Meet Tina Berardi, who is featured as one of TIS’s Inspiring Women! Tina is an illustrator, graphic designer, photographer, and technology aficionado based in NYC. Although based in the U.S. Tina has left her heart in Italy. This is her journey of her desire to live in Italy!
Tina knew she wanted to move to Italy when she was just a little girl summer vacationing with her brother and Italy-born parents in Bari. Memories of the vibrant southern inhabitants who live to have fun and don’t live to work is what she loves about the south. The true leisurely lifestyle to wake up, go to the beach, pick fresh fruit on the farm that her family owns, and run along the countryside is the essence of where her family is from and what she enjoys when she returns. But nothing can compare to the crystal clear, and emerald waters in the “gem of the south” as she calls it.
What she loves is that consistent feeling of magic every time she goes back and that’s how she knew that was the city for her.
As she got older that desire only grew, especially within this last year, to really set down roots in her favorite city, Florence. Tina had never been anywhere other than the small towns where her family is from in Bari, so when she first visited Florence in 2006 for a photography class it “Instantly captured her heart and every single one of her senses”. Florence was so different from what she was used to in southern Italy and that was enough for her to fall in love with the culture, the people, and the exquisite food. That magic she felt on her first visit exploring the city and walking along the Arno River has not changed. What she loves is that consistent feeling of magic every time she goes back and that’s how she knew that was the city for her. One of her absolute favorite things about Florence is the church bells. The enchantment that floods the city and adds to the magical aspect of Florence.
Tina’s eventual goal is to take her incredible photography skills over to Italy and specialize in engagement and wedding photography. To be able to wake up and do the things that she loves in the city she loves is her ultimate goal. Comparing the high velocity and hustle of NYC to the more calm of Italy are two extremes. At this point in her life the slower pace, and enjoyment of life is what resonates with her. To maintain the hustle within her in a more relaxed environment is an idyllic combination.
"To be able to wake up and do the things that she loves in the city she loves is her ultimate goal."
To learn more about Tina you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter as @TInabee, on Facebook as Tina Berardi, her website as Tinabee.net or shoot her an email at t.berardi@me.com
Travel Italian Style will be heading to two of the regions Tina loves - Tuscany and Puglia, in 2016! Check out the Tours section of our website or contact us for more information!
Meet Sarah
It took one trip to Italy, four years ago to know Italy and a traveler’s lifestyle was the one for me! I now live in Florence for half of the year and I am a complete fein for that city. I value the time I spend with friends letting the hours pass chatting, and people watching in my favorite Piazza Santo Spirito. Of course accompanied by a yummy meat and cheese board, and Sangiovese wine. I adore European travel, finding the best spots to eat, good tunes, espresso, and all black attire. I love to document my daily life and travel on Instagram s.elizabeth.j. Sarah can also be found making connections for Travel Italian Style around Italy (as our Business Relations Coordinator)