For many years, expat partner Raffaella Rampetti stayed in Italy while her husband lived and worked abroad. Now that she is enjoying expat life so much, she wonders why she didn’t join him sooner.
‘What will I do?’
“The month before I left Milan to move to the Hague, I thought: What will I even do all day when I become an expat? Will my life be empty because I am not working? But I don’t sit around waiting for my husband to get home. I’m out all the time and exploring the world outside. And really, I tell you, I am so happy,” says Raffaella.
A new freedom
“I gave a lot to my career. For over three decades, I was always so busy. Now I am just enjoying this freedom. I have time to do different things. I have started to cook. I’m going all around the city on my bicycle. I’m travelling to other parts of the Netherlands and visiting museums. I’m able to follow my interests and read for pleasure. My husband and I have even decided to learn the tango…”
Be in the moment
“Today, after our chat, I will cycle to the seaside. Read a book on psychology and have a cappuccino, even if it’s the afternoon, when Italians never drink cappuccino! But they’re better value here, so I think, okay, why not?” says Raffaella. “Since becoming an expat, I feel like I have had a chance to get to know myself a bit better. And other people too. I was always walking with my head down in Milan, thinking and worrying about work. I didn’t chat with anyone. Now I stop and talk to people. I try to enjoy each moment.”
A family affair
“My son is also living here. He’s a masters student but he managed to organise an internship in the Hague. It’s also wonderful for me to spend this time with him,” says Raffaella. “I feel like I have discovered the real way to live life. My husband has been on international assignments for 20 years and I could have joined him sooner. Honestly, now I think I made a mistake waiting so long to do so! But there is no time like the present, so I am making up for lost time and enjoying this new life!”
Photo: Raffaella dances with her husband
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