The Town 40 Minutes from Turin That Every Expat Misses

 Choosing between a big city and a small town in Italy involves significant trade-offs regarding cost, career opportunities, and social integration. Here: Confrontation outlines of pros and cons

Two kinds of expats move to small-town Italy. The ones who romanticise it so hard they forget to check whether there’s a pharmacy within 30 kilometres. And the ones who actually stick around.

I’ve been living in this area for a few years now, and I’ll be honest: I go out alone most of the time. I called a friend to come with me to see a menhir in Mazzè last week. She wasn’t feeling well. Called another. Too busy. I didn’t even call the third one because I already know that her partner, now retired and living with her, doesn’t look favorably on her friends.

This is not a complaint — it’s just the reality of adult social life, anywhere in the world. The difference is that in a small Italian town, the loneliness can hit harder when you don’t speak the language yet, and the community feels impenetrable. But it’s not, and Mazzè is actually only a good example to speak of why.

Continue reading https://exegi.substack.com/p/the-town-40-minutes-from-turin-that

The Knights Without Fear And… (2)

 The “Pragmatic Nobles” who used diplomacy and Church alliances to rule for 400+ years. Dynasty that would learn to survive by being much ‘smarter’ than the rebel Alberico but… TOO much

The confiscation of 1014 was not the end of Castellengo. It was, in retrospect, only the prologue.

Part II: The Pragmatic Heirs — The Mystery of the Postern Gate

Into the space Alberico left behind stepped the De Bulgaro — a family who had looked at his fate and drawn a very different set of conclusions about how to survive in a world of kings and emperors.

Who Were the Bulgaro?

The name sounds foreign, and it raised eyebrows even then, but the De Bulgaro were almost certainly Lombard or Frankish — part of the great consortile tradition, clan-based families who held property collectively across multiple branches, like a corporation with a coat of arms. They were also crucially aligned with the Bishop of Vercelli, which made them the Emperor’s men by proxy, making them legally untouchable.

Continue reading this story:

https://exegi.substack.com/p/the-knights-without-fear-and-2

The Pagan Magic of the Walnut Tree

There’s something about Italy that makes people want to believe in magic again. On witch-hunts, wish-granting, and what happens when modern women chase ancient magic

There is a walnut tree that grows over a gorge in the mountains between Salerno and Benevento. I know this because I danced around it with four other women on a Thursday afternoon, and the universe answered back.

To Pass Through the Fog

I wrote this story many years ago, when I was (yet again) in the situation described here. It's happened to me many times. But I still believe it's written accurately. A small, small, impossibly small man stood before a wall of fog.

It seemed the entire world lay ahead of him—a vast, impossible Universe rising from the earth at his feet and stretching into infinity. These clouds, so voluminous, like immense feather pillows, these billowing masses of fog.

Around him and behind, there was nothing. No one. He stood alone before the infinite. Leaving everything THERE.

There, far away, where no road led back, remained earthly life—so simple, so flawed, so comprehensible and familiar.

He caught himself not fully grasping the finality of this step.

Continue reading https://exegi.substack.com/p/to-pass-through-the-fog

The Hierarchy of Mountain Gods

Walk into any landscape that's bigger and more powerful than you are—any mountain, any ocean, any desert, any forest dark enough to remind you that you're not actually in control—and boot up.

The Garden That Teaches Us to Wait

This Sunday, I'll stand in a garden that took 140 years to become what it is. Not because anyone was slow. Because that's how long it takes to grow a masterpiece. 

Have you ever seen doorbells like this? Lovely!

I’m volunteering with FAI—Italy’s National Trust—at Villa Silvio Mosca in Biella, a place most tourists will never see.

It sits in the shadow of the Alps, in a town known for wool mills and rain. The kind of place many of us skip on our way to more photogenic destinations. But here’s what they’re missing: a lesson our accelerated world desperately needs.

In 1889, Silvio Mosca—an engineer who’d made his fortune in textiles—stood on a bare plot of land. He could have hired an architect. Instead, he drew the plans himself. For two years, he personally oversaw every stone, every tree placement, every sightline. He planted a cork oak, exotic and improbable in Piedmont’s climate. He positioned cedars where they’d frame the mountains just so. He created artificial hills to make a small garden feel infinite.

Then came the waiting. 

Continue reading: https://exegi.substack.com/p/the-garden-that-teaches-us-to-wait

The Art of Condensation: From 10 Hours to 1 Hour

I needed to reduce my 10-hour course to 1 hour (a 90% reduction!) and was unsure how to handle all the materials I had collected. I thought my research would be interesting for you, too.

A classic challenge for any educator: how to condense a rich, detailed subject into a concise, high-impact overview! It's like trying to fit an entire symphony into a pop song – you have to keep the most memorable melodies and essential movements.

For my "History of Russia: Ruling Dynasties" course, specifically the Rurikovichi part, requires a very strategic and often ruthless approach. The key is to shift from a comprehensive teaching goal to a compelling overview or teaser goal.

Here's how I approach it, step by step:

The Psychology of Unanswered LinkedIn Messages

Introduction

The professional landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of digital platforms, none more prominent than LinkedIn. What began as a simple online resume repository has evolved into a dynamic ecosystem for professional networking, personal branding, and direct communication. 

Echoes of the Soul: A Romance Wrapped in Magic. The town’s magic that we normally ignore

 The City’s Secret Pulse

Every town has a heartbeat, but hers sang.
Clara had known it since she was six, when she’d pressed her ear to the alleyway behind the bakery and swore the bricks murmured back.

The Moon Will Light The Way - Last Day of Easter Sale €4

 Ghost hunters encounter new levels of paranormal activity in a medieval castle.

https://bit.ly/MysteryinLife

Mystery in Life Series: The Secrets of the Unknown - A Captivating Collection of Supernatural Short Stories, Intriguing Mysteries (6 books)

Step into a haunted castle where love and loss collide with unspeakable darkness. When a team of adventurous ghost hunters sets out to uncover the secrets of an ancient estate, they become entangled in a centuries-old tragedy. Laura, a sorrowful spirit, and Mariano, a knight tormented by eternal guilt, are trapped in a vicious cycle of despair, controlled by a sinister force lurking within the castle walls.

As the team delves deeper, their bravery is tested by chilling apparitions, cryptic warnings, and an overwhelming presence that thrives on fear. Each revelation pulls them closer to a devastating truth: freeing the lovers may demand an unthinkable sacrifice.

Will they confront their own fears to break the curse? Or will they, too, become prisoners of the darkness?

Filled with suspense, heart-pounding twists, and a touch of hope, The Moon Will Light The Way is a gripping supernatural tale that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for fans of eerie mysteries, emotional ghost stories, and atmospheric adventures.

Good Cause: By purchasing my books, you help me to thrive. Thank you.

A Scientific Perspective on Healing the Soul. Nature's Role in Emotional Resilience

 In the context of an increasingly tumultuous world, characterized by a plethora of sad and tragic events, the quest for emotional healing and resilience has garnered significant attention in psychological and environmental research. This article aims to explore the potential pathways to healing the soul, particularly through the lens of nature and its profound impact on human well-being.

Motivations For People Over 60 To Go Out For The Walks In The Nature

I often struggle to find inspiration to go out, as I tend to prefer staying at home in the kitchen or in front of my computer. Recent challenges in life have drained my energy, and the gloomy, rainy weather does not help to lift my spirits. I have never felt so down and defeated. Through this research, I hope to find new inspiration to start walking again and rediscover the joy of living.

Outdoor activities and well-being are closely connected when it comes to promoting good health. Engaging in activities such as hiking, biking, or simply spending time in nature can benefit both our physical and mental well-being. The fresh air, sunshine, and natural beauty can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase energy levels. By prioritizing our health and well-being, we establish a strong foundation for pursuing our passions and dreams with renewed vitality and enthusiasm.

Immersing Yourself in Nature: A Path to Holistic Wellness

Walking in nature, watching flowers bloom, and listening to the sounds of a waterfall all contribute to holistic wellness, which encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. 

I walked near the Cervo stream yesterday since the weather had improved for a day. Unfortunately, weeks of rain and entire days spent near the computer have now hurt me: I don't want to move anymore, my eyes can't see well, especially the right one, and what's more, I can't sleep anymore even with sleeping pills. 

Understanding The Science Behind Nature Sounds for Stress Relief and Relaxation

Nature is the ultimate spa, offering tranquility, beauty, and peace that can't be found elsewhere. Take a deep breath, feel the sun on your skin, and let nature work its magic on you.

Sally's Flight To Freedom

 In a world where control and oppression can often overshadow individual freedom, one woman's story stands out as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Sally is a courageous individual facing a daunting challenge in her personal life. A chance encounter sparks a newfound sense of determination within Sally, driving her on a journey of self-discovery and liberation. 

Sally's got a real problem on her hands: her boyfriend expects her to be his personal servant, always stuck at home catering to his every need. Fed up with feeling trapped, she decides to take a walk outside to clear her head.

How Sitting Can Literally Kill You: The Shocking Truth About Physical Inactivity

Do you often feel glued to your chair, binge-watching Netflix or scrolling through social media for hours? Well, it’s time to stand up and pay attention because your life might just depend on it.

Understanding Social Dynamics: Why Cultural Volunteering Is So Important In My Life

The days I spent this weekend volunteering with FAI, the Italian Environment Fund, led me to think about this phenomenon of cultural volunteering. Interestingly, not only was I very enthusiastic after participating in this initiative, but all the volunteers wrote in the group how happy they were to participate.

This morning, I read an article published in the USA that talked about the running trend, of meetings of people who run all dressed in the same brand's products and thus ultimately forming brand clubs throughout the country and not unions for interests (running, precisely). 

A Story About Everyday Stress Handling. With Wise Tips and Happy End :-)

 Once upon a time, in a bustling city filled with honking cars and busy pedestrians, there lived a woman named Emily. Emily was a hardworking professional who thrived in her career but found herself constantly battling the pressures of everyday stress. From deadlines at work to family obligations, Emily felt like she was always on the edge of burnout.

How I Plan My Week To Have Two Days Free For Other Tasks

 Many people need to live their whole lives according to plan. They get up at a specific time and eat what they should eat following the latest trends. They sit at the computer at a set time and check emails for 15 minutes, and another 15 look for news on the topic they're working on... 

I honestly envy these people.

"The Bear"

Film by Jean-Jacques Annaud

GREAT. I have not other words. Splendid film.