A familiar yet changing landscape
Since we left Italy in March 2012, more than 12 years have passed, yet it feels like only yesterday. Every year, I try to take the kids back, at least once, to reconnect with family. Sadly, Pietro can’t always join us because of work. During the pandemic, we couldn’t return for three long years, which made our visits even more meaningful when we could travel again. Normally, we spend a couple of weeks vacationing in the U.S. with Pietro, and then the kids and I go to Italy for about a month. With only six weeks of summer break here, we make the most of our time.
Although our life in the U.S. is fulfilling, and we don’t miss Italy’s daily life too much, we do miss our loved ones deeply. Thankfully, technology helps bridge that gap, allowing us to video chat often. It is strange to think that 12 years have already passed since we moved, but it doesn’t always feel that long – especially since living in the U.K. made it much easier to visit, with just a two-hour flight. Now, we are 18 hours away, with at least one layover, and dealing with the dreaded jet lag. It is not easy, but the joy of seeing family makes it worthwhile.
Surprising our loved ones
Whenever we go back to Italy, I have a bit of fun with the arrival. I rarely tell anyone that we are coming – I prefer to show up at my parents’ house unexpectedly, usually on some random morning. It is always a joy to see the shock and happiness on their faces, as well as my siblings’ surprise. There is something so comforting about being able to bring that kind of joy, even after so many years away.
While it is tough to leave Pietro behind, knowing he has Blue, our dog, with him makes me feel more at ease. They keep each other company, which brings me comfort, even when we are an ocean apart.
Daily rituals: embracing Italian traditions
One of my favorite parts of returning is diving back into our Italian routines. Every morning starts with the delightful tradition of a cappuccino and pastries – something I always look forward to. My parents and I have created a little ritual where we visit a different café each day, savoring not just the coffee but also our time together. It is become a simple yet significant way to reconnect, sharing stories and enjoying the moment.
Savoring the flavors of home
Being back in Italy means indulging in the culinary treasures I’ve missed. We often visit trattorias my dad has discovered throughout the year, and I relish every bite of homemade pasta, fresh pizza, and local cured meats. These meals aren’t just food – they are a reconnection to my roots, a nostalgic taste of home that I deeply miss.
I also love revisiting the places that shaped my childhood – the vineyards we used to pick grapes from, the mountains we skied on, and the beaches where we spent endless summer days. These places hold so many memories, and it is special to share them with my children.
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The kids’ Italian adventures
Elisa and Marco have adapted beautifully to our trips back. A couple of weeks before we leave for Italy, they start speaking only Italian at home, preparing themselves for full immersion. When we arrive, it is like no time has passed. They reconnect with their cousins, sharing stories and playing as if they have never been apart for a year. It’is amazing to see how the bond between them remains so strong despite the distance.
Elisa, now independent, loves the freedom of exploring the city center, shopping, and soaking in the different atmosphere compared to the U.S. She enjoys spending time with my mom, her aunts, or me, walking through the streets and visiting stores. Italian fashion is a particular joy for her, and she loves picking up pieces she can’t find in America.
Marco, on the other hand, enjoys quieter activities. He loves sitting with my parents, listening to their stories about travel and memories from their past. His appetite for Italian food is as big as mine – he is eager to taste every dish and explore the local cuisine.
Family time
One of the most heartwarming parts of these visits is seeing how easily we slip back into our family dynamics. Spending time with Pietro’s brother and his wife is always a highlight. We try new activities each time – whether it is enjoying a homemade pizza night, organizing a picnic, or visiting nearby towns. These moments are filled with laughter and conversation, and we never run out of things to talk about.
At my in-laws’ house, the pace slows down, and I treasure our long, relaxed conversations. Elisa and her cousin bond over their different lifestyles, comparing notes on their respective homes and routines. Meanwhile, Marco enjoys playing with their dog and spending time with his cousin, reinforcing the connections that no amount of distance can break.
Then, there are the gatherings with my siblings. Every time we sit together, it feels like stepping back in time, as if the years since we last lived in Italy never passed. We talk about our lives, share stories from the U.S., and laugh over the quirks of American culture. I tell them about the new things I have discovered, and we reminisce about the good old days when we would gather for our Tuesday night dinners at my parents’ house after work. It is these moments that remind me of the unchanging love and support we share, even after all these years.
A bittersweet farewell
As much as I love being with my family, the time to leave always comes too quickly. My heart aches as I say goodbye, especially knowing that Pietro isn’t there to share these experiences with us. However, I know that life in the U.S. awaits us, and that thought brings me comfort. The excitement of returning to Pietro and Blue, and the familiarity of our home, eases the sadness.
We leave Italy with so many beautiful memories – of time spent with those we love, of moments that remind us of who we are and where we come from. These experiences fill our hearts until the next time we return.
Thanks for hanging out with me today!
Se you next time!
Valentina
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