We've been looking for our 'kiwi4everhome' for a year now.
And I have to say it's proven to be a somewhat slow and fraught process.
Of course, getting residency in Modica has taken precedence during much of that intervening period. That, and we've only had boots on the ground here for six months.
Regardless, we've been very actively seeking since December last year, and still our forever home has proven elusive.
It's not like there's a lack of resources here: There are around 15 local real estate agencies, f'sure no lack of properties, and we have all the time in the world, of course.
 |
| Nope! |
Recently, we've even 'lowered' our standards, and actually looked at a couple of top-floor apartments. Something we swore (dammit!) we'd never do!
We've been drawing on the advice of helpful and friendly locals, backed up by our own eyes and knowledge, and so are entirely aware of both what and where we should be looking.
I can’t believe we're asking for too much and, okay, you could argue we're being a little fussy here, but it is a forever home after all.
So far, we've had builders look at five properties, and only been serious about two of them. As in: Begun the negotiation process. Neither worked out, but we carry on carrying on!
Then yesterday, we found another...
Social Media
There's no shortage of great, informative, and (above all) friendly Italian-based social media sites.
And I belong to five Facebook groups dedicated to expat life in Italy and/or Sicily, in addition to following both the NZ and British Embassies here, of course.
To say they've all been 'lifesavers', would be a massive understatement. To be frank, I know we'd be way more stressed than we have been without their help and support at times!
 |
| Sigh... |
The "Expats Living in Sicily" group has enabled us to get great locally-based advice, while the "UK Bank Accounts & Brexit" group has proven helpful for just that.
It has to be a no-brainer for anyone either thinking about moving or already here to join such groups. I for one highly recommend it.
But it's not just all about the advice, and 'here's my experience' thing, of course. Because social media is just that, isn't it: Social.
And membership has enabled us to meet up for drinkies with other Modica and surroundings-based expats. And there are a few of us here.
We’re not the only ones who like Sicilian Baroque, Modica chocolate, and Montalbano!
Although it amuses me that many group members go on about missing Yorkshire tea, HP Sauce, Marmite, and a 'good' Indian curry.
I mean: I don’t bang on about how much I miss Wattie's Tomato Sauce...
The Dreaded 'C-Word' Part 3
It seems that, as inevitably as this Spring has followed Winter, it's time to talk again of ... the coronavirus.
Back in November 2020, I stated that Italy, along with the rest of Europe, was riding the second wave.
 |
| The colours of Italy |
There’ve been over 170,000 cases in Sicily, out of a population of 5 million, since the beginning of the pandemic. Of those, about 150,000 have recovered but, sadly, over 4,500 have not.
Given the island's current testing positivity rate is well over three percent now (although it's over seven percent nationally), we're now back in 'Zona Arancione' ('Orange Zone') which, while it f’sure ain’t good, is less bad than the majority of Italy's other regions, which find themselves in red.
At least we can still move freely in our local comune (council area), as long as we're masked, and most businesses are still open. And, while all cafes, bars and restaurants remain closed, they're open for takeaways, which is better than nothing.
Nationally, over the Easter period, the whole country will be placed into red. Also on the down side, it looks like Sicily'll stay in orange until May, but fingers are always crossed!
There are still numpties about, but the vast majority locally are doing it right, which I never thought Sicilians would (could) do.
So, despite everything, there's some reason for optimism here at least.
No comments:
Post a Comment