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Florence & Me

Florence & Me

Written by: Katie Portanova
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About this listen

Ciao! I’m Kate Portanova, your host, Italy experience guide, and lifelong lover of all things Florence. This podcast is your ticket to discovering the authentic side of Florence and Italy—one story, one dish, and one piazza at a time. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping espresso in a bustling café, wandering cobblestone streets filled with history, or connecting with locals to experience la vera Italia, you’re in the right place. Join me as I share our journey of returning to Italy in the near future. Return to Italy has begun!Katie Portanova Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • The Road Back to Italy: My Citizenship Process + Why I’m Shifting My Travel Plans
    Dec 23 2025

    Ciao tutti! In this inaugural video-style episode, I check in from home with a heartfelt update on life, Truly Italy, and the road back to Italy—this time with a husband, cats, and a lot more logistics than 2009. I share where I'm in the Italian citizenship process (through marriage), what I'm learning along the way, and why I'm building both a podcast and YouTube channel to document every step (and help others who want to do the same). I also explain why I'm postponing some trips, what’s next for my Tuscany vision, and details on an exciting new collaboration: a women’s retreat near Milan in September 2026. If you’ve ever wanted to move abroad, start over, or simply travel with more courage—this one’s for you.a presto, Kate Hamacha's website: https://www.haamacha.com/Women's Retreat September 21-25, 2026- details coming soon!Truly Sardinia: September 5-12, 2026 - https://www.trulyitaly.tours/truly-sardiniaDo you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours

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    11 mins
  • The Road Back to Italy: My Citizenship Process + Why I’m Shifting My Travel Plans
    Dec 22 2025

    In this quick life update, I'm sharing what’s happening behind the scenes with Florence & Me and Truly Italy.

    I talk about my Italian citizenship process (through marriage), the real steps of preparing to move back to Italy, and what you can expect from the podcast + new YouTube channel—short, honest videos documenting the journey.

    I also open up about postponing some 2026 trips, why Tuscany remains my “signature” focus, and a new women’s retreat collaboration planned for September 2026 near Milan.

    Expect practical updates, encouragement for anyone dreaming of taking the leap to Italy, and plenty of candid side notes—cats, budgeting, and all.

    A presto!

    Kate


    Hamacha's website: https://www.haamacha.com/

    Women's Retreat September 21-25, 2026- details coming soon!

    Truly Sardinia: September 5-12, 2026 - https://www.trulyitaly.tours/truly-sardinia

    Do you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours


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    11 mins
  • Decaf Coffe or Un Espresso?
    Sep 26 2025

    Both are correct. Here's a short episode on how to order a caffe' decaffeinato. :)


    Enjoy!

    Do you have questions or topics you want me to talk about? Email them here: katie@trulyitaly.tours


    Is an authentic trip to Italy calling your name?


    Here are our Truly Italy Experience in 2026.

    June 6-14, 2026 - ⁠Truly Tuscany ⁠

    September 5-12, 2026 - ⁠Truly Sardinia ⁠


    a presto,

    Kate


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    8 mins
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