Meet Lorenzo

The unintentional expat blogger behind Opal Harbor Crest

Lorenzo Bianchi - Founder of Opal Harbor Crest Photo credit: Opal Harbor Crest

Hello, I'm Lorenzo

Project manager. Parent. Expat based in Firenze, Italy.

A few years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.

How It Started

Relocating to Italy wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.

The first months were intense — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.

City skyline in Firenze, Italy
Life in Firenze has its surprises. Photo: Opal Harbor Crest

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.

Why I Built Opal Harbor Crest

Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.

This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Italy.

What this site does (and doesn't)

This site is:

  • Hands-on experience from living in Italy
  • Centered on family life and daily realities
  • Updated whenever a real change occurs

This site isn't:

  • An official tourism authority resource
  • Paid endorsement platform
  • A standard travel blog

Moving forward

Our stay in Italy goes on, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll continue documenting what we discover.

If you have questions about family life in Firenze or anywhere in Italy, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Lorenzo

Firenze, Italy