Living in Italy: The Real Deal - How to Survive the Good Life

In 2008 Stef Smulders, his partner Nico and their dog Saar emigrated to Italy to start a new life and set up their B&B Villa I Due Padroni. They sold their home, left their friends and family behind and took a leap into the unknown. Now Stef shares his experiences in a collection of witty short stories. The book treats the trials and tribulations of an emigration: what it was like to buy and renovate a house, to import a car, to gain residency, and much more.

The reader is introduced to a full range of Italian characters, from the trustworthy to the rogue, from the gentle to the shameless, flesh and blood Italians. Some are stereotype, others unexpectedly original. Yet they never fail to amuse and entertain.

'Italians and their ways. . . Trouble and strife are guaranteed when you decide to live amongst them. But Stef is undaunted. He manages to turn his Italian adversity into entertaining stories, warming the readers' hearts to the charms of 'la vita Italiana.' Saskia Balmaekers - Italy expert at Ciaotutti.nl

Readers' reviews:
“I was hooked after the first couple of lines and couldn't put the book down until the end.”
“What a fantastic read!” “Hilarious!" "Addicting!" "Recommended!"