Welcome to ITALY Magazine's “Share Your Italian Story” 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 Today show, 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 Italy?
Sometimes I think Italy 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’t want to leave!
We saw you on the Today show with Kathie Lee & Hoda, how did that come about?
I was named one of Huffington Post’s 50 Over 50, 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 Italy was when you made your life changing decision, what happened that cinched your decision?
For me it was just a feeling…joy. There was something that resonated with me in Italy, and I have a fundamental belief that life should be joyful. I couldn’t think of a single reason why I had to stay in Utah.
How long have you lived in Italy 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…but 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 Niccolò 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 Italy. 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…a 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 Italy.
The company that I co-own, A Better Way to Italy, brings American women to Tuscany for retreats and tours. I love sharing Italy, teaching classes on finding one’s 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’s adventures as she settles into life in Florence by visiting her Facebook page: Facebook.com/betterwaytoitaly or on Twitter @BetterWayItaly
