Addio to Santa Domenica Talao

The end of a dream sees Tammy (the single mom from Canada) leaving Santa Domenica Talao. It may be the end of one dream or it may be the beginning of a new Italian dream... this time in Locorotondo, Puglia.  The answer is in Tammy's final installment ...

Locorotondo, PugliaLocorotondo

Tammy's Final Instalment

The year ended in ways that I never imagined .. and the new one has started with me on new paths and adventures. However, as one of my friends has recently said, I am more likely in the place I was meant to be and in looking forward, I do see that my Italian dream has changed - but only in the execution of achieving it. It has not disappeared. Sometimes, dreams have levels to uncover to get to the end of the rainbow. 

I left Santa Domenica Talao, initially as a short vacation from a mountain of stress I was under and the problems that were being uncovered by an outside team of professionals surrounding my house project.

However after a few months away, I made the rather large and life changing decision to stay away. It was not made lightly nor without consequence. It was finalized after months of trying to find peaceful solutions to the problems, but unfortunately, those solutions were just never realized.

This past weekend, I finished removing my belongings from the village and took a last look around, bidding adieu to the unrealized dream of a restructured old home in an Italian village.

I won’t be continuing to write going forward, as the process ahead of me is a lengthy one to be left in the hands of the Italian court system to sort out the right from wrong.

I am tired… but I am learning more and more about the Italian lifestyle, the Italian idea of friendship and family, the culture in both Calabria and Puglia and myself.  I have been blessed continually by my Italian friends who have stood by me as if I was family and aided in all aspects of these recent months. And I have learned who I could rely on otherwise. 

Locorotondo courtyardLife in Locorotondo

Locorotondo in Puglia has been a lovely change.. myself and the dogs are situated in the quaint historical center and have been welcomed by so many. It is good, and each day there is a new reason to smile at the life around me.

I will miss many things about Calabria, however as I do have a strong Italian connection there, I will return often to visit friends, to run and to fly. 

I wish you all well on your journeys. And if there is one thing to take from my experience, it is not to lose sight of your dream- even when all seems lost. Perhaps you are on a path that is taking you closer to it, perhaps it is a difficult path- but all paths have a purpose. 

Dream big.. it's worth it, every step of the way. Go after what you want, ask questions, seek answers and never never compromise who you are. 

After sharing Tammy's story we heard from another couple who have moved to exactly the same town in Calabria and have had a wonderful experience. Read the story here.



You might like these

  • There is a macelleria inside the gates of Sarnano, an Italian butcher shop, the subject of our interest. The couple who run it are old, the store is old.

    An Italian Butcher's Tale from Sarnano

    There is a macelleria inside the gates of Sarnano, an Italian butcher shop, the subject of our interest. The couple who run it are old, the store is old.

  • Our community of fans on Facebook has become almost a village of folks who love Italy. These are some photos of Italy shared...

    Photos of Italy

    Our community of fans on Facebook has become almost a village of folks who love Italy. These are some photos of Italy shared...

  • Rome is a city that can change your life...for the better! Most photos don't give you any idea of what life is actually like in Rome - these do!

    Photos of Rome

    Rome is a city that can change your life...for the better! Most photos don't give you any idea of what life is actually like in Rome - these do!

  • Of all the Capri Walks this one wins my vote. The spectacularly beautiful Sentiero dei Fortini starts from the Blue Grotto (‪Grotto Azzurra) and ends at...

    The Loveliest Walk on the Isle of Capri

    Of all the Capri Walks this one wins my vote. The spectacularly beautiful Sentiero dei Fortini starts from the Blue Grotto (‪Grotto Azzurra) and ends at...

  • The dessert trolley alone makes this Turin restaurant worth a visit. It will bring a sparkle to your eye and pounds to the hips but what are a few pounds for these treats?

    My Wonderful Local Turin Restaurant Il Tempo Ritrovato

    The dessert trolley alone makes this Turin restaurant worth a visit. It will bring a sparkle to your eye and pounds to the hips but what are a few pounds for these treats?

  • Want to work on an Organic Farm in Italy? Here's the story of a couple from New York who did just that. Definitely worth reading before you make a decision

    Want to Work on an Organic Farm in Italy?

    Want to work on an Organic Farm in Italy? Here's the story of a couple from New York who did just that. Definitely worth reading before you make a decision

  • Making Limoncello, dinners in a family trattoria and a boat trip out to the Isle of Capri.  The 4 days of the Amalfi Coast Adventure are days you'll never forget.

    An Amalfi Coast Adventure

    Making Limoncello, dinners in a family trattoria and a boat trip out to the Isle of Capri. The 4 days of the Amalfi Coast Adventure are days you'll never forget.

  • Looking for Quality hotels & Spas in Italy? Then I cannot rave enough about this hotel and spa in an absolutely magnificent setting. The Relais San Maurizio is exceptional...read more

    Quality Hotels & Spas in Italy

    Looking for Quality hotels & Spas in Italy? Then I cannot rave enough about this hotel and spa in an absolutely magnificent setting. The Relais San Maurizio is exceptional...read more

If you enjoy my site I'd love your support.

All you need do is book via this link, or any of the hotel links on the website. It can be for travel to Italy... or anywhere else on earth.

You'll get the best deal available, and the income helps us stay independent and to keep bringing you the best of Italy.

Click to begin

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.