This month, we’re excited to feature Marlene in our Meet the Team project and learn about her recent move to Italy!
1.What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
My social battery is always a roll of the dice. I could easily spend the weekend on my own and feel completely content or have all the energy in the world to cook up grand all-day excursion plans right in the hustle bustle of a city.
2.If you could spend a day doing anything you love, what would it be?
Food tour crawls along a busy neighbourhood with street food stalls and small treats in every shape and size under the sun. My eyes are way bigger than my stomach and I cannot resist getting samples and signature dishes when visiting a new place.
3.How do you like to unwind after a busy day?
I am a fan of home cooking so by switching into dinner prep mode for 1-2 hours and just taking my time and half making up recipes as I go allows my mind to switch away from the events of a day and look forward to whatever meal ends up on the table.
4.Are you more of an early bird or a night owl?
As much as an early bird lifestyle appeals in theory, I am definitely more productive after the sun goes down.
5.How would your friends or family describe your personality?
Definitely as a ball of sunshine and positive energy that’s always singing in the hallways.
6.What inspired your move from Ireland to Milan, and how has the transition been?
Just coincidentally my partner’s firm has expanding growth opportunities here and the transfer followed swiftly thereafter. I suppose we were lucky since there’s a lot of other places in the world it could have also ended up being but Milan as a location was a happy surprise at the end of the day.
7.What do you miss most about living in Ireland?
The beautiful locations along the wild Atlantic way are truly one of a kind in the world and will be hard pressed to find an equivalent for. However, Italy’s coastal waters/routes aren’t exactly a poor substitute to get used to now either.
8.What do you enjoy most about your new surroundings in Milan?
I’d say the surroundings of Milan are precisely what I’ve really enjoyed so much since moving since the mountains cover the horizon allowing for incredible sunset views and easy day trips to escape the city when needed.
9.What advice would you give someone considering relocating to a new country?
Read up on the relocation requirements through both the official websites of course but also see about finding travel blogs and other communities where real people share their experiences and can help guide you as you navigate the administrational paperwork side of things.
10.How are you finding life in Milan so far? Any surprises?
The city has been so welcoming and made the transition so easy with the relaxed way of life and good positive energy all around us. Something I’ve loved doing is exploring the cultural and historical aspects of the city on their free museum entry days which occurs every month and I’m a sucker for a bargain.