ron roelandt

Longara-Castenaso-Longara (Italia), 20.04.2026

When I tell people in the Netherlands that I live in Italy, the first reaction is often an enthusiastic “How nice!” or “Great weather all the time!”

What people tend to forget is that “living in Italy” also means “working in Italy.” Simply, just like in the Netherlands. In my case, from half past eight to half past five, five days a week. Off in the morning, back again in the evening.

Se racconto nei Paesi Bassi che vivo in Italia, la prima reazione è spesso un entusiasta: “Che bello!” oppure “Sempre bel tempo!”.

Ci si dimentica però che “vivere in Italia” significa anche “lavorare in Italia”. Semplicemente, proprio come nei Paesi Bassi. Nel mio caso, dalle otto e mezza alle cinque e mezza, cinque giorni alla settimana. La mattina si va, e la sera si torna.

Als ik in Nederland vertel dat ik in Italië woon, dan is de eerste reaktie vaak een enthousiast ,,wat leuk!’’ en ,,altijd lekker weer!’’.

Men vergeet dan dat ‘in Italië wonen’ ook ‘in Italië werken’ betekent. Gewoon, net als in Nederland. In mijn geval van half negen tot half zes, vijf dagen in de week. ’s Morgens heen, en ’s avonds terug.