Picture this: Each day begins with the tranquil hills of Tuscany unfolding before you, as you sip on a morning cappuccino amidst vineyards and olive groves. Thanks to Boundless Life, this wasn’t just a daydream; it was our reality. We had the opportunity to experience this blend of natural beauty and cultural richness for three months, all while accessing top-notch schooling and co-working spaces.
Our Journey to Pistoia
Back in May 2023, as summer approached, we hadn’t yet found a school that matched our expectations for the kids September enrolment. Additionally, our rental agreement was nearing its end, leaving us without a set plan for what came next. It was then that Daniel found Boundless Life on LinkedIn. Their innovative approach to education and the promise of an inspiring community resonated deeply with our values.
The decision to head to Italy felt almost natural, especially since Tuscany had long been on our bucket list. Fast forward through a few months spent in Andalucia, Southern France, and Germany, we found ourselves boarding a flight to Bologna, ready to begin our three-month adventure in Pistoia.
Life in Tuscany
Our days in Tuscany were a blend of work, education, and exploration. Boundless Life’s unique setup allowed us to balance our professional responsibilities with the joys of parenting and travel. We dropped Sophia off at the Boundless Education Center while Gabriel was going to the wonderful local Daycare “L’Isola che non c’è”. They learned not just from books, but from the world around them, interacting with local children and soaking in the rich Tuscan culture.
For Daniel & myself, the co-working space provided a sense of community and productivity.
Surrounded by like-minded individuals, our workdays were filled with inspiration, coffee breaks and discussions with fellow Boundless parents. The flexibility to work in such a stimulating environment, coupled with the ability to explore one of Italy’s most beautiful regions, was nothing short of a dream.
Connecting in Pistoia
One of the unexpected highlights of our stay in Pistoia was the connections we forged with the other families. Shared experiences, from vineyard tours to long lazy Italian lunches, dinners, and Aperol Spritz at the Monteoliveto Playground made us feel part of something bigger. Our kids made friends from all over the world and we got to be inspired by the lifestyle and plans of fellow traveling families.
Beyond the Boundless Community, we also got to connect with locals. Our Nanny introduced us to her family, including her brother-in-law who is a chef and his mother, a wonderful cook. They treated us to authentic Italian cuisine, swiftly forming a special bond with both our children and ourselves.
Each morning, after dropping off the kids, Daniel and I made it a habit to enjoy a coffee together on the charming Piazza del Duomo, at Contemporaneo. We formed friendships with the local baristas, with whom we got to chat daily and who would share additional insights and travel recommendations.
Reality Check
While our time in Pistoia was packed with memorable experiences, it also came with its share of surprises and realizations that have, however, been vital in understanding what works best for our family’s lifestyle.
Location Matters: The place we rented was located outside the city, meaning we entirely relied on our car for daily commutes. While we chose to find our own place instead of renting through Boundless, which would have placed us in the city center, this experience taught us an important lesson: in the future, we’ll choose locations within walking or biking distance of daily necessities.
Elevated Costs: The Boundless Life concept, while innovative and unique, comes with significant costs. This was particularly noticeable for us as European residents, as the pricing seems more aligned with American salary scales.
Education System Insights: While the educators are fantastic and the finish-based education system is well implemented, we would have wished for it to be more outdoors-oriented. Additionally, if both parents are working, the pickup time at 3.15-3.30 can feel a bit early some days. Although extra curricular activities are available some days of the week, they also add up to the expenses.
Dietary Experience: talian cuisine is fantastic, but maintaining a healthy and balanced diet was challenging, given our preference for low carb, non-processed foods. But don’t get me wrong – the occasional pizza, truffle pasta and Tiramisu were delizioso.
Weather Matters: We also learned the importance of weather in shaping our daily activities. When faced with cold and rainy conditions, it became more challenging to find engaging activities for the kids and to spend time outdoors as we prefer. We will for sure consider the climate more carefully when planning our future travels – No sooner said than done: we are in Goa now, enjoying warm and sunny days while it’s winter in Europe.
Limited Beach Access: One of the unexpected discoveries during our stay was the nature of beach access on this part of the Italian coast. Unlike the open, freely accessible beachfronts we were accustomed to, here, most beaches were privatized, lined with neatly arranged sunbeds.
Pasta la Vista 🍝
Living the Italian life with Boundless wasn’t just about being in a beautiful location; it was about being part of a community that shares a love for learning, exploration, and the freedom of the nomadic lifestyle. As we look forward to our next adventure, we take with us the spirit of Pistoia, the friendships we’ve formed, and the sweet memories of living la dolce vita.
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