From a Weekend Trip to a New Life ~ Why 3 Days in Turin Changed Everything
Sometimes, life’s most defining moments come from the most unexpected encounters. For us, it was a three-day trip to Turin that led to a life-changing decision. We hadn’t planned to fall head over heels for this charming city tucked away in Northern Italy, but after only 72 hours, we knew it was where we wanted to build our next chapter.
Why Turin?
Turin felt like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. The Gran Balon Market was our first real taste of the city’s vibrant culture. Its colorful stalls, antique treasures, and street food filled the air with excitement and creativity. Beyond the market, we found a dynamic energy pulsing through the city. With its beautiful architecture, elegant piazzas, and thriving cultural scene, Turin seemed to offer the perfect blend of history and modernity—a place where we could grow and thrive.
Navigating Italian Bureaucracy
Moving to Italy wasn’t all smooth sailing—far from it. Italian bureaucracy, in our experience, is a frustrating mix of slowness and inconsistency. Every visit to the local offices brought a new challenge: unclear rules, shifting processes, and lots of waiting. At times, it felt like we were going in circles, with no one quite sure of what was required or when things would be resolved.
Despite the hurdles and time-consuming processes, we refused to let it drain our excitement about starting a new life in Italy. The key for us was staying focused on the reasons we moved—the adventure, the culture, and the lifestyle. Whenever the frustrations mounted, we reminded ourselves why we made the leap in the first place, and that kept us motivated to push through the difficult parts.
Finding Time for Adventure
Even with all the challenges, we made sure to find time to enjoy our new surroundings. Moving in December turned out to be a blessing in disguise, as the Christmas season brought a magical atmosphere to every corner of Northern Italy.
We visited the festive Christmas markets in Asti and Milan, where twinkling lights, holiday music, and delicious treats made us forget about bureaucracy for a while. We also took a short trip to Alba, where we wandered through stunning vineyards and savored the region’s famous wine and truffles. And to top it all off, we couldn’t resist a two-day ski trip in the Alps, where we stayed in a beautiful lodge we found on Booking. Waking up to snow-covered peaks and crisp mountain air felt like a dream—and exactly the kind of experience we had hoped for when we first decided to move.
Embracing a New Chapter
Despite the initial difficulties, Turin has already begun to feel like home. Every day brings new discoveries—hidden cafés, scenic river walks, and inspiring conversations. Moving to a new country has its share of challenges, but it also offers endless opportunities for growth and adventure.
Looking back, the stress of dealing with Italian bureaucracy was worth it. We’ve already created so many memories, and we’re just getting started. Turin has welcomed us with beauty, culture, and warmth, and we’re excited to keep exploring and sharing our journey.
I guess what I'm trying to say is if you have that crazy dream of starting fresh somewhere completely new… Go for it! As long as you have a goal people you love surrounding you, you'll thrive.
Stay tuned for more stories from our new life in Italy—there’s so much more to come!
