Possible move to Catania

[OhMeOhMy]

My hubby has duel citizenship (well, he is finalizing the paperwork :) ) and we have kicked around the idea of moving once things are settled. We have 6 kids and would (obviously) be taking them with. :) He has family in Catania (we only know them a smidge) and should we move, it would be there or somewhere near there. Can anyone offer some insight into life in that region? Daily life, homeschooling (can you do that there???), cost of living, attitude/feeling, etc. Also, are there any other transplants living in that area?

[suearoo22]

I lived there for 3 years there is a pretty big US Navy base in Catania so LOTS of Americans around. It was beautiful but it takes a lot of getting used to. We are thinking about going back there next year as civilians to work we miss it and that is where I had 2 of my kiddos also.

[alilu]

I'm in the north of Italy. There are a lot of Sicilian "immigrants" here (they are called and call themselves immigrants, so that gives you an idea of how different the regions are). I don't have any first-hand information, but people leave Sicily because they say there isn't work there. However, I bet if you're willing to "think out of the box" or if your work isn't dependent on you being physically in a particular place, you could probably lead the good life: sun, mild temperatures, volcanic beauty, fantastic food, slower pace etc.
Homeschooling is pretty uncommon in Italy. The few people I've come across who do it keep it hushed, but apparently it's legal if you follow certain guidelines.
Mostly I just wanted to say here's to you for just THINKING of moving such a big family! :champagne
ciao

[piccolina]

Well, I'm not exactly an expert either but I've done some travelling in Sicily including Catania and I live in Rome.

Have you visited Catania?

It's an interesting town. Sicily as a whole is very "particolare" (as they say in Italian). Everyone speaks Sicilian rather than Italian which is quite interesting and the culture is very different from the mainland (but everyone speaks Italian too so don't worry!)

As alilu said, the economy is depressed throughout Italy but particularly in the South - so it will probably be very hard for you to find jobs especially jobs which would support 6 kids. What level is your Italian at?

I've never heard of anyone homeschooling here in Italy and it would seem to go against the usual Italian conformism/respect for authority but you never know! Why don't you ask your friends or family in Italy.