I came to Florence, Italy on my former job on 8th January 1994, exactly 30 years ago.
I had no Italian language knowledge.
My former boss sent me to a private Italian language school in Florence just for a month to master Italian (for after became 2 months total) just for the reason I knew well English.
What the first taught Italian was "vorrei"... but I had no crew of the meaning. I used this "vorrei" at any place, asking café at bar, buying stuffs at greengrocery (for the time I could not find the supermarket...)... then it worked, I found meaning of "vorrei" ... it is "I would like to".
Then my Italian life was delighted from the dark... though my Italian is totally broken Italian, but never mind.
Since then I made new friends, tried going out as many Italians as possible.
Some of you of whose I still keeping touch as my greatest friends.
I truly thank you very much having gaven me a hand, welcoming to as a part of your family.
Yes, today I made my 30 years living in Italy. Hope to do another 10, 20, 30, 40 maybe 50 more years to be with you all.
I must thank you to my family who let me free living far from country.
I must thank you to all my Japanese supporters.
I must thank you to all my long time aboard friends.
Thank you!