our residency documents, rather than going through the entire process all over again. Which, if we were to apply for it now, would be a whole world of pain!
For example, a non-working Elective Residency Visa would require proof of an annual income of around €38,000. As opposed to the around €9,000 annually we need now.
If you thought fronting up to the local Comune (Council) was bad, this'd involve registering with the Questura (Police HQ).
The one thing we hadn't managed to do though, pre-Brexit, was obtain our Tessere Sanitaria (Health Insurance Cards).
These allow us full access to the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (National Health Service).
Although we don't actually need one to visit a doctor, or get prescriptions, it helps because it makes everything way easier and cheaper.
Always a valid benefit of course and, to that end, we have an appointment in a few days to pick our cards up.
Life’s good!
Idiosyncrasies
I've mentioned Sicily is an island of contradictions?
Time to mention a few 'idiosyncrasies' of life here.
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| Duomo di San Giorgio |
And there are dozens of churches here in Modica. We love 'em, but then I wouldn't want to live right next door.
Despite being in 'zona rossa' right now, there's no shortage (or stockpiling) of toilet paper. Why? Because: Bidet.
Okay, enough about that!
One of Alice's pet hates is teens on scooters and 2-stroke motorbikes. Sods like being loud 'n proud, f'sure! And yes, they can even drown out the bells at times.
We don't love 'em, and hope we don't end up living next door.
Let's talk opening hours.
Most shops, cafes, banks, etc., open in the morning, and later in the afternoon. Or don't open in the afternoon at all. Or only open on certain days. And not on Sundays.
While local and government agencies often open five mornings a week, some only re-open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
So, we've had to go with the flow here, and learn what is, and isn't, open. And when.
I follow several ex-pat groups on social media. They're useful, and have very much helped us. However, the number whinging about missing marmite, fish 'n chips, and English tea are a hoot!
Not so many complain about missing 'home' though.
The Right Move?
So, after four months, do we feel we've done the right thing by moving here?
'Here' being, as the crow flies, just over 2,000 km (around 1,250 miles) southeast of our last address.
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| As the crow flies... |
Which, to be fair, is both a blessing and a curse.
A blessing because life's lived much slower here, which entirely suits us (early) retirees. Why rush? There's always tomorrow.
In fact, that NZ idiom "She'll be right", could've been coined here too!
And the curse?
It can be so laid back that time (and timings) can lose all meaning: 'This week' turns into 'next week'; or 'soon' becomes 'sometime' or maybe 'never'!
One good example being estate agents. They never get back in contact, even after you've viewed a property. Either about that house, or any others they have that could suit you.
However, satisfying or imperfect, we're (slowly) learning to go with the flow here, 'cause what else can you do?
What I will say, in Modica's defence here, is that we can't complain about the weather! Cool and clear blue skies for most of January?
Yes please!
Especially given one of my all-time favourite songs is: "Everybody's Talkin'" by Harry Nilsson. One line in particular though: "[I'm] Going where the weather suits my clothes".
And I have to say, it entirely does!
