Bridging Cultures: Antonietta’s Journey from Italy to Canada

In our latest episode, we sat down with Antonietta, a woman whose life story is as rich and flavorful as the Italian cuisine she deeply misses. Growing up in a small village in Italy, the aromas of her mother’s kitchen filled her childhood with warmth and comfort, creating cherished memories that shaped her identity. Her journey is one of longing for the tastes of home, family devotion, and the eventual fulfillment of a lifelong dream to recreate the vibrant meals of her youth. Through heartfelt anecdotes, she shares how each dish tells a story, weaving together the threads of her past and her aspirations for the future, as she navigates the complexities of living away from her homeland while keeping its spirit alive in her heart.

Born in Ottawa, Antonietta moved back to Italy with her parents when she was just 10 years old, driven by their desire to reconnect with their roots. Despite spending four decades in the beautiful southern region of Puglia, she admits that the cultural landscape was vastly different from the one she had loved in Canada, and she often found herself “crying” for her true home: Canada. As an only child, she stayed in Italy to care for her aging parents, dedicating herself to their needs until they passed away, which led to a bittersweet sense of duty and responsibility. After fulfilling her obligations to her family and raising four children of her own, who she instilled with the values of both cultures, she finally returned to Canada five and a half years ago. Today, she reflects humorously on her unique life experience, joking that she is “a Canadian with 40 years of experience in Italy,” blending the best of both worlds as she navigates her new life in the country she once longed for, sharing stories of her adventures and continuing to create new memories with her family.

Antonietta’s profession remains deeply rooted in her heritage, reflecting her commitment to fostering connections between two countries. Her office assists Italian pensioners living in Canada with the bureaucratic requirements, helping to bridge the complex gap between Italian and Canadian systems. By ensuring they receive the funds and support they are entitled to from overseas, she not only alleviates their financial concerns but also provides a sense of belonging and reassurance in a foreign land. Antonietta takes great pride in guiding her clients through the often overwhelming paperwork, offering personalized attention and a wealth of knowledge, which allows these individuals to navigate their entitlements smoothly and enjoy their retirement years without unnecessary stress.

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Italian Living in Canada: Interview

Name: Antonietta De Giovanni – Occupation: Pension Clerk – Location: Toronto, Canada