PLEASE DON'T KILL ME BELOVED READERS AND ROMANTICS. I know, I've been terrible at being regular and I'm not talking about my bowels. This series is called Love Story Lunedì and I should be posting a new story every Monday but fortunately or unfortunately, life also happens and Mondays come and go without me realizing it. So here we are, better late than never (literally the unofficial motto of every Italian I know so it's befitting really). Sometimes I think I'm selfish for doing this series, profiling couples from all parts of the world. It just tickles my heart and lifts my mood to think about all these people who have moved mountains for love and I'm really so honored to be privy to your stories.
Today I have Kelly, who is actually one of my Instagram friends that I've yet to meet in real-life, but somehow I feel like I know her so well already. We're both far from home, she's from Cape Town, South Africa and are married to impossibly handsome dark-haired Italians with names that start with M. That's about where the similarities end though, because Kelly's Italian is named Michele and he hails from the land of everything delicious and by that, I mean he's from Piemonte where Barolo and truffles come from! They have a killer meetcute that involves what they call "the love boat" and their adventurous souls have taken them across the globe from the US, to South Africa, the Netherlands, and now, Italy. Kelly was kind enough to write us a backstory, so I won't steal her thunder.
THE BACKSTORY
Michele and I have a keen passion for travelling and at the time of meeting, we both worked for a
company who operate spas onboard luxury cruise vessels. I actually remember the day we met like
it was yesterday! I had come back onboard, to the spa, after spending my morning off in Venice.
Michele had boarded our ship that day to help us install some new online booking system. (I knew
somebody would be coming onboard to do that for us, but I assumed it would be a lady because I
recalled seeing a note saying “Michele” was coming onboard. Needless to say, I had no clue it was
an Italian name for a guy?!? Lol! That is… until I saw this handsome, well-dressed, dark-eyed, dark
haired man standing in front of a door I needed to enter inside the spa!!!). Fast-forward, our love
story took us to living in a few different countries since then; the US, South Africa, The Netherlands
and of course in Italy.
Where are you from and where is your significant other from?
My husband comes from the amazing region of Barolo and truffles – yes, that’s right, Piedmont! He
was born and raised in Torino; he’s a city boy with a great love for the mountains! I come from the
beautiful coastal city of Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, or the city that has a mountain
in the shape of a long table (it really does, Google it!) in South Africa. I, on the other hand, have a
great love for the ocean!
Curator's Note: If I lived in Piedmont, I would surely be a glutton/alcoholic. Truffles and Barolo are probably two of my favorite things in the entire world. I'm jealous of YOU and you being related to this region via marriage.
Where and when did you meet your significant other?
Michele and I met on what I like to jokingly call our “love boat” lol! Seriously though, we met on a
cruise ship back in 2008.
Curator's Note: This love boat thing is so entertaining. What a great way to tell it, fabulous for cocktail parties. It's amazing how being in one place at one moment in time can change your life.
Who made the first move?
Hmmm, good question… boh!? We worked together so it’s a bit challenging to say, as we both
didn’t want to break any professional boundaries! I’d say we started off as friends and as we got to
know one another, I’d have to say he made the first move, with those dark alluring eyes! (You know
the “speaking with your eyes move” lol!)
Curator's Note: THE EYES THE EYES THE EYES. Oh I know. I know girlfriend. Sometimes I have to avert my eyes from random Italian strangers because they look at you in a way that makes you feel like you're cheating on your husband almost! I don't know where they have perfected this art but, seriously, Italians, we give you a 10 e lode for it.
Where did you think he was originally from?
I think I’d probably have to go with American because he had a bit of an American accent when
speaking English, but at the same time, I could hear he was foreign.
Curator's Note: This is the first time I've heard of someone mistaking an Italian for an American! I'm impressed. Bravo Michele!
What was your first impression of her/him?
I thought he was smart, professional, and serious at times but also very friendly, funny and
approachable! A charming enigma!
Curator's Note: A charming enigma, that's Italian men in two words.
Where do you live now?
We currently live in Como, in a little town along the lake. It is soooo very different to all the places
we’ve lived in, however we have come to enjoy it!
Curator's Note: I'm hittin' you up next time I'm there, we come often on the motorcycle in summer. It's a gorgeous area.
Today I have Kelly, who is actually one of my Instagram friends that I've yet to meet in real-life, but somehow I feel like I know her so well already. We're both far from home, she's from Cape Town, South Africa and are married to impossibly handsome dark-haired Italians with names that start with M. That's about where the similarities end though, because Kelly's Italian is named Michele and he hails from the land of everything delicious and by that, I mean he's from Piemonte where Barolo and truffles come from! They have a killer meetcute that involves what they call "the love boat" and their adventurous souls have taken them across the globe from the US, to South Africa, the Netherlands, and now, Italy. Kelly was kind enough to write us a backstory, so I won't steal her thunder.
THE BACKSTORY
Michele and I have a keen passion for travelling and at the time of meeting, we both worked for a
company who operate spas onboard luxury cruise vessels. I actually remember the day we met like
it was yesterday! I had come back onboard, to the spa, after spending my morning off in Venice.
Michele had boarded our ship that day to help us install some new online booking system. (I knew
somebody would be coming onboard to do that for us, but I assumed it would be a lady because I
recalled seeing a note saying “Michele” was coming onboard. Needless to say, I had no clue it was
an Italian name for a guy?!? Lol! That is… until I saw this handsome, well-dressed, dark-eyed, dark
haired man standing in front of a door I needed to enter inside the spa!!!). Fast-forward, our love
story took us to living in a few different countries since then; the US, South Africa, The Netherlands
and of course in Italy.
Where are you from and where is your significant other from?
My husband comes from the amazing region of Barolo and truffles – yes, that’s right, Piedmont! He
was born and raised in Torino; he’s a city boy with a great love for the mountains! I come from the
beautiful coastal city of Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, or the city that has a mountain
in the shape of a long table (it really does, Google it!) in South Africa. I, on the other hand, have a
great love for the ocean!
Curator's Note: If I lived in Piedmont, I would surely be a glutton/alcoholic. Truffles and Barolo are probably two of my favorite things in the entire world. I'm jealous of YOU and you being related to this region via marriage.
Where and when did you meet your significant other?
Michele and I met on what I like to jokingly call our “love boat” lol! Seriously though, we met on a
cruise ship back in 2008.
Curator's Note: This love boat thing is so entertaining. What a great way to tell it, fabulous for cocktail parties. It's amazing how being in one place at one moment in time can change your life.
Who made the first move?
Hmmm, good question… boh!? We worked together so it’s a bit challenging to say, as we both
didn’t want to break any professional boundaries! I’d say we started off as friends and as we got to
know one another, I’d have to say he made the first move, with those dark alluring eyes! (You know
the “speaking with your eyes move” lol!)
Curator's Note: THE EYES THE EYES THE EYES. Oh I know. I know girlfriend. Sometimes I have to avert my eyes from random Italian strangers because they look at you in a way that makes you feel like you're cheating on your husband almost! I don't know where they have perfected this art but, seriously, Italians, we give you a 10 e lode for it.
Where did you think he was originally from?
I think I’d probably have to go with American because he had a bit of an American accent when
speaking English, but at the same time, I could hear he was foreign.
Curator's Note: This is the first time I've heard of someone mistaking an Italian for an American! I'm impressed. Bravo Michele!
What was your first impression of her/him?
I thought he was smart, professional, and serious at times but also very friendly, funny and
approachable! A charming enigma!
Curator's Note: A charming enigma, that's Italian men in two words.
Where do you live now?
We currently live in Como, in a little town along the lake. It is soooo very different to all the places
we’ve lived in, however we have come to enjoy it!
Curator's Note: I'm hittin' you up next time I'm there, we come often on the motorcycle in summer. It's a gorgeous area.
Have you learned each other's languages?
Well… let’s start with Michele, lol! He’s fluent in English; he had learnt the language before we met.
Myself, however, it’s been a few years in the making. I must say though that since living in Italy it’s
come a heck of a long way, I’m still not where I’d like to be but it’s getting there, piano piano! Living
here really forces you out of your comfort zone and motivates you to learn, even if you sound
ridiculous half of the time! Everyday is an opportunity to improve!
Curator's Note: Absolutely, especially the last thing you said, you have to approach it that way to keep moving forward in learning.
Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
To mixed culture couples: Be respectful and open minded about each other’s backgrounds and
cultures. Things will certainly be different compared to what you’re used to, but find a good balance
and make it work for both of you. I always try to see our differences as a good thing, as they say; variety
is the spice of life!
Long-distance couples: Technology is a great thing, so use it! Communication and trust is key in order to make dealing with the long distance a little easier. I also believe that being on the same page about
your goals in life will ensure that your happily ever after works out in the end!
What do you love most about being married?
This one’s a tough question because there are sooooo many reasons why I love being married to my
amore! I love that I have my biggest supporter as my partner in life and we get to share all kinds of weird and special moments together! Also, I get to have the best cozy sleep over parties with him every night!!
Curator's Note: That's why it's so important to marry someone you consider to be your best friend because then marriage really is like getting to have a sleepover with your BFF every night and with no mandatory lights-out time either!
Submitted by Kelly.
Here's how you can connect with her:
Instagram and YouTube: @curly.expat
Well… let’s start with Michele, lol! He’s fluent in English; he had learnt the language before we met.
Myself, however, it’s been a few years in the making. I must say though that since living in Italy it’s
come a heck of a long way, I’m still not where I’d like to be but it’s getting there, piano piano! Living
here really forces you out of your comfort zone and motivates you to learn, even if you sound
ridiculous half of the time! Everyday is an opportunity to improve!
Curator's Note: Absolutely, especially the last thing you said, you have to approach it that way to keep moving forward in learning.
Any advice for mixed/long-distance couples?
To mixed culture couples: Be respectful and open minded about each other’s backgrounds and
cultures. Things will certainly be different compared to what you’re used to, but find a good balance
and make it work for both of you. I always try to see our differences as a good thing, as they say; variety
is the spice of life!
Long-distance couples: Technology is a great thing, so use it! Communication and trust is key in order to make dealing with the long distance a little easier. I also believe that being on the same page about
your goals in life will ensure that your happily ever after works out in the end!
What do you love most about being married?
This one’s a tough question because there are sooooo many reasons why I love being married to my
amore! I love that I have my biggest supporter as my partner in life and we get to share all kinds of weird and special moments together! Also, I get to have the best cozy sleep over parties with him every night!!
Curator's Note: That's why it's so important to marry someone you consider to be your best friend because then marriage really is like getting to have a sleepover with your BFF every night and with no mandatory lights-out time either!
Submitted by Kelly.
Here's how you can connect with her:
Instagram and YouTube: @curly.expat
A huge, heartfelt thanks to Kelly and Michele for sharing their love story with us.
Vi auguro tante belle cose. xoxo
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the Love Story Lunedì.
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love.
Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order:
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sonja and Ricky
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Loriana and Giancarlo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Nina and Enzo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chiara and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Marlena and Fernando
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sherry and Andre
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James
Vi auguro tante belle cose. xoxo
If you enjoyed this post, you may also like to "dare un'occhiata" at all of the Love Story Lunedì.
There are so many amazing stories to read so make sure you're all caught up. And should you want to share your own story or know of a couple who would, please get in touch. The majority of these stories have been brought to me through word-of-mouth, so let's keep spreading the love.
Here are our past Love Stories in no particular order:
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sonja and Ricky
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Loriana and Giancarlo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Nina and Enzo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chiara and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Marlena and Fernando
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sherry and Andre
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Faith and Valerio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bianca and Luca
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Paula and Pontus
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alicha and Dennis
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Arachi and Ciro
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Genia and Mattia
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Amanda and Michelangelo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Carmela and Paolo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Evelyn and Fabio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Margarita and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Viki and Que
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Athena and André
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rosa and Rocco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Hayley and Mike
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Philippa and Nick
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Camie and Marco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Alannah and Eros
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Cheyenne and Giulio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jade and Daniele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Chloe and Andrea
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Coral and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rachel and Riccardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Daria and Francesco
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Briana and Dami
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kayla and Luca
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sarah and Michele
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Bailey and Carlo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Gregory and Stefania
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Sofie and Emilio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Isabel and David
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jasmine and Massi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Tiffany and Adam
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Angela and Davide
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Kristie and Graziano
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Brittni and Alberto
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Maddie and Gio
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennie and Davide
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Lauren and Luigi
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Rebecca and Leonardo
LOVE STORIES by Questa Dolce Vita: Jennifer and James
RSS Feed
