Hello,
My name is Alice, I am 42 yo, Franco-American and mother to a lovely 4 year old boy. We currently live in Morocco, and are looking to move back to Italy (where I grew up) ; The "obvious" choice is Rome, for its huge international community and "diversity" (?..) but I am having a very hard time adjusting to the idea of moving back to live in what I know to be complete chaos.
I came across this site on my search for information about living in Italy (I am considering different cities between Umbria/Tuscany and Lazio and would be very grateful for some "local insight" on living in Florence full time (see below).
As a single Mother, my primary concerns are of course schooling (quality thereof, both public and private, probably Italian), but also social integration, both for my son and myself. I speak fluent Italian, French and English, and enjoy being around both Italians AND expats.
Some say Florence is very chatoic (as compared to?? Rome is a nightmare) - how "manageable" is the chaos (long hours sitting in the car? going crazy trying to park?). Given that I am not "office bound", are there green, child friendly areas that are on the edge of Florence with good education? The idea of living on the edge of the city, and only facing the chaos when necessarily and not constantly appeals to me greatly...
In this regards, your insight on both the schooling (any recommended day care centers/pre-K schools?), and the extent/diversity of the expat community and any other considerations you can share would be greatly, greatly appreciated....
Infinite thanks,
Alice
PS: if anyone is interested in a home exchange for a month or so this summer, please contact me. I have a lovely, large house in Tangiers that can accommodate up to 7.
My name is Alice, I am 42 yo, Franco-American and mother to a lovely 4 year old boy. We currently live in Morocco, and are looking to move back to Italy (where I grew up) ; The "obvious" choice is Rome, for its huge international community and "diversity" (?..) but I am having a very hard time adjusting to the idea of moving back to live in what I know to be complete chaos.
I came across this site on my search for information about living in Italy (I am considering different cities between Umbria/Tuscany and Lazio and would be very grateful for some "local insight" on living in Florence full time (see below).
As a single Mother, my primary concerns are of course schooling (quality thereof, both public and private, probably Italian), but also social integration, both for my son and myself. I speak fluent Italian, French and English, and enjoy being around both Italians AND expats.
Some say Florence is very chatoic (as compared to?? Rome is a nightmare) - how "manageable" is the chaos (long hours sitting in the car? going crazy trying to park?). Given that I am not "office bound", are there green, child friendly areas that are on the edge of Florence with good education? The idea of living on the edge of the city, and only facing the chaos when necessarily and not constantly appeals to me greatly...
In this regards, your insight on both the schooling (any recommended day care centers/pre-K schools?), and the extent/diversity of the expat community and any other considerations you can share would be greatly, greatly appreciated....
Infinite thanks,
Alice
PS: if anyone is interested in a home exchange for a month or so this summer, please contact me. I have a lovely, large house in Tangiers that can accommodate up to 7.
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