Washington couple transfer to ITALY to flee ‘materialistic’ America
- Glenda and Randy Tuminello, from Spokane, Washington, determined to relocate
- The couple moved full time to the Puglia area of Italy in December 2022
- It has had its advantages nevertheless it has additionally not been with out its challenges
A pair of their 70s have moved their complete lives to Italy in a bid to escape ‘materialistic’ America – and its excessive taxes.
Glenda and Randy Tuminello, from Spokane, Washington, had initially deliberate to spend a yr in Europe to have fun their retirement till the coronavirus pandemic disrupted their plans.
It prompted them to rethink their long-term desires and the duo as a substitute determined to maneuver full time to the Puglia area of Italy in December 2022.
But it has not been with out its challenges because the couple don’t communicate a phrase of Italian and are already lacking American meals.
Glenda and Randy Tuminello had initially deliberate to spend a yr in Europe to have fun their retirement till the coronavirus pandemic disrupted their plans
The couple, from Spokane, Washington, as a substitute determined to maneuver full time to the Puglia area (inventory picture) of Italy in December 2022
The couple mentioned that they had been drawn to Italy from the outset after Randy’s personal grandparents migrated from Cefalu, Sicily, to Louisiana within the early 1900s.
He instructed CNN Travel: ‘My roots have been an enormous consider choosing Italy, it is like coming residence, and we really feel extra at residence right here than we ever felt within the US.
‘Then once more my spouse is an Italian at coronary heart and loves every part Italian.’
The duo hung out researching completely different areas that enticed new immigrant retirees by providing seven per cent flat tax – earlier than finally making the transfer.
Former highschool math instructor Glenda mentioned: ‘We determined to promote our residence, our automobile and all superfluous possessions and make Italy our retirement residence for good.
‘We selected stunning Polignano a Mare, it supplied a flat tax charge of seven per cent.’
The couple now hire a two-bedroom home, which got here partially furnished, for $1,200 a month.
The white-stone home, which characteristic vaulted ceilings and terracotta flooring, boasts an workplace, spacious eating room, balcony, entrance porch and lined terrace.
The couple, who’ve now been dwelling in Polignano a Mare (inventory picture) for practically a yr, cited a heap of different advantages together with the city’s historic credentials, coastal location and reasonably priced way of life
‘We had been going to purchase it at first, however now with the financial system not sure, it was finest to hire,’ Randy, who beforehand labored as a consulting supervisor, mentioned.
‘It was a choice made on the proper time as leases are actually skyrocketing, and houses on sale are fairly costly as there are few and most are taken as B&Bs.’
The couple, who’ve now been dwelling in Polignano a Mare for practically a yr, cited a heap of different advantages together with the city’s historic credentials, coastal location and reasonably priced way of life.
Despite the pair leaving their youngsters and grandchildren again within the US, Randy claimed their motivation to relocate was attributable to their choice for Italian tradition.
‘The materialistic facet shouldn’t be as predominant in Polignano as within the US, and there is extra a way of group – of household and associates,’ he mentioned.
The shift in outlook within the area has additionally meant they really feel safer, including that there’s ‘by no means a risk of hazard strolling the gorgeous streets at evening.’
But the transfer has not been with out its drawbacks.
Glenda and Randy are already lacking some American meals comparable to barbecue sauce, peanut butter and lemon curd.
They have additionally struggled with the language barrier as neither communicate any Italian.