Victoria Craparotta and Flavio Fabiani fell in love during a study abroad program. She is from Canada and he is Italian, so they decided to test life in both countries. Eventually they settled in Rome, where they felt they were leading a bohemian life.
Rome, the dream place for the two young people PHOTO: Shutterstock
In 2022, after a long-distance relationship of over two years, Fabiani, a 27-year-old architect from Italy, moved to Toronto to be with Craparotta, a 26-year-old Canadian. They met on a study abroad program in Spain in 2019. She was their one and only “opportunity” to live in the same place, Craparotta told Business Insider.
She had a full-time e-commerce job at Dyson, the technology and home appliance company, while Fabiani had just graduated college and had fewer commitments.
As his working holiday visa expired, Fabiani said they settled on a solution: “Let’s do the same experience in Italy. And then, at the end of it, let’s decide where we will stay.”
Craparotta, who was disillusioned with her job and ready for a fresh start, agreed. She left her job and flew to Rome in May 2023.
Like many first-time visitors, Fabiani assumed the land of Canada was “covered by nature” and that places like Banff National Park are just a stone’s throw away. But the best lakes are a two-hour drive from Toronto, and potentially expensive flights are the easiest way to get to hot spots like Vancouver.
The differences between Rome and Toronto
Craparotta and Fabiani are foodies, as cooking is one of their favorite things to do together. But Fabiani wasn’t a big fan of some of Toronto’s dining options.
Like most Italians he has met, Fabiani is “eextremely honest”. When a waiter came over to ask how the food was, his response was, “It’s not the best.” It was only after Craparotta moved to Rome that he understood where Fabiani was coming from.
Grocery shopping is cheaper in Rome than Toronto, say the two young men.
the italiansI cook very simply” and there are fewer fried or sugary foods compared to Canadian restaurants, Craparotta said, per the publication.
Victoria Craparotta and Flavio Fabiani now live in Italy PHOTO: video capture
In Rome, he goes to a local greengrocer and can buy a week’s worth of fruits and vegetables for 10 euros (or about $10), while in Toronto, 10 euros costs a single bag of salad.
Disappointed with the job market in Italy
The job market in Italy can be tough, especially if you’re used to North American wages, says Craparotta. She came to Rome hoping to eventually find a full-time job in e-commerce. He found it hard to accept how low wages are in Rome compared to Toronto.
“When I got here, people said my expectations were way too high”she said
As the months passed he was unable to find a good job. Thus, the two reluctantly considered the idea of moving back to Canada. “I didn’t want to leave, but the job market in Italy is not friendly to you”said the young woman.
But after more than a year of applying, Craparotta landed a decent-paying job in Rome in e-commerce.
Although she earns less than in Toronto, she said Rome is worth the pay cut.
“You can do more in Rome. There is always something to do, amazing food to eat and people enjoying life”concludes the young woman.
