We moved to Italy because we, Silvia and Guus, really wanted to. It was a dream we had nurtured for years.

Many people found it strange that we would move to Italy when we had a comfortable life in the Netherlands. Why leave our home and everything familiar? Why take our children out of their familiar environment? And why give up security for an uncertain future?

We understood that those around us saw things this way, but we had dreamed of living abroad for so long that we paid no heed to the criticism. We fell in love at first sight with the place where we have now lived for over 16 years.

After the move, we faced many difficult moments. One of the main challenges was the language barrier, which prevented us from effectively communicating with those around us and expressing our emotions clearly. Even after 16 years, I manage well, but I still struggle in large groups. Initially, everything required more energy; we had to figure out and organize everything in the new country. Nothing was taken for granted anymore! School, parent-teacher meetings, finding a new doctor, sports, etc. All of this in a new language was challenging! Even simple things like being invited to a party and not knowing the norms for gifts and such. We also missed our family and friends, especially on special days or during significant events. Additionally, my new role was a change: Guus became a “construction worker,” and I took on the duties of a “homemaker,” after having worked outside the home for many years. Fortunately, most of these difficulties were temporary, and over time everything became easier, and we now feel completely at home here.

For the children, the adaptation process was similar, but they adjusted to the new lifestyle much more quickly. In the Netherlands, they already had some independence, riding their bikes to school, sports, and friends, but here we found ourselves living farther from everything. Even though Acqui Terme is only 8 kilometers away, biking to school was not an option. They took the bus to school in Cartosio and Acqui Terme, learning the language much faster than us and quickly making new friends. However, the first few months were intense and difficult for them as well. Emigrating is a significant event, and it can be even more impactful for children. Adults make the decision, while children have little say in it. Now, however, their lives are inextricably linked to Italy. They have always felt at home in Piedmont, had a great school experience with many friends. Both have studied, one in Milan and the other in Turin, and are now adults.

In December 2015, we went to Milan to renew our Dutch passports. Yara asked the consulate officer if it was possible to also obtain Italian citizenship. The officer initially stated that the Dutch government does not favor dual citizenship, but Yara was undeterred. Eventually, the officer acknowledged that in Yara’s situation, it was possible to obtain Italian citizenship without losing Dutch citizenship, thanks to a special rule:
If, before reaching adulthood (i.e., 18 years or older), a Dutch minor has had their main residence in the current territory of another country for an uninterrupted period of at least five years, it is possible to apply for the citizenship of that country without losing Dutch citizenship.

This was why Yara decided to start the process of applying for Italian citizenship.

In Italy, it is possible to obtain citizenship, but this requires a process and a certain amount of time. When Yara began, the process took at least two years. During this period, the government in power extended the wait time to four years, which lengthened the process. However, in October 2021, Yara finally received her “citizenship” from Mario Morena, the mayor of Cartosio. Joris also started the process and received his “citizenship” last Saturday, also from Mario.

After all these years, we continue to enjoy the beauty of Piedmont. We are all a bit older and “we” a bit grayer, but Casa Bontà is our home!

Best regards,
Silvia