You've dreamed of moving to Italy since you were 16 years old, and after years of scheming and planning, you finally made it happen.

But... you're not happy.

Could it be that you made a mistake in moving abroad? Or maybe you're just not in the right town.

Longtime listener Darlene Sullivan joins us this week to talk about what happens when expat reality doesn't quite live up to your dreams—but how that doesn't necessarily mean you've made a mistake. Sometimes you just need to recalibrate and find a living situation that matches your personality.

Another important lesson: don't underestimate how trauma might be souring your expat experience. Just because something bad happens in your adopted country, doesn't mean you're not supposed to be there.

If you haven't already, go back and listen to our first interview with Darlene, shortly after her move to Bolzano, Italy back in 2020, Episode 435: When Expat Dreams Come True.

Darlene is a freelance textile designer. Find her work at her website. Or find her on Instagram here. If you're interested in reading her Master's thesis, Flocking Together, which she mentions in the episode, it's available here.

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