Audronė and Juozas, retired, spend their days differently than most: they bought an apartment in a holiday country

In a heartwarming story that resonates with many Lithuanians dreaming of a different pace of life, Audronė and Juozas, a retired couple from Lithuania, have found their paradise in Scalea, Italy. After purchasing a 40-square-meter apartment three years ago, they now split their time between their homeland and their "second home" by the Calabrian coast. Their decision wasn't just about escaping the Lithuanian winter; it was a conscious choice for a lifestyle rich in sunshine, natural beauty, and cultural immersion.

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Vasarą visada parvykstame į Lietuvą. Italijoje mums, senjorams, tuo metų laiku per didelis karštis ir per daug žmonių, be to, visur spūstys, tiek viešajame transporte, tiek prie jūros

Audronė shares her enchantment with Scalea, highlighting the consistently pleasant weather, the pristine sea, the majestic mountains, and the allure of Italy's historical legacy. The culinary delights, from affordable, high-quality pasta and olive oil to abundant fresh produce and seafood, are a significant draw. She notes that while prices for food, gasoline, and real estate have increased across Europe, including Italy, they remain manageable, especially compared to Lithuania's coastal resort towns like Palanga.

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Čia visada nuostabus oras, vanduo, švari ir šilta jūra, kalnai, negali nepatikti Italijos istorinė praeitis, bažnyčios.

What truly captivates the couple, however, is the Italian way of life and the warmth of its people. They've integrated into the local community, frequenting the municipality, church, market, and cafes, where they are recognized and welcomed. Audronė observes the strong family values and the deep respect for elders, particularly women, which contrasts with some modern societal shifts. This sense of belonging, coupled with the affordability of living on their Lithuanian pensions – significantly lower than those of Italian seniors, yet sufficient due to lower living costs like heating – makes their choice seem not just practical, but profoundly fulfilling. For Lithuanians, this story offers an inspiring glimpse into a retirement filled with sunshine, good food, and genuine human connection, proving that dreams of a fulfilling later life are attainable.

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Skanus ir kokybiškas maistas, vaisiai, pigios citrinos, nuskintos tiesiai nuo medžių, gausus salotų pasirinkimas – galėčiau vardinti ir vardinti.