It was a long wait, more than 18 months, from when I submitted my original application to the consulate until recognition. But it is possible, and I urge those US denizens who have even a fraction of Italian blood to explore whether or not they may qualify for this procedure.

Unfortunately, in June, my wife and I had to come back to the States and, after a couple of months back, have already started settling in. I told my wife that this is what would happen. After a year in Germany waiting -- and pleading with the consulate to hurry up -- for the recognition process to be completed, I assured her that it would not happen until we had returned to the US and got back to work... sure enough.

At this point it will be a little difficult to pull up stakes and head back to Europe right away. However, although my wife has a promising chance of a position with a prominent solar company here in the Bay Area, there is no offer forthcoming as of yet. So, if we are able to find employment in the EU in the next couple of months, I don't think our roots are so deep yet that we won't seriously consider returning.

It has been so strange, this process that has taken almost 4 years to come to fruition. It finally did, thankfully, bear fruit. A funny rectangular fruit, but a sweet fruit it is.... It still seems quite unreal, and I find myself having to look at the passport to reassure myself that it has, indeed, happened.

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had time to post on the Fri. Photography Blog (gasp!), nor chance to stay abreast of the many wonderful diaries here on the EU Tribune. I aim to become more involved as I finish with all of the chores related to returning to one's home after a year abroad.

Thanks to you all for being here, and to Jerome and the FPers for providing this fantastic forum for both Europeans and Americans to discuss issues of import.

Ciao for now,

Gioele