living in Vicenza

Living In Vicenza, Italy – Here Are My First Impressions

UPDATED MAR 2020. Ciao from the new chapter of life in Italy. Before I get started, I want to say a HUGE thank you for bearing with me while the blog has been slow due to my current Internet drought. Seriously, the Internet desert is no bueno when you’re trying to create posts. I am hoping that we can get that situation fixed soon so that I can get back to regular posts, hopefully, it’s just a little longer. In today’s post, I just wanted to talk about living in Vicenza and share my first impressions.

Living In Vicenza, Italy – Here Are My First Impressions

In today's post, I'm sharing updates on this new chapter and my first impressions of living in Vicenza, Italy after moving from Hawaii.

First things first

If you will be moving to Vicenza, download my Ultimate Vicenza Bucket List that I put together after my 4 years there.

It’s where you’ll get day trips, four day weekend ideas, leave block plans, and events you don’t want to miss and I put it together after adventuring in the area for four years.

Get your copy and make the most of your time there.

Living with the people in Vicenza

When I first arrived here, I googled articles about life in Italy to get as many tips as possible. During this googling, I came across a couple of articles written by disgruntled Americans, who basically spent the whole time talking about how horrible it was to live here, how rude the people were, and what a terrible experience they had.

Crikey where did I move to?” I thought to myself.

I was genuinely worried that I would experience something similar. On my first trip to explore the local area, I was scared to talk to people.

I should’ve known better.

It’s not unlike Hawaii where many people complained about living there, the locals, the roaches, the island fever and generally only saw the negatives, consequently creating a negative experience for themselves.

The thing is, it’s a different culture.

What is rude in America or Australia may not be rude here and vice versa. The only way to experience the best of it is to be open to learning and experiencing it.

The onus is on us, as guests, to adjust our behavior and expectations to fit into this new culture, not for Italy to change for us.

Mixed review on warm and cold experiences in Vicenza

Anytime America puts a military base in another country, there is going to be a portion of the population that don’t warm to the idea. You just have to expect that.

But it’s not fair to judge the entire population of that area on those few.

I have had a couple of rude encounters so far and have been refused service. It’s certainly been a mixed bag. However, the majority of the people I have met during our travels here have been so wonderful and kind.

One thing that inspires me is that people will attempt to speak English with me, even if they are not confident or don’t speak it fluently. People still make an effort. This inspires me so much and gives me the confidence to speak Italian with people as I am learning, even if I stumble through it at first.

I can only speak from my own experience but I have had mixed but overall good experiences with people in Italy so far.

living in Vicenza

First impressions of food in Vicenza

This probably won’t be a surprise to anyone but the food is amazing.

I don’t think I could possibly over-exaggerate that. From the bread to the cheese, to the seafood, to the pizza, and of course the range of pasta, it’s all delicious. Don’t even get me started on the coffees and tiramisu otherwise, we will be here all day.

The best part about the food that I have noticed is that it’s actually food, with actual ingredients. It’s not the artificially enhanced food full of chemicals or overly processed, pre-packaged food.

It’s actual food. When you walk through a supermarket, the fruit and vegetables don’t look all exactly the same because they are natural.

Even the milk tastes fuller and richer.

I had heard from a friend about her friend who moved to Italy and was ate pasta and gelato every day, yet she was still quite healthy. When I heard this story I wondered how that would even be possible, or even it was even a true story. In Australia and America, we are so scared of carbs and trained to think that we can only eat salads to be healthy, so this boggled my mind.

Now that I have experienced the food here in Italy, this makes sense. The quality of the food is such that you don’t need to eat quite as much to be satisfied.

living in Vicenza

Living in Vicenza with Endometriosis

This has made a world of difference for my body because it is so much easier to digest what I eat.

Living with a disease like Endometriosis meant that I was very restricted on what I could eat, or I would be in a world of pain afterward.

I have found that the quality of the food here in Italy is so different that it has opened up a lot of options for me. This has been life-changing. Not just because I can eat delicious food again, but I have felt like a normal person.

I haven’t had to worry about being sick if we had a snack while we are out and about or try to get through days where I’d much rather be in the fetal position.

My husband even said I was like a different woman (in a good way of course), back to how I was when we first met. Maybe I can never leave Italy?

living in Vicenza

The lifestyle in Vicenza

One aspect of the Italian lifestyle that I have loved so far is the sense of community.

My neighbors introduced themselves as soon as we moved in and offered to help if there was anything we need. When I go to my local supermarket, I see the staff greet some of the patrons by their names.

When there was a local sporting festival recently, the town got on board and decorated their houses in support of the team. In the evenings, it’s not unusual for me to see neighbors having a friendly chat with each other.

There’s a strong sense of community that I love.

The other thing I noticed is the relaxed pace of life. A lot of businesses close during lunch hours so that the staff can go home and enjoy their lunch.

When you go into a restaurant, you are not rushed in and out to open up the table for the next customer. Instead, it’s a very relaxed ‘take your time’ approach.

Everything is not as accessible, open 24/7 to be at your convenience.

Adventures around Vicenza

For most of our adventures so far, we used public transport. Once we get our little adventure car back then we can really get out and explore the nature and adventures here in Italy.

So far we have seen a few lakes which were so grand in their mountainous settings. They were the kind of places that remind you how small you are in the world. The pictures speak for themselves, but please trust me when I say that it is much more incredible in person.

We have also seen a couple of waterfalls, caves, and swam in the most freezing fresh mountain water which took my breath away.

Our animal encounters so far have been two snakes, a group of geese who traveled across a lake and came onto the bank to eat grass next to us, a family of swans, and a number of water birds. Like I said, there is so much more to see and I am just excited to experience it all.

 

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18 Comments

  • Dina July 23, 2016 at 7:31 pm

    Wow, I’m glad your experience there has been a lot more positive! That really makes living something where a lot easier!! Can’t wait to see posts about Italy more frequently!~

    Reply
    • Katie Mac July 25, 2016 at 12:29 am

      Thanks for stopping by Dina, I can’t wait to post more and showcase the beauty of Italy!

      Reply
  • Jenny Stanger July 27, 2016 at 2:47 am

    It is so fun to experience Italy through you!! I was telling my husband yesterday how much I wish we could move somewhere new, only because I have such a love for experiencing new cultures and people. I will pray that you get some more Internet time! I just love your posts!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac July 28, 2016 at 1:31 am

      I’m so glad you get to experience it through my little blog because that’s my dream – to share it with everyone! Who knows, maybe one day I will be seeing your posts about moving to a completely new place! Thank you so much for your kindness!

      Reply
  • Ro December 14, 2016 at 6:53 am

    Katy, thanks for the lovely insights. i’ve also read some posts from not so happy Americans. I think its about being open and accepting that there are other cultural norms like you said. I completely agree about the food! natural and delicious. and i rarely see overweight people in Italy! Please can you comment further about the difficulty with shipping your car? is the hold up from hawaiian authorities or customs in italy? thank you!

    Reply
    • Ro December 14, 2016 at 7:05 am

      sorry ! *Katie

      Reply
    • Katie Mac December 14, 2016 at 1:45 pm

      Our car issues were not at all caused through the Italian customs – just a long process coming from Hawai’i & through the military channels (we tried to ship it the day we left but they wouldn’t accept it because someone in the management had missed a form so we had to organize a friend to ship it for us which took some time to get going). It also arrived in Italy & we weren’t notified until a month later so nothing to do with the Italian side of things, just the slow military processes.

      Reply
  • Melissa Pirkola October 1, 2020 at 2:22 pm

    Katie! Can I tell you how much I love your blog? I am leaving for Vicenza in less than three weeks and your posts have been so informative! I’m already planning my post quarantine adventures! I can’t wait to try out my Horrible Italian (I’ve been studying 9 months and feel as if I’ve learned a lot yet nothing! Lol)
    P.s. tiramisu is my favorite dessert …I think I’m doomed!

    Reply
    • Katie Mac October 6, 2020 at 3:09 pm

      That’s so great to hear and thank you so much! I’m really happy it can help prepare you for your big move 🙂 Get ready for some awesome Tiramisu!

      Reply
    • Peg Fields March 31, 2023 at 11:15 pm

      Hey Katie
      I’m thinking of applying for a job there.
      Do you still find it amazing? And would you suggest a good safe place around the military base ?
      Thank you!

      Reply
  • Giorgio August 5, 2021 at 3:58 pm

    Good morning Katie,

    during some research of an English mother tongue living in Vicenza I came across your website. I’m taking a stab in the dark here, but I’m wondering if you may be interested in a part-time job (morning) at a bilingual (italian-english) kindergarten (age 3-6) located in Torri di Quartesolo. If you are not but you know someone who may be please let me know by email.
    The position is open to both male and female.

    Kindest Regards

    Giorgio

    Reply
    • Katie Mac August 17, 2021 at 12:10 am

      Hi Giorgio, I don’t live in Vicenza anymore but thanks for offering!

      Reply
    • Bernadette March 6, 2022 at 8:31 am

      Hi Giorgio

      I was just reading Katie’s blog and noticed your comment about the kindergarten. I’m a native English speaker, have worked as an EAL teaching assistant for a number of years and am moving to Vicenza this summer. I’d love to talk to you about the job if you are still looking for someone.

      Best wishes,

      Bernadette

      Reply
  • Franco Interian November 8, 2022 at 5:13 pm

    What are the best neighborhoods to live in Vicenza? We are a family of 4

    Reply
    • Katie Mac November 9, 2022 at 5:47 pm

      I loved Quinto Vicentino!

      Reply
      • Peg Fields March 31, 2023 at 11:15 pm

        Hey Katie
        I’m thinking of applying for a job there.
        Do you still find it amazing? And would you suggest a good safe place around the military base ?
        Thank you!

        Reply
        • Katie Mac April 4, 2023 at 12:39 am

          I don’t live there anymore but I did for 4 years. I lived in Quinto Vicentino when I was there and absolutely loved it. I’d probably just avoid downtown unless you really love downtown living and want to be walking distance to it.

          Reply
  • Gloria Garfield December 6, 2023 at 7:26 am

    Hello I am planning on retiring in Vicenza soon but I still want to work on base. Would you know if I have to get a visa in order to work and live there and be a substitute teacher?

    Reply

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