Why We Left Sicily: Unveiling The Real Reason

Sicily, an island of extraordinary beauty and rich history, enchanted us from the very moment we set foot on its shores. Nestled in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, it offers an unparalleled blend of stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and deep historical significance. 

From the ancient ruins of Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples to the majestic peak of Mount Etna, Sicily masterfully fuses the past with the present, creating a harmonious atmosphere where history, nature, and modern life coexist seamlessly.

For us, Sicily was more than just a destination—it was a sanctuary to slow down, embrace the culture, and savor life’s simple pleasures. 

The island’s charm captured our hearts and provided a sense of peace we had longed for. Yet, as with all journeys, our time in Sicily had its natural end.

In this blog, we’ll share the true reasons behind our decision to leave this captivating island and reveal what lies ahead for us.

Our Move to Sicily: Seeking a Peaceful and Vibrant Lifestyle

In 2022, we made a life-changing decision. We were in our 60s, enjoying our time with our three adult children, and we decided to move to Sicily: Croce’s birthplace. We had been living a fulfilling life in Texas, surrounded by our family, but there was something about the charm of Sicily that called to us. 

The idea of retiring to Croce’s home country, away from the routine, and embracing a quieter yet vibrant lifestyle was too enticing to ignore. Sicily offered a peaceful yet dynamic environment that promised a perfect balance for our retirement years.

Our time in Sicily was transformative. We had the chance to live among historic sites, embrace the local culture, and bask in the natural beauty that surrounded us. We wandered through ancient temples, visited charming villages, and made memories that would last a lifetime. 

Sicily’s scenic beauty, coupled with its rich history and warm, welcoming people, gave us a sense of fulfillment we hadn’t anticipated.

Family Ties: The Heartfelt Reason for Our Return

While our time in Sicily was enriching and unforgettable, life often has a way of guiding us back to what matters most: family. As much as we had embraced our Sicilian lifestyle, personal reasons, particularly family ties, began to tug at our hearts. 

A particularly moving moment was when we received a necklace with birthstones representing our two granddaughters, who live in Texas, and we were excited to see a little heart charm representing the new grandbaby that was on the way. This small gesture became a symbol of how deeply our family was embedded in our lives.

The connection we had to our grandchildren, along with the desire to be closer to family during this stage of life, made us decide to return to Texas inevitably. We had spent over a year in Sicily, and it had truly been a time of personal growth and joy. 

But, as the saying goes, home is where the heart is. Our family was back in Texas, and we knew that, at least for now, it was time to return.

A Pause, Not a Farewell: Our Future Plans

Although we left Sicily to be closer to our family, this isn’t the end of our Sicilian journey—far from it! Our hearts are still deeply connected to Sicily, and we firmly believe that this is just a pause, not a permanent farewell. 

Life in Sicily taught us so much about slowing down, appreciating the little moments, and finding peace in simplicity. These are lessons we plan to carry with us as we continue to navigate our future.

Our plans are already in motion to return to Sicily. We’ve booked our one-way tickets, secured a car, and found a new place to stay. While we had to let go of the beautiful villa where we spent much of our time, we’re excited about our new home. We’ll share all the details of our new place and the pricing involved, as many of you have requested insights on the cost of living in Sicily, from rent to utilities and groceries. 

Croce is already working out the numbers, and we will be providing detailed information for those of you who are curious about the practical side of living in Sicily.

The Lessons We Take With Us 

Our time in Sicily was a beautiful chapter that enriched our lives in ways we never expected. It was a time of reconnecting with Croce’s roots, exploring the culture, and savoring the landscape. 

But it was also a time of reflection, and we realized that sometimes, life calls you back home—whether it’s to family, familiar surroundings, or a new chapter altogether.

The experiences we had in Sicily will forever be a part of us, and we look forward to carrying these lessons forward. As we prepare to return, we are filled with gratitude for this island that gave us so much. 

Sicily will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we are eager to continue our journey there in the near future.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

As we prepare for our return to Sicily, we’ll be sharing updates and new adventures with you. From our new home to travel tips and living expenses in Sicily, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way if you are curious about specific aspects of life in Sicily. 

We appreciate you following along on this journey with us, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds—both in Texas and in Sicily.

Sicily gave us a remarkable experience, one that we will cherish forever. It’s a place where memories are made and lessons are learned. However, our hearts have led us back to Texas for now, where family is calling. 

Rest assured, this chapter is far from over, and we look forward to returning to the beautiful island that captured our hearts. Stay tuned for the next chapter of our adventure!