Profile of Giulia

The unintended expat blogger behind Ivory Notion Cedar

Giulia Russo - Founder of Ivory Notion Cedar Photo: Ivory Notion Cedar

Hi there, I'm Giulia

Project manager. Parent. An expat based in Rome, 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 Rome, Italy
Life in Rome is full of surprises. Credit: Ivory Notion Cedar

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 Ivory Notion Cedar

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 Stands For (And What It Does Not)

This site is:

  • Practical knowledge gained from living in Italy
  • Centered on family life and everyday realities
  • Updated whenever something genuinely changes

This site isn't:

  • An official tourism authority resource
  • A platform for sponsored reviews
  • Just another generic travel blog

Looking Ahead

Our time in Italy continues, and so does the learning process. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.

If you have questions about family life in Rome or anywhere in Italy, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Best regards,

Giulia

Rome, Italy