Affordability is generally NOT a concept much associated with Italy's Tuscan region. The epicenter of all things Renaissance is often depicted in films with heavenly landscapes and hilltop towns, and books often describe its idyllic setting amidst some of Italy's most delightful sensory experiences. Many of us have swooned for decades. But affordable?? Can someone ACTUALLY live in Tuscany affordably? Believe it or not, Gary and Ilene Modica of Our Italian Journey do.

They are accomplished authors and bloggers sharing their own journey to a life in Italy with a mission to help enourage others to make a way. Lucca is incredible. In addition to telling us all the secrets the walled city holds, this episode includes some amazing tips and insight into increasing personal comfort in a rental home while lowering costs in heating and cooling. It also covers a topic SO close to my heart: grandparenting from afar.

I hope you enjoy an energetic chat with these two wonderful people, and then indulge yourselves in one of their two books and a "next level" blog experience.

• Find Gary and Ilene at:

https://ouritalianjourney.com/

Their books are currently found everywhere, but here is your Barnes and Noble link!

• Our Italian Journey (first book):

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-italian-journey-ilene-and-gary-modica/1138421889?ean=9781735376103

• When Your Heart Finds Its Home (stand alone memoir which follows the first book):

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/when%20your%20heart%20finds%20its%20home

• Ilene's "Doors of Italy" Travel planner for your next trip! (and there are MANY more)

https://www.amazon.com/Doors-Italy-Notebook-Composition-notebook/dp/B097D1Z3P3/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2JE32AYADF1Q7&keywords=ilene+modica&qid=1696437712&sprefix=ilene+modica%2Caps%2C280&sr=8-5

• Gary and Ilene's interview with my darling friends at "Retire There With Gil and Gene": https://www.retirethere.com/