Sicily - What it like?
 

Hi,

I'm self employed and can work through the internet abroad - I wanted to go somewhere in Jan for 5/6 months - somewhere where there is skiing but also quite mild where I can also do some diving - plus golf of course! - Sicily looks a good bet for me - I hear the climate round there is quite good in the winter.

I'm coming over on my own so it would be good to meet some fellow Brits - many round there???

If you could give me any advice on there area that would be great!!

Thanks
Rob

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

Skiing on Etna is quite an experience as you can often feel the mountain vibrate under your feet - well, skis. With the increased volcanic activity there recently, it might not be such a good idea though - unless you fancy doing a James Bond type ski run just ahead of flowing, molten lava.

Otherwise, an excellent place to spend a few months. Diving is great, especially if in an arranged group. I have absolutely no idea about golf though, sorry.

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

I live in Sicily, and I can tell you the weather is fantastic. You can have sun for about 9 months a year(Nov,Dec and Jan is colder) we use central heating during the evening for these 3 months. I know that there are some golf courses in Sicily but not sure where. There are very few British here so it would be better for you to speak some Italian. Lots of people diving over here mainly on the Aeolian islands,.

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

I loved Sicily when I visited ((Madonie, Enna and Cefalu) and did fantasize about living there. I remember thinking that there were very few people living in the countryside and that they were all gathered in the villages and as I was into the whole countryside at the time it seemed a bit isolated. I thought that life in the provinces could be pretty claustrophobic?

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

hi there all, i am off with my partner to stay in the madonie mountains in december. it will be cold and snowy but to be honest I think in some respects its better to try it out in the worst months that way you know you can cope in the less busy part of the year.
Also I agree its important in sicily to speak some italian as its not like other places in Italy. My partner is currently learning and we will eventually be buying a property with a view to running as a small hotel in the mountains. Agritourismo.
How you go about living in Sicily for 5 to 6 months is up to you and of course dependent on where you intend to stay, but as my friend points out if you isolate yourself you will get viewed by the locals with suspician. If you immerse yourself into the local way of life and interact then you have a better chance of making a good life for yourself.
Remember if you speak a little of the local lingo even if you think it sounds wrong, you will get respect for it.
Good luck.

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

Hi rob, not sure ur still in sicily if you went at all.? I would suggest around cefalu on the north coast. you can dive there and the islands, ski in a place called piano bataglia in the madonie mountains and play golf in catania. mail me if you want help as i am coming to sicily in dec. good luck.

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

I live in the town of Noto in Sicily. Love it here, live year round. Great quality of life, food ,wine, not having to live by the clock or keeping up with the Jones. I do most of my work from the Internet also and have found that there is a lot of opportunity here if you have any marketing skills. I would encourage anyone to come here! There are a few common mistakes alot of people make when coming here that if avoided can really help you have a positive experience.
Learn the language and be prepared- Sicilian is not Italian- the local dialect is difficult.
Smile. with the language barrier your facial expression is how the locals read you. In general the people are very friendly and helpful but a smile goes a long way.
Try to keep the comments like "we do not do it this way back home","this place is so backward", blah,blah,blah , to yourself. believe me I feel this way some of the time but the lifestyle and climate remind very quickly of why I am here. Unless you have buckets of money or need to play the big fish in a small pond try to refrain from being too flash. It is a great feeling to be accepted here and not pay "stranieri" prices . The empty pockets approach is best.
Do not limit yourself to only other English speaking expats. get to know the locals,they are your best resource.

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

That is so true Linda :)
My husband is from here and we have a huge family network and friends.
And although my Italian/sicilian is limited(I study at night to speed it up)they are SO warm and if you try and have a go with it,even if you make mistakes,they will love you for it.
There can be an element of keeping up with the jones here as well with certain people,you do get that pretty much anywhere.
I have found it with the school mums,who to my astonishment,turn up to school every morning complete with fur coat,D+G sunnies and regulation bling lol
The men seem to be more laidback from my experience.
That said,I have found all the people here to be the most friendly,respectful and genuinely happy people I have encountered.
As my MIL says 'drink a little,dance a little,love a lot'
She sums it up perfectly!

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

I think you're definitely right! I believe you just don't have to hide or ignore locals and look for English speaking people only. Locals can teach you so many useful things you can't even imagine and - after all - you would have the chance to practice Italian.

Here in Palermo it is a little bit harder, as it is a real big city and you'd better not trust every single one you meet!

Enjoy
Linda

Re: Sicily - What it like?
 

Hi all,
I never get to check out the forums anymore.
I would be interested in who is living where in Sicilia and your experiences.
Does anyone ever get to Noto?