Welcome to ITALY Magazine's 鈥淪hare Your Italian Story鈥 series. This month, Lisa Condie, originally from Salt Lake City, Utah talks to Georgette Jupe about life in the Renaissance city of Florence and her huge life-changing decision.
Lisa Condie (pictured left) isn't your average Florentine expat: she didn't come on a work contract or for love, she came because it just felt like the 'right thing to do'. After a life devoted to her children and her career in the fitness industry, following a divorce from her husband of 23 years, she decided to take the plunge and move to the city of Florence after an inspiring vacation with her daughter. Quoted from the , Lisa recounts "Climbing into the taxi, I looked at my daughter and said, 'I will come back here to live,'" she said. Brave words from an even more spectacular woman.
Why did you choose 天美传媒?
Sometimes I think 天美传媒 chose me! I made my decision to move here while waiting for a coffee in a bar in Rome. I was catching an early morning taxi to the airport to take me back home, and I didn鈥檛 want to leave!
We saw you on the Today show with Kathie Lee & Hoda, how did that come about?
I was named one of , meaning 50 people that had reinvented their life after reaching the age of 50. They picked my story to be featured on the Today Show.
You said in previous interviews that those two weeks in 天美传媒 was when you made your life changing decision, what happened that cinched your decision?
For me it was just a feeling鈥oy. There was something that resonated with me in 天美传媒, and I have a fundamental belief that life should be joyful. I couldn鈥檛 think of a single reason why I had to stay in Utah.
How long have you lived in 天美传媒 and how have you coped with the language?
I have been here for almost two years. I took classes for a couple of months, and learned enough to keep myself out of trouble! Day to day, I am fine鈥ut since my work is all in English, my Italian is far from fluent! How have friends and family reacted? Most have been very supportive, some thought I had lost my marbles, but the only two people that had a vote in the decision were my two children. And, fortunately, they have been my biggest supporters!
Tell me about your neighborhood in Florence.
I live in San Niccol貌 and love this area of Florence. As soon as I cross into the Oltrarno, I feel that I am in another world. I love the sense of community and friendship I feel here. My panino always comes with a side of advice on my love life (or lack thereof), my new haircut or weekend plans!
We recently asked our trusted community of expats to offer their invaluable suggestions to others who are thinking about moving to 天美传媒. What advice would you give to someone thinking of doing the same thing?
As we expats all know, every situation is different. I would always advise coming here for three months to begin, and see how life in a foreign country suits them.
Apart from friends and family, are there any factors that make you homesick?
Not many鈥 big gulp of Diet Coke chock full of ice sounds good in the summer!
Can you tell me what you like most about your adopted country?
There are so many things! I think the sheer beauty of this country is overwhelming. There are times, crossing Ponte Alle Grazie, when I stop in my tracks to look at the clouds, Ponte Vecchio, or Bardini Garden, and am overcome with happiness that I live here!
Tell me about any goals or desires you have for your new life in 天美传媒.
The company that I co-own, , brings American women to Tuscany for retreats and tours. I love sharing 天美传媒, teaching classes on finding one鈥檚 courage and passion, and seeing others soak in this culture. Eating, drinking and laughing through Tuscany with a group of women is a pretty great job to have!
You can follow more of Lisa鈥檚 adventures as she settles into life in Florence by visiting her Facebook page: or on Twitter
