Woman Retires in Italy After Disappointing Paris Dream
URGENT UPDATE: Lisa La Valle, a 64-year-old American, has shared her transformative journey from the highs of moving to Paris in 2018 to finding a new home in Brescia, Italy, in 2021. After a divorce and dreams of a European life, La Valle’s story is a powerful reminder that relocating abroad is not a fairytale.
La Valle’s ambition to live abroad sparked when she purchased a one-way ticket to Paris, seeking a fresh start. However, her initial enchantment quickly faded as she experienced the harsh realities of life in the City of Lights. “After nine months, the rose-colored glasses came off,” she revealed, underscoring the phenomenon known as Paris Syndrome, where tourists’ expectations clash with reality.
Despite the picturesque scenery and romantic allure, La Valle found the cynicism and isolation in Paris overwhelming. “Paris felt like a private club, and I was not invited,” she stated, reflecting on her challenging experience as an expat making connections in a new country.
In 2021, after four years in Paris, La Valle sought a new chapter in Italy, where she accepted a teaching position at an international high school. “I think it’s much easier to move to a new place when you have a job lined up,” she noted. With a monthly income of around $1,500, she found stability as she transitioned into retirement.
Now residing in Brescia, La Valle enjoys a lifestyle that dramatically contrasts with her Parisian experience. Paying only €550 ($636.60) per month in rent, she revels in a modern apartment that offers comfort and affordability. “Here in Brescia, I’m saving money, and I also feel welcomed,” she said, emphasizing a sense of belonging that eluded her in Paris.
La Valle’s journey is emblematic of a growing trend among Americans seeking a better quality of life abroad. As many wake up to the realities of the American Dream, her story resonates with those considering the leap to a new life in Europe. “I’m all for following your dreams, but brace yourself — it’s not always easy moving to a new country,” she warns.
While La Valle has embraced her new life, she acknowledges the complexities of adjusting to a different culture. “It’s taken some time to adjust,” she admitted, but she appreciates the benefits of living in Europe, from excellent public transportation to a solid healthcare system.
La Valle’s experience is a reminder that the journey of moving abroad can be fraught with challenges but also filled with rich rewards. Her story is developing as more individuals like her seek fulfillment and adventure beyond their borders.
As she reflects on her past, La Valle feels reassured in her decision to leave the United States. “When I go back to the US, it’s like slipping into an old shoe, but I don’t feel nostalgic,” she declared, affirming that her choice to relocate was indeed the right one.
Stay tuned for more updates on the experiences of expats navigating life abroad and the evolving landscape of international living.
