The historic Santa Maddalena church nestled in the rolling green hills of Val di Funes, with the dramatic, jagged Odle peaks of the Italian Dolomites rising into a clear blue sky.

Experience Italy Like a Local

three women on a boat in lake como in front of the villa Versace with a glass of prosecco on a boat tour
ABOUT ME

Five years ago, I moved to Italy from Ireland by myself. Armed with zero Italian, my original plan was to stay a year before heading to Australia (the classic Irish rite of passage), but Italy had other ideas.

Since then, I’ve been navigating the “silent” struggle of learning Italian, and still very much getting used to the chaos of the Italian bureaucracy. Against all odds, I found my home on the shores of Lake Como. I fell in love with this country, and now I’m here to help you uncover it, too.

I’m here to share the real version of Italy. Whether it’s the famous postcard spots or the hidden corners I stumble upon along the way, I’m documenting the journey as I go.

Grab a coffee or perhaps something stronger, stay a while, and let’s plan your next Italian escape.

Salute agus Sláinte,

Hazel ☘️🇮🇹

picture of me for my travel website