Italy to me is still the most beautiful country on earth, yet one that is forever stuck in the past. It is the country where young people struggle to get permanent jobs because the system is on its knees. There are always talks of improvement but I don't believe any of it. Somehow somewhat the country keeps voting for a joker like Berlusconi, who would have been in jail a long time ago if he had lived anywhere but Italy and who is simply a source of embarrassment and ridicule.
I received my voting paper yesterday. They were sent at my old address and forwarded on by a kind neighbour, despite the fact that I went in person to the Italian Consulate in London to fill my change of address form over 6 months ago! 6 months and nothing has been updated yet. I chased them five times, I even had the Consul of Italy in London emailing me directly, yet the address remains wrong. This is an example of how long it takes for anything to get done, isn't it? Over 6 months to change an address. Oh, poor Italy!
I now have till 4pm tomorrow to make sure that my voting papers are received at the Italian Consulate. I have therefore to decide who I should vote for. Unfortunately I can't shake the feeling that tells me that whomever I will vote for is going to be just as corrupt as the next. Having said that, surely nobody can be as bad as Berlusconi, right?
I haven't been back since 2009.. The burlesconi factor in Sardinia where my extended family is from is very upsetting and since everything that has happened the man still is able to be elected is beyond anyone's comprehension! Quite right your choice in Italian politics is very limited... Oh and I have only had bad experiences with the Italian consulate in London! Hope you find a choice, I have sent my papers off...
ReplyDeleteI don't want to find excuses but I have the feeling that the Italian Consulate in London is probably understaffed after more budget cuts inflicted to our representations abroad. The number of Italians living in London and in the south of England is also very high and the consulate is probably struggling to cope with the demand.
ReplyDeleteI personally had to deal with the Consulate in Edinburgh and to be fair to them I had a great experience. They were efficient and polite. I am now dealing with the Consulate in Paris where improvements to their efficiency could be made but in general I can't complain.
Regarding the sad picture of Italy in your post, what can I say.....It is a wonderful country for holidays but I don't think I could go back living there. Our beautiful country needs reforming in almost all sectors. But in order to do so, we need a new generation of honest and devoted politicians (and sadly at the moment I don't see any worth mentioning). We also need to change the mentality of many Italians who often look after their own little vegetable patch (orticello) instead of developing a strong civic sense which continues to be the exception and not the rule in Italy.
I honestly can't imagine Berlusconi winning the next general elections. If he does, Italy will deserve to go down the drain.....
Good luck with your choice. Turati il naso e vota il meno peggio!
I feel exactly the same for France. I love the France of my childhood. The one now is like a stranger to me. I no longer recognise it or feel I fit in it. It saddens me when I think of it as I sometime feel I am betraying the country I was born in and where my roots are.
ReplyDeleteWell F, I know how you feel. I lived in Italy for 6 years, studied a degree in Milan and it was a challenge! Sadly it will take some time to change the culture of the politicians and the people. However, it is great that we can make our home pretty much where we wish nowadays. I love the UK despite not being British, it offers so many opportunities and I can grab each one and run with it - no restrictions!
ReplyDeleteGrazie mille e in bocca al lupo!
Zoe xxx
I lived in several European countries including the UK (although not in London). Based on my experience no place is perfect (obvious I know) and it mostly depends on your current circumstances.
ReplyDeleteI loved the UK & Ireland for the job opportunities and professional challenges. As a young and inexperienced graduate I was given opportunities I could have only dreamed of in Italy.
However when I was faced with some health issues I discovered that the access to specialists on the NHS was quite difficult and that waiting lists even for straight-forward exams were horrendous. Obviously this does not apply if you have BUPA or any other type of private health insurance.
At the beginning of my first pregnancy I started bleeding heavily but I never saw a consultant, only mid-wives which was a bit of a surprise to me. In Italy pregnancies are over-medicalised but in the UK the service provided is the strict minimum. Child care under the age of 4 in the UK is also another source of rant for parents. You either are a SAHM, you rely on close family or spend a small fortune for daily care. In Italy, far from being perfect, there is the option of public creches as well as private ones. In France, where I currently live, there are just so many options for parents: public inexpensive creches, stately-funded nannies, halte garderies for occasional care, etc.....And the French health system is just wonderful.
Life in Italy is difficult, very difficult, no doubt about it. However no place is paradise.
Come on! The post-Berlusconi future has GOT to be brighter! Go and vote and make Mrs Pankhurst proud xx
ReplyDeleteNobody can't be as bad as Berlusconi! I think so even if is a good business man but he's not involved to ( in?) Italy's Future. Make a good vote ;)
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