From Sicily to Ireland, thank you - Gianni House in Taormina

My name is Gianfranco. I am 48 years old, and I would like to thank Ireland because they truly gave me the opportunity to improve my life. They opened new horizons for me in a very unique time in my life.

After working many years in Italy like a hydraulic, I found myself without work and had to begin from zero. Browsing the internet, I found a very welcoming tourist agency in Cork, the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, called the EazyCork, and here is where I booked a package deal combining studying English and living with an Irish family. After so many years of returning to school, despite some small initial difficulties, I started to realize, I liked being a student.

The school of EazyCork is situated in the center of the city, and students from all over the world come every year. Having spent eight weeks in the college, I made friends and substantial use of the English language. The Irish family that hosted me also introduced me to Irish culture. During my period of study, EazyCork helped me create and send my resume to many companies and I was actively going door-to-door introducing myself and gaining prospective employers trust.

In meeting so many interesting people, I came to know Paul, an American who was working in a hostel in the city. I began seeing Paul often entrenched in his work and I saw a new door opening for me. For years I dreamed of turning my family house into a hostel but for bureaucratic reasons, I could never accomplish this. But seeing Paul’s determination, motivated me and I decided to be a part of and share the story of Sicily – Mt. Edna, the beautiful beaches, the food, so many cultureal things. And so immediately my project of opening a hostel was born.

In 2008 I decided my hostel would be called Gianni House. Paul, being more of an expert with computers and digital communication than I was, helped me with my website. It was the luck of the Irish and also very fitting that our first reservation we received was an Irishman in March 2008.

In a brief time, thanks to many positive reviews, our reservations began to increase and we had many other foreigners join us - French, German and English all were welcomed at Gianni House. I in six months I reached the runner-up in the list of B & B in Taormina via Hostelworld.

Finally my dream came true. Today I am in Cork briefly but for vacation this time. I walk through all the familiar streets and see all the people I knew and feel right at home. I think I will return often. I am really thankful this green land, most specifically to the city of Cork.

Thank you Ireland!