Profile of Valentina
The unintended expat blogger behind RusticGardenSeed
Photo: RusticGardenSeed
Hello, I'm Valentina
I work as a project manager. I'm a parent. An expat living in Rome, Italy.
A couple of years ago I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually opened a new chapter of life abroad.
How It Started
Moving to Italy wasn't on the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly grew into something much larger.
The initial months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.
Why I Built RusticGardenSeed
Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Italy.
What This Site Does (And Does Not)
This site is:
- Practical insights from living in Italy
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever something meaningful changes
This site isn't:
- A resource from a tourism authority
- A sponsored review platform
- A generic travel diary
Looking Forward
Our stay in Italy continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I will continue documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Rome or anywhere in Italy, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Best regards,
Valentina
Rome, Italy