Here is here and how to make the most of it.

Happy New Year! I’m still here, though I think I left pieces of myself in 2024 that I’ll need to retrieve. Welcome to Sanremo, Liguria! I’ve settled into my new home, and Rome has become a cherished memory—one that I’ll always hold dear for what it gave me: stability, a deeper connection to Italy, and a significant improvement in my Italian language skills. Rome was a necessary step on my path to here.

Often, we don’t understand the purpose of the journey when we’re fixated on reaching a particular destination. In 2025, I hope to savor the present more and worry less about chasing the next destination.

A goodbye to there and Via Campania, 59

Before I left Rome, the families who occupied the palazzo where I lived hosted an aperitivo to say goodbye. Luca, one of the family patriarchs, drew the cover photo above. It was he and his wife who hosted the aperitivo, during which he presented me with a farewell gift. He gifted me a hand-drawn rendition of the palazzo at Via Campania, 59. He even included my decorated the terrace with my annual Christmas light decorations, in their American-esque extravagance.

The effort and love Luca put into his gift embody the true Roman and Italian spirit. Once you are welcomed into a circle of family and friends, that relationship lasts a lifetime. I will never forget them or what they unknowingly gave me—a place to call home when I most needed to feel at home.

It was a tough road getting to here

I began the process of moving in November. My sister, for whom I have an endless well of gratitude, agreed to come and help. We thought it would be fun to tackle this adventure together.

The actual relocation of the furniture and boxes turned out to be the easy part. The real trouble started when we arrived in Sanremo with the moving truck, only to discover that the house wasn’t habitable. The work was two weeks behind schedule, leaving us no choice but to unload everything into the new apartment and find ourselves an Airbnb for a few weeks. I learned a lot about the pros and cons of managing a project remotely—particularly that when someone says they need “a day or two” to finish something, they often mean one or two weeks.

I had chosen a contractor who was very knowledgeable in his field but didn’t know how to say no. His challenges with project management ultimately caused the delay. A three-month project stretched into seven months, and we arrived in Sanremo effectively homeless.

My sister and I made the best of the situation, using the extra time to explore Liguria and prepare what we could in the house. We even squeezed in a few side trips to Monaco, France, and the Italian village of Dolceacqua—a dreamy medieval town with incredible beauty.

Getting to here was worth the pain

I’ll share some photos of the new apartment, but the process pushed me to the edge of my sanity and occasionally called for a Xanax when the anxiety became overwhelming. I’ve renovated homes before and am certainly no stranger to a little dust, but I had never experienced remodeling Italian-style.

The apartment was already finished, but, as is typical in Italy, the kitchen was an empty space. That was actually a selling point for me—it meant I could create the kitchen I wanted without first tearing out someone else’s.

I purchased the kitchen locally, and the same company handled the installation. I designed it with a “contemporary loft” vibe, softened by a beachy feel. There’s a subtle but intentional influence of Italian colors and style throughout. It was the most important part of the remodel; it had to be both functional and inviting, seamlessly integrated into the living space.

In many Italian and French homes, kitchens are often separate rooms with a door. Guests don’t typically participate in the cooking or clean-up process, as kitchens aren’t traditionally entertaining spaces. Instead, they serve as family gathering places. Open-plan, American-style kitchens are less common here, though they are becoming increasingly popular.

To bidet or not to bidet…that is the question.

The apartment had two bathrooms, both with a shower. I was thinking about what I would want long-term, so I decided to remove the shower in one bathroom and install a very nice tub with all sorts of functions, including chromotherapy lights, a water heater, and massage jets.

The rest of the house is just about there.

The real feature of the apartment is the large terrace—and, of course, the view. This time of the year I can see the sunrise and sunset from the balcony and even a clear view of the island of Corsica in the distance.

Here is here and it’s a great place to be

At this point, I’m happy with what I have here. The work is nearly done, and I can finally see the finish line.

I’ve met my neighbors in two of the three other apartments in my palazzo, and we’ve gotten off to a good start. I think they appreciate that I’ll be living here full-time. My neighbors all live in Milan and use their apartments as weekend getaways throughout the year.

I like the neighborhood for its tranquility and its proximity to everything. Near the the palazzo is the bicycle path, or pista ciclabile, which offers 30 kilometers (18 miles) of coastal access as well as a quick route to the center of Sanremo. I rarely take my car out of the garage, and Sofia and I travel by bike just about everywhere.

At night, the only sound is the waves crashing against the rocks. It’s a tiny piece of paradise that satisfies me completely.

What does here look like going forward?

As many of you know, my life here in Italy began almost six years ago. When I left Los Angeles, I had three clear goals:

1. Expand my life to reduce the space grief occupied
2. Deepen my understanding of Italy, its regions, culture, and people
3. Find a way to return to happiness

As I welcomed the new year, I reflected on these goals. I believe I’ve accomplished them, and it’s time to set new intentions for the future.

This year, I want to embrace “here.” I don’t want to chase the idea of “there” anymore—”here” is good.

I aim to travel less and build a stronger community in Sanremo. I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.

Finally, I want to finish the book I’ve started—not because it’s extraordinary, but because it’s an ordinary story. Many others are navigating their own journey from the painful “here” to the hopeful “there.” I want them to know that a great destination awaits, but let’s not forget that “here” is all we truly have—and all that is certain. We need to seek its beauty while we can.

Thank you for being part of my journey these last six years. I love hearing your thoughts and stories about life in Italy and Europe. Keep emailing me at luke@thespaghettidiaries.com, and feel free to subscribe to my blog below. Here’s to an abundant 2025 full of love and amazing things.