Italy: The Countdown Begins

It’s just a few weeks until I move back to my beloved Italy.

In July I booked my ticket for October 5, thinking I had all the time in the world.  Up until just last week, I still thought I had all the time in the world.  And now I have less than three weeks.  Where did all that time go?  I’m not ready!

I’ve never been a big “prepare in advance” type person.  When I moved to Switzerland at the beginning of 2002, I think I packed everything the day before.  When I moved to Italy in 2006, I started packing two days before, but got most of it done the day before (and also spilled wine on my laptop, which brought on quite a bit of stress).  When I decided to live in Argentina I was already there so I didn’t have to prepare.  I did go back to Seattle for a couple of weeks to get more of my things, but that’s about it.  And now, Italy again.  I would love to start my preparations right now, I really would, but I have so much going on with Tango that I won’t be able to think about getting ready until I have just four days left.

The nice thing about having moved abroad several times already is that I don’t have too much stuff.  A lot of folks have houses, furniture, pets and multiple boxes of books to worry about.  Since I already went through something like that the first time around, I have managed to narrow my belongings down to fit into 2 suitcases, 1 laptop case, and 1 overnight bag to hold my umpteen pairs of tango shoes. (Hey, some people have their books, I have my tango shoes. )  So it’s really just a matter of packing it all in an organized way.  And doing so quickly.

I fly into Rome and I actually had the foresight to book a bed for a night in the Eternal City.  (It’s that or risk missing the last train to Perugia and being stuck in Rome with no place to stay.)  Otherwise, that’s the most prepared I get.  I’ve finally learned to accept this about myself, even if it means I’m a hellish nervous wreck to be around on my last day in town.

What’s your packing process when you move somewhere new?

Tina Ferrari is a translator, writer and tango dancer who will soon be based in Italy.  She writes at AffordableCallingCards.net as well as on her own blog, Tina Tangos. Comments are always welcome!

Tags: expat life, Italy, relocating