sim77

Hi

My family (wife and two kids under 7) and I are pondering an expat move to Genoa for a 3 year period. I would like any tips or hints some of you more experienced guys can offer. Not noticed to much expat activity around Genoa? I am looking to live near Rapallo is anyone based in Rapallo?

Look forward to your replies soon I hope.

Best regards

turivano

I think as I my thread about Turin it depends what 'expat' means in terms of finances and also what you want to get out of the experience.

Providing the financial side is sorted then I think if you have a genuine interest in living Italy you will be fine. Friendly people and a great area to explore. If you only want to speak english at english pool parties etc.... you will get very little out of lit.

Pecora Nera

Genoa is lovely. I live in Alessandria south of Turin and Italy is a great experience. I still struggle with the language but I get by with broken Italian a bit of English and lots of mime / pointing.

If you have the chance to live in Italy take it. Work is difficult to find but not impossible. Paperwork and bureaucracy is taken to another level in Italy. lol

sim77

Thank you for the replies and encouragement. Certainly not planning to just sit by the pool speaking English! Job and finances are sorted. So it looks like we will probably go for it. Any tips or hints on integrating young children into a new home and culture?

nicktonight

Hi Sim. I have been thinking of relocating to Genoa from Sicily for some time to be nearer my children and the UK. I have heard one or two bad things about the climate oddly enough (some kind of weird drizzly rain) and that Genoese are unwelcoming to foreigners so it is very hard to integrate. On the good side, rental accomodation seems cheap.Are these fact or fiction? Like Sim I would be grateful for some advice from an expat lving in Genoa

suncycle

Yes I've heard that online as well, and that they can be particularly anti British. It was suggested that this might be because the British bombed them during WWII, though this would seem unreasonable in view of the, er, situation at the time. Anyone else heard this? I must say I really like Genoa and have never come across any problems on my short visits. The above Brit rumours also seem a bit odd as I gather that the Genoa football team deliberately uses that name rather than Genova because of its British roots.

chris120

Ligurians are reputed (by other Italians) to be tight fisted, maybe thats where they give the unwelcoming impression

sim77

I know it's been a while but just to let you all know we are moving to Genova in Jan. Got great but expensive place close by to the international school in the end. I have also been working in Genova Monday to Friday every week since August and only ever found the people extremely welcoming and friendly. Will keep you posted on how get on in the new year.

Lorna at Vicenza

Best of luck with everything.

pugliese

Only went to Genoa for the Boat show but remember a fantastic restaurant "I tre Merli" in the Porto Antico where the make all kinds of delicious focacce. It is near the Acquarium which is also worth a visit. Weather is also quite mild there. Didn't like the black sand. Welcome to the forum.

sim77

Tre Merli is excellent, I have been many times. I know what you mean about the sand!

Sirena

2 years ago I stayed for a short period in San Remo and loved it! Very pretty, such a great spot for access to France and Monaco by train! The coast is gorgeous, lots of whales and dolphins in the ligurian sea sanctuary. Stoney beaches are a negative but getting on a boat and hopping out to sea would be a fantastic weekend family treat!
Best of luck with the decision, and do let us know if you make the move!!

Ismum

Hi Sim77, My husband may possibly be offered a job in Italy by his current company. Was originally going to be Milan but now looks like Genoa is a possibility. Not 100% sure if we are going yet but if you have any tips for a newbie in the area and how you're finding it, I would be interested to hear! We too have a young daughter ( nearly 5 ) Thanks and best of luck to you!

Mickey1

Hi Sim77
We are serious contemplating a move to Liguria too. Probably Rapallo/Chiavari/Lavagna area. Our youngest child is 11 and we would send her to ISG. Would be really interested in hearing your views, both on life in Genoa and the ISG. Hope you have settled in well.