Category: Italy

When Italy Stayed Home

This blog, JanPepplerHOME, started over six years ago when I was in Italy at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Expecting to only be there for a few weeks, I ended up staying for 4 months. Arriving in Italy when I did, and choosing… Continue Reading “When Italy Stayed Home”

Piana degli Albanesi

Discovering Italian roots in an unlikely place

My Home May Not Be Your Home

“La mia casa ė la tua casa.”  I’ve been saying this quite a bit in the last week. I’m sure you know this phrase in Spanish, mi casa es tu casa: my home is your home. This is the ultimate offer of hospitality, yes?… Continue Reading “My Home May Not Be Your Home”

Purchasing Property in Italy, Part 6

Could an old decommissioned railroad building be made into a home?

Purchasing Property in Italy, Part 5

The Search Continues

Purchasing Property in Italy – Part 4

Could a home in a historic Baglio be the perfect place for me? Great view, recently renovated, and next to a restaurant, what could possibly be the downside?

Purchasing Property in Italy – Part 3

In my last post about 1-Euro homes in Italy, I shared how I found a place I absolutely loved but knew I couldn’t purchase. And you agreed with me. The moisture problem was too great and I needed to listen to my friend, Giuseppe,… Continue Reading “Purchasing Property in Italy – Part 3”

1-Euro Homes: The House I Love But Can’t Buy

In my last post about 1-euro homes, I mentioned how Lorraine Bracco purchased a home for 1-euro and, after starting with a renovation budget of $145,000, the project ended up costing her more like $250,000. That’s a huge difference from budget to reality. Even… Continue Reading “1-Euro Homes: The House I Love But Can’t Buy”

1-Euro Homes, Building a Dream

Initially, I loved the idea of buying a 1-euro home in Italy and renovating it. Then I did more research and the charm wore off. Perhaps there is a better option for fulfilling my dream.

Rosa Parks. Almost Home

Naples is the last place I would expect to see something related to the struggle for Civil Rights in America. But there I was in the San Ferdinando district, admiring The Royal Palace from the 17th Century when inside the Courtyard of Honour was… Continue Reading “Rosa Parks. Almost Home”

When Life Throws a Curveball…

Sure, Italy was in lockdown. But the truth is, I was having a hard time understanding what that really meant. It’s hard to let go of our plans. When life throws a curveball, we still want to swing.

How My first Days in Italy During Covid Could Have Killed Me

When I arrived in Rome on March 4, 2020, I was excited. I was in Italy!! Despite travel warnings, I had not canceled my trip. Now, just to recap: when I arrived, Italy had the highest rate of Covid-19 infection in all of Europe.… Continue Reading “How My first Days in Italy During Covid Could Have Killed Me”