Smalls mum

Having lived in Italy for many years I find myself at a new stage of life and looking for a way to meet some new people. I'm outside the big cities where there's alot more scope for mixing, groups etc (nearest city is Florence) and with kids now doing their own thing the easy places to meet people through school, outside activities etc are gone. Although there are various Meet Up groups within a reasonable distance most seem to be Word Press or Beppe Grillo/5 Star fan clubs which is not really my thing! Most of my local friends are Italian which is great but it would also be nice to widen my horizons and get to know other people with similar-ish backgrounds, experiences etc. Like most areas there's a local expat scene but it can be rather cliquey so not really what I'm looking for. I like to travel, try new things and am pretty independent so if anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

christmasoompa

Hi, you've posted this in The Lounge which is a general chat forum for all members, so I'll move your thread to the Italy forum where will hopefully get some suggestions.

It may be helpful if you could let people know whereabouts you are in Italy/Tuscany?

Good luck.

Smalls mum

Thanks so much, wasn't sure where to post so appreciate the move.

lilibet

There is a book/drama group in Florence (English speaking) that went virtual during lockdown but believe they now meet up in Florence. Can send you the link if you like.

Smalls mum

Hi Lilibet

Thanks for the info, yes a link to the book group would be great.

Many thanks

Plan B

A nearby town to us is just now opening inscription for its Universita per gli Adulti with a its broad range of courses which seem very social, with many people craving the opportunity to start mingling again. My wife teaches one of their English conversation courses. It really depends what might spark some interest.
Having a dog and playing Burraco have been other reasons for getting out an about and meeting people that have contributed my (partial) assimilation.

GeorgeYoung

If you have hobbies or interests, joining a club is a good way of getting involved in Italian life, Italians love an associazione. When we were in Italy, my wife joined the local choir and had some great experiences, including singing in the stunning Teatro Zandonai in Rovereto (look it up, beautiful building!). I joined a running club & the Cai and met people that way. Whatever your past-time, you will hopefully find that there are plenty of pizza nights, grigliate or gite where you meet & mix with people.

Smalls mum

Many thanks for the suggestion. There's actually a similar university about an hour from where I live so I'l check it out. And I do have a dog!

Smalls mum

Hi GeorgeYoung

Yes, I need to explore locals clubs a little more and have a friend involved in the local Caritas. I do have quite alot of Italian friends, it was more that I'd like to meet some English-speaking people so will check groups around Arezzo/ Florence/Perugia.

lilibet

[9HQUOTE=Smalls mum;13051946]Hi Lilibet

Thanks for the info, yes a link to the book group would be great.

Many thanks[/QUOTE]

Hi there ,
the link to the Drama Club Theatre is <snip> Eleanor organizes it.
Regards

GeorgeYoung

Good point, I missed that part of your original post.

My wife joined a book group with some Italian friends who spoke decent English and who wanted to get better, so they would read English language novels and discuss them. Not exactly what you're looking for, I realise, just an idea.