"I wanted a fresh start because I felt burned out, unhappy, and unhealthy. It felt exciting to start a new life in Italy, the place I'd loved since my first vacation there in 2013."
"I placed a sign on the door of the one little bar, inviting neighbors to come by between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on a Saturday evening. Dozens of people attended Smith's housewarming party in November 2023."
"The minutes felt like hours as I waited for them to arrive. There was no sign of anyone. 'Oh my God, what if nobody comes?' I thought. Then the doorbell rang."
"I had no idea how to harvest olives. The guests seemed touched to hear the story of how I wanted a refuge from the fast-paced life I left behind."
Angie Smith, founder of Olive and Pine, moved to a small village in Tuscany after feeling burned out in her tech job. She hosted a housewarming party to connect with her new neighbors, fearing she might be seen as an outsider. To her surprise, dozens attended, bringing gifts and warmth. Despite language barriers, the interactions were friendly. Smith shared her story of seeking refuge in Italy, which resonated with the community, marking a positive beginning to her new life abroad.
Read at www.businessinsider.com
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