My husband, “il mio tesoro”, and I have been living in Italy for some time now.
We are an English couple who decided to escape the “rat race”, sell up in the UK, and completely change our life-style.
We had visited the area of
in Italy several times on holiday and we liked it so much we decided to make it our home !!!
The place we chose to live is
a sweet little town, nestling in the foothills of the Aurunci Mountains, an ancient staging post along the Roman “Via Appia“.
Our home is a farmhouse or “casale“ on the outskirts of this historic townshipand is set amidst the greenery of our own olive groves, in a quiet, unspoiled valley with mountains views, and a glimpse of the sea. Each morning, when I awake I have to pinch myself to ensure that I am not still dreaming. We are indeed exceptionally fortunate to live here.
This region of South Lazio is so rich in natural beauty, history and culture and is noted for its temperate climate.
To complement the beautiful mountain scenery there is a truly spectacular coastline, with numerous sandy shores, rocky coves, hidden caves and sheltered harbours.
From here in Itri it is a short drive to the Riviera di Ulisse and the pretty fashionable resort of Sperlonga, its golden beaches and sparkling clear waters and along the coast are other charming coastal towns such as Terracina, Gaeta and Formia.
Well, I do hope you will enjoy reading our story
of how we have created a new life for ourselves in Italy.
So, ” Ciao for now !!! “
By the way, my personal motto is ……….
AVANTI SEMPRE AVANTI !!!
Chapter 1 - Avanti Sempre Avanti - introduction
Click Here to visit our Beautiful South Lazio Website
Click Here to visit our Atina, Val di Comino, Ciociaria Website
Blog and text © Louise Shapcott (Nonna Lou) All photos © Louise Shapcott (Nonna Lou) All rights Reserved
(Except where they have been rightfully accredited to the photographer)
Note – images marked with ● are in the Public Domain.
15 comments
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3 November, 2008 at 10:37 pm
marilyn
good luck really enjoyed reading your blog
15 August, 2010 at 2:28 pm
fotovolt
Compliments for your blog and for the South Lazio site.
Best regards,
Luigi Versaggi P.
Formia
17 August, 2010 at 11:23 am
NonnaLou
Grazie Mille Luigi
Hai visto questo altro Blog di Tre Cancelle ? http://trecancelle.wordpress
1 January, 2011 at 8:10 am
Jaycee
I lived in Itri several years ago and I still long to return. The drive to Sperlonga or to Fondi always took my breath away. My children still remember the great Gelatio flavor from the bar across the park. Most of all I miss the cornetti with white chocolate and coffee. Your pictures are wonderful, Keep them coming.
13 April, 2012 at 5:07 pm
NonnaLou
Ciao Jaycee, So you know Itri well. Yes our grandchildren love ice-creams from the same place opposite the park. We are very fortunate to live in such a lovely area. Have you seen our Website on South Lazio: http://southlazio.shapcott-family.com If you do ever make it back do let us know and perhaps we could meet up. Anyway it would be a pleasure to keep in touch. Louise and Paul http://trecancelle.shapcott-family.com
6 April, 2011 at 6:55 am
Kristen
Hi I was wondering if there was a way to get your email address and ask you some questions about Itri? I’m going to Rome at the end of May and I want to visit Itri.
13 April, 2012 at 5:07 pm
NonnaLou
Hope you enoyed your visit to Itri Kirsten. How did it go?
20 February, 2012 at 10:02 pm
SGerry
Ended up on your blog from your reviews on Virtual Tourist. I actually drove through Itri on my from Latina to Napoli last weekend and I was completely blown away. I’m happy you guys are living out your dream of living in Italy, and look forward to going through your posts to learn more about Southern Lazio. Cheers!
13 April, 2012 at 5:10 pm
NonnaLou
Ciao, thanks for taking the time to comment. So pleased that you liked Itri and this beautiful area of South Lazio. Did you take a look at our South Lazio Website: http://southlazio.shapcott-family. Hope you will continue to follow our story of moving to Italy. Ciao for now !!!
2 April, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Diana Johnson
Louise, go for it! You have a great talent to present the story in an interesting and engaging fashion. I’m sure your grandchildren will love reading the stiry in years to come. I loved the area when I visited and I’m looking forward to my return in September this year.
Di
13 April, 2012 at 5:15 pm
NonnaLou
Ciao cara Diana, thank you so much for your kind comments. We are really looking forward to your next visit in September with your other half. Take good care of yourself. Hugs xxxx
2 April, 2012 at 11:33 pm
linda morell
I have always wondered how you two ended up in beautiful Italy. So looking forward to reading your blog.
Cousin Linda.
13 April, 2012 at 5:21 pm
NonnaLou
Hi Linda. Thanks for your interest. I hope you continue to enjoy reading our story and adventures. Keep in touch. Ciao for now !!!
9 July, 2012 at 5:08 am
Barbara
Hi,my mother was born in Itri and we were there 3 years ago. Recently we rented an apartment near the castle for Sept. and Oct. I hope to do some geneology research while there. We are so looking forward to visiting the area and will be traveling while there. Do you have any suggestions? We are planning to visit Puglia (the Trulli) and Basilicata (Matera). We would like to wait until getting into Itri or Formia to rent the car. Can you tell us the best way to get from Fiumicino Airport to Itri?
18 July, 2012 at 7:24 pm
NonnaLou
Ciao Barbara, So you are coming to Itri. It would be a pleasure to meet up with you during your stay. This beautiful area of South Lazio has so much to offer visitors. I have created a website in English about many of the local towns and villages. I recommend that you take a look. You can find it at: http://southlazio.shapcott-family.com Please do feel free to keep in touch.