Brindisi and Me

What happens when a small-town New Englander trades quiet New Hampshire for the bustling rhythms of Southern Italy?

Sent to teach in Brindisi and the wider Puglia region, Jonathan Kuiper found himself face-to-face with culture shock, language barriers, and a lifestyle that wasn't exactly "user-friendly" for an introvert. Yet, amidst the challenges came unexpected joy—connection with the people, a slower pace of life, and the Mediterranean spirit that saturates this corner of Italy.

Part memoir, part travelogue, Brindisi and Me explores the realities of teaching at an international school, navigating visas and apartment living, and adjusting to siestas, stray animals, and seaside holidays. Jonathan reflects on Italy's idea of "la dolce vita," the refugee crisis, and what it truly means to feel at home abroad.

For expats, teachers, travelers, or anyone curious about life in Italy beyond the tourist lens, this is an honest, humorous, and heartfelt glimpse into Southern Italy and the lessons it leaves behind.