Going with the flow is one of the techniques that Michelle uses to enjoy her life in Calabria, Italy. Accepting the negatives and embracing the positives, as well as immersing herself in the local culture, are just some of the things that help this American freelance writer savor expat living in an Italian mountaintop village. (Photo credit: Franco Muià of IMmAGINE)

Leaving the United States to stay full-time in San Venanzo, Umbria, Italy, is a decision that Barbara does not regret. Learning about and becoming more familiar with the local culture and customs is something that she and her husband do on a daily basis. Here Barbara describes some of the steps that they had to take to move to Italy, what they do for recreation, and their plan to see more of Italy and the rest of Europe.