An Interview with Anneliese Rabl in Tuscany

Today sees the latest in our series of interviews with Expats in Italy. This time we return to Tuscany to interview Anneliese Rabl from Germany. A professional writer, photographer and expert in traditional Italian food, herbs and their history, Anneliese is also an authority on horticulture and olive oil production, with a deep passion for wine and fashion. She has been living in Italy for many years and now resides in a small village in the hills between Florence and Lucca.

The Questions and Answers:

How long have you been living in Italy?

For thirty years.

Who came up with the idea of living in Italy?

Destiny. Definitely.

How are you getting on with The Italian language?

Much better than with my English; worked hard on the language but in the end managed to write books and articles in Italian. I believe that the first thing to do when you decide to live in another country is to learn the language. You want to understand the people, their habits, traditions, uses, way of living and thinking. Of course, I want to share the same things with them.

Do you miss your home and family?

No. My roots are in my heart and in my soul, not in a country.

Did you buy, or are you renting the place where you live?

I rented. Don’t want to be bothered with properties. Also need to know that I can move whenever I like to.

What do you think about the Italians?

It’s an ancient population.  They have been giving the rules to half of the world for a long time.

5 Good aspects of living in Italy?

For me, it means living in Tuscany, not in Italy.  I don’t think that I would have lived elsewhere in Italy.

1. Friendly human relations.

2. The deep love for life you can feel everywhere.

3. The culture.

4. The weather.

5. The chance to be totally “individualist” , nearly impossible in a Northern country.

5 Bad aspects of living in Italy?

1. Traditions lasting centuries block the country totally.

2. Italy seems not to find the courage to “cure” its diseases.

3. Individualism brought to an unbearable level.

Can’t find other really negative aspects.

5 Top tips for our readers about living in Italy?

Ask yourself why you have really come to Italy. Once you made up your mind stick to it. Never forget that you are a guest. Italians don’t want to be colonized or judged. We would not like it either.

Thanks Anneliese for your time, answers and an insight into your life in Tuscany. You can follow Anneliese via these links:

Website: www.annelieserabl.com
Blog: www.annelieserabl.com/blog/

and check out her new app at: www.apptiamo.com/  

“Keep love alive all year round with AppTiAmo. It’s awesome, fun, and so very Italian.”

Inspired by Italian graffiti, this fun and quirky app, enables you to send an ecard in English, German or Italian, anytime from anywhere.