American expat Brian lives with his wife in Albano Laziale, Italy, a country that they find to be beautiful and one with warm and friendly people. Brian shares aspects of his expat life there, such as his work as a practitioner and teacher of holistic pain management, and the ups and downs of living in Italy.	Brian Rothbart

-Where were you born?
Detroit, Michigan, USA

-In which country and city are you living now?
Albano Laziale, Italy (South of Rome)

-Are you living alone or with your family?
I live with my wife and 4-legged daughter, Quin (our dog).

-How long have you been living in Italy?
3+ years

-What is your age?
63

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Italy?
As a healthcare provider, who believes in using holistic approaches in dealing with chronic pain problems, I found the US a less than ideal place to practice my specialty. Hence moving to Europe, where my research and work is widely accepted and embraced, was an easy decision.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
My wife obtained Italian citizenship through her Italian ancestry. So I did not need to get a visa or work permit. However, it took me 16 months to obtain my permesso di sorgiorno.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
Living in Italy, we are covered under the socialized system of healthcare and there is private health insurance available for expats.

-How do you make your living in Italy? Do you have any type of income generated?
I am a Professor/Doctor. I invented a technology and therapy many years ago, which greatly reduces or completely eliminates chronic musculoskeletal/visceral pain, without using drugs or performing surgery. This therapy has proven to be so effective, that it is now being used all over the world. My website is www.rothbartsite.com

-Do you speak Italian and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
Learning a new language has not been easy for me. Using a combination of English, bad Spanish, worse Italian and creative hand signals, I manage to converse with my Italian patients and entertain my family and friends. However, I do feel that is important for expats to respect and observe local customs and traditions. This includes learning and using the language of the country.

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
My home is where my wife is, so I am always at home. Regarding recreational activities, I have 3 computers with dual screens on my main one. This, I believe, qualifies me as a 'card carrying' computer addict and is both my avocation and recreation.

-Do you have other plans for the future?
I will continue to publish and teach my technology, to healthcare providers around the world.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
Living in a smaller town, our rent is reasonable. Rome is much more expensive.

-What is the cost of living in Italy?
Depending on where you want to live, in or around Rome, and what kind of life style you wish to lead, will determine your costs.

-What do you think about the Italians?
We love the locals. They are warm, helpful and friendly.

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Italy?
Negatives: the bureaucracy. For example, it took me one year and cost 1000 euros to obtain my Italian driver’s license.

Positives: Practicing here as a healthcare provider is a joy. The food is healthy and we love the Mediterranean climate. Italy is beautiful!

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Italy?
If you want to live in Italy, you need to adapt to the Italian way of life. You cannot expect the Italians to adapt to your way of life.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Italy?
My favorite website is my own! (What a surprise) – www.rothbartsite.com. Another favorite website is my wife’s permanent makeup website! (What another surprise) – www.WildwoodAestheticsServices.bravehost.com. Both websites were created and written by us. We also like www.InRomeNow.com.