Hello everyone,

I am an American living in Sciacca. I have been here for four years now, and although there have been moments where I have pulled out my suitcases and debated about packing the,m I must admit that overall - do I daresay - that I love it here.

I have found that living out of my comfort zone has really boosted my self-confidence. I feel like a little kid when I accomplish things that seemed to be impossible. Like managing the Italian health care system (really is it normal for them to draw blood with no gloves) or getting my driver's license (nothing scarier then sitting in a room and having to do an oral exam in front of 50 people). But I did and I am a happier person for it. However I am finding it hard to feel like I really fit in. I have met people but real friendships never seem to blossom. So here I am pleading with the expat gods that there is someone nearby who would like to set up some kind of group....we can call it a vent-n-wine group (if you get the play on words, then you are just the person I am looking for) or maybe an English book club or I may be asking for too much here a playgroup (not to sound perverted, I have a one year old who needs some English speaking friends.)

I hope to hear from someone, anyone soon. How I look at it, two people can make a pretty awesome group! Definitely a quality not quantity sort of thing.

Sue

Awww, sorry I can't help - I'm up near Rome - but good luck trying to find expats - perhaps there are more in that area and they just need organising?!
I know how you feel - it's nice and all living in a different country, but you need people with a shared background to really make you appreciate it I think; otherwise you're just on your own, and you can be on your own in your own country where it's easier to get health care and return unwanted items to shops etc!

Anyways, like I say, good luck, hope you manage to sort something out

I am hoping that that is the case. I have run into a few expats and promises have always been made but never followed through with. That is a pity. Probably mostly my fault. However I am determined to organize something.

Funny you should mention the exchanging things at shops. I refuse to go the best toy store in town because they wouldn't change a pair of skates for me.

Yeah some people are funny aren't they? It's almost like they refuse to acknowledge that they come from somewhere else lol. I'm all for integration but you still need to keep home alive in my opinion.

As for exchanges, it wasn't an exchange that I wanted - bought a skirt from H&M last week and realised it looked awful on me once I'd got it home. Went to return it yesterday and get my money back, only to be told (by the manager!) that it was a problem for the company to give me my money and instead I could change it for another skirt or something else in the shop.
Ended up leaving with the same unwanted skirt after being told that if I don't find anything to change it for in the next three weeks then she will give me my money back. But not before. WTF?!

Hello Susankathleeen!!
There is quite an expat community including quite a few americans not far from you in Cianciana.It around 40 mins drive from you.Quite a few live there full time.I own a holiday place there.We all love Sciacca and visit when we can.
If its not too far from you would love to meet up.

Ciao Susan, We know dear Paquita. As we all have brought houses in Cianciana, just 30 minutes down the road from you. I am American, my husband English. I think you're a true hero to get your driving license! Complimenti. We've been here just over 5 years. Ex-pat communities do sometimes make 'strange bedfellows' so to speak, but this too stretches the mind. Anyway, we're a bit car-less for the moment, but there are many of us here. If you do a forum search for Cianciana, you'll find us all. I'll pm you my email though, perhaps we can meet up at Eraclea Minoa, or we can grab the bus to Sciacca and meet for a glass o wine, and I'll bring some books to trade. Ciao
~Hilary

Paquita and Hil ,

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!! I was starting to lose hope. I had seen that there were a lot of expats in Cianciana. Paquita, I believe that we had spoken sometime last year. My husband owns a bar on one of the beaches near Sciacca, which needless to say, it keeps us busy during the summer months. It is in between Sciacca and Ribera, just after the new golf resort.

I would love to meet up. Getting to Eraclea during the summer is tough for me, seeing that I am working again this year at the bar. However I could probably swing something in Sciacca during the week. Although it may be hard to get here without a car....I don't know the bus schedules. I promise to make it up to you in the fall and make the trip to Cianciana. I have never been and I am always up to seeing new places.

Anyone else out there? the more the merrier.

Sue

There are loads of us in Cianciana and growing all the time.I remember speaking to you!!I do not live there full time like Hilary but i usually come down in August and December.
I shall pm you my email address.