Hi there, My family recently moved to Florence (Q1) from San Francisco, CA. As we are only here (with the Stanford Overseas Program) for three months (April – June), we decided not to enroll our 13 yo daughter (7th grade) and 10 yo son (4th grade) in the International School. We hired tutors instead but they don’t have any exposure to kids their age. I was hoping to reach parents on this list with similar-aged kids to arrange a meet and greet. Please email me at akohrman@stanford.edu if you’d like to get together. Thanks! Amy
Category Archives: Expat Life
Watch your wallets and phones
It is spring and it seems that is when the pick pocketers are more on the prowl. There are larger crowds, so making it easier for them to work. Also more people are out giving them a better choice. Moms always keep the bags and phones on you this is no guarantee, but they do like to strike the moms with strollers and if you leave on the stroller they will get it. Some areas that some moms have reported in the past are markets, buses, trains, and stores.
Here are true stories some happened in the past two days.
Be alert! Today someone took my wallet from my handbag when I was in a bookshop. I was approached by a man who asked me how much something cost and I directed him towards the shop assistant. When I went to pay for the book I wanted, no wallet! Great distraction technique, I was trying to be helpful while his accomplice must have taken it. Have cancelled cards, filled in a police report and tried to work out if I’ve forgotten anything. What a rubbish start to the long weekend! …Rebecca
Oh no.. I have been there as well:( I just caught a gypsy with her hand half way into an old ladys purse on Tuesday at piazza San Marco.. So be careful! …Stine
I had my wallet stolen on the number 6 bus last October. I was taking my son to school and had just validated my ticket, which I put back in my wallet which I then slipped into my purse. At San Marco I felt the very slightest, barely-there tug and immediately checked my purse, all the while thinking I had imagined it : no wallet! I immediately accosted a man standing next to me and accused him, even searched him (he was willing to be searched which, retrospectively, made me realize that he WAS indeed the culprit)… Anyhow, a few weeks ago I was on the same bus at the same hour, there was the same man eyeing a group of Indian tourists… I immediately warned them and got a menacing glare from the thief… so, if you take the number 6 bus between 8-9 in the morning, BEWARE. The man is often on that bus (seen him other times too), always standing by the door, always eager to help with information, looks a little rough, as if homeless. He has an accomplice whom he hands the goods to at who gets off at the next stop, hence I was unable to find my wallet on him. …Iris
Also beware in the Cascine Market – my son caught a guy trying to take stuff out of the hood pockets while I was distracted by a stall, the guy hadn’t realised we were together…pushchairs and strollers are really easy targets..This is Florence’s busiest weekend so be extra vigilant as all the thieves will be out.. Alyson
Also beware of carrying your handbag in your hand by the handles or even loosely on your shoulder. I had mine snatched out of my hand by a guy on a Vespa who sped past the wrong way up a one-way street. All happened in a blink of an eye. The second time someone tried it, I clung onto my bag and was dragged up the street until the guy on the Vespa have up and sped off. Always walk on the pavement with your bag near the wall and not on the road side!! …Jacqueline
Expat Life
Lotuses bloom in mud: a meditation on an expat dream disfigured
Dear Readers,
We modern-day expats are fortunate in that we move around by choice: chasing job opportunities, new lifestyles (ugh–that word), even love. We are not typically motivated–like so many of our ancestors were–by hunger or persecution. In a way, I think this makes us a rarefied and spoiled bunch. We can look at things with the objectivity and aloofness of someone who has a lifeboat at the ready, should the ship sink. We always have, more or less, the luxury of leaving.
Read more from her blog: Lotuses bloom in mud: a meditation on an expat dream disfigured.
Great Article: Florence for Children
Florence for Children: January 2012 events
by Laura De Benedetto on http://www.arttrav.com
It’s freezing, kids (and adults) have the flu and it’s a real pity as there are so many things to do and see around Florence… and it’s also a great time to take a winter break, like to Val Gardena where Family hotels make life easier for children and parents. Here is a selection powered by our kids’ correspondent Laura and three year old Francesco. Read more at….
To Dry or not to Dry… that is the Question
MumAbroad Would Like to Interview Some Expat Mums
Dear Mums
I am the co-founder of MumAbroad which covers Spain (www.mumabroad.com) and France (www.france.mumabroad.com). We are based in Barcelona where we are members of the Barcelona Women`s network which FAWCO supports.
We are currently in the process of developing MumAbroad Italy. The MumAbroad sites are aimed at International Families living in or relocating to their respective European countries and what is unique about the sites is all the listings have been recommended by a local mum or dad.
The other key aspect about our sites is that we feature interviews with local Mums in order to get a real slice of life about living as a parent in their region.
We were wondering whether any Firenze Mums would be able to help us find Florence-based Mums willing to do a short interview via email about their experience of life as a parent living in Florence? We would be really appreciative.
I look forward to hearing from some of you soon.
Carrie
Carrie Frais
MumAbroad Spain|MumAbroad France|MumAbroad Property
www.mumabroad.com
www.france.mumabroad.com
www.mumabroadproperty.com
Carrie@mumabroad.com
Cellphones in the Classroom
Normally we are against cellphones in the classrooms, but look at what this teache has to say about changing that to
Cellphones in the Classroom, first babysteps taken!
Great blog post.
Need help on Baby Formula
Hi,
HELP! Can anyone recommend a good baby formula? I have decided not to breast feed and was wondering if anyone could recommend the best baby formula available? There are so many to choose from am little lost with regard to this
Many Thanks
Looking for an apartment
My husband and I, along with our 2 year old daughter are planning a move to Firenze in September 2012. We’ll be spending a year plus and looking for an apartment to rent. We’ve been told Santo Spirito and Santa Croce are good areas for (expat) families. If anyone has or knows of a 2-bedroom; minimum 80 sq. meter apartment, we’d love to get in touch. My email is deangelis.sarah@gmail.com
Home birth and resident question
Hi Moms,
I am new here and I’m interested in a home birth. Has anyone done this and could give me advice?
Also as I’m not a resident yet (applying next week) not sure of how to proceed.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Michelle

