Yes, I admit it: I’m an Italophile. Where does that come from? I suspect it took root as far back as my childhood. Whenever my parents went on trips, it was either to the Baltic Sea (to visit my grandparents) or to Lake Garda. Spaghetti, pizza, single-serving packs of Nutella for breakfast, white bread with a crisp crust, and—as far as I could tell—always friendly people. And gelato, dripping off waffle cones that were way too small.

I experienced the rise of mountain biking in the ’80s back at Lake Garda. I laboriously fought my way up the mountains, only to then hurtle down them on a breakneck downhill ride.

Later, countless trips to Tuscany, Elba, and other places followed, and at some point, the desire took root in me to experience Italy as more than just a tourist.

Various things stood in my way, but above all, I simply lacked the necessary time—time for more than two weeks of vacation a year.

In 2017, I found a solution that would allow me to spend more time in Italy than before: I could try doing part of my work from Italy.

I approached the question of where to live with a relatively pragmatic mindset at first. It would be nice to be on the Mediterranean, in a big city, and as close as possible. The map suggested Genoa. After three visits this year, I was absolutely certain.

Yes, Genoa is perfect! As of today, I have a lease. Very soon, I’ll be living and working as a part-time nomad at the “Palazzo Sopranis.” Could a building have a more beautiful name?