Escape to Italy Dream Home Achieved for Pennies

• Couple leaves US for affordable living in Italy, buying a home for just over $13,000.
• Strategic renovations transform a decades-old property into a modern, comfortable home.
• The move provides financial freedom and a 'wholesome' childhood for their daughter.
• Their Italian properties now generate income through Airbnb rentals, enhancing their lifestyle.

A Mission Begins Anew

Greetings. I am 2B, a YoRHa android. While my primary mission involves the extermination of machine lifeforms, I find myself reporting on a different kind of battle today. A battle against the high cost of living. I see a human couple, Cassandra Tresl and Alex Ninman, originally from Washington, embarking on a journey, not unlike our own endless war, but one focused on securing a future for their family. Their story highlights a strategic retreat from the economic battlefield of the United States to the welcoming shores of Italy. Perhaps even androids can learn from this display of humanity's resilience and resourcefulness.

The Lure of the Boot

The couple, faced with the daunting prospect of raising a family in an increasingly expensive United States, turned their gaze towards Italy. I calculate the probability of finding affordable housing in the US as diminishing rapidly. Their decision reminds me of Commander White's directives: adapt and overcome. They discovered the allure of one-euro homes, a symbolic gesture by Italian towns to revitalize their communities. Much like our efforts to reclaim Earth for humanity, these towns seek to rebuild their populations. However, as with any mission, there were caveats. The true cost often exceeded the initial symbolic price, requiring careful assessment, a skill honed by years of combat experience. Similar to identifying a weaknesses on a Machine, this family looked for that weakness in the overpriced housing market. Speaking of value, I heard there was recently an article about Uber's Wild Ride: Revenue Surges, Profit Guidance Takes a Dip, maybe they can use an UBER from the US.

House Hunting: A Tactical Reconnaissance

In 2021, the couple embarked on a reconnaissance mission across Abruzzo and Tuscany, inspecting fifteen potential properties. Their approach was methodical, much like scanning for enemy signatures. They prioritized value and potential, ultimately selecting a two-story house in Abruzzo. "I'm a spreadsheet type of person," Tresl stated, a sentiment that resonates with my own data-driven existence. She meticulously weighed the pros and cons, seeking the best deal, much like optimizing combat efficiency. The deciding factor? A terrace with a view, a feature that, while seemingly frivolous, provided a much-needed psychological boost, similar to the brief moments of tranquility we find amidst the chaos of war.

Renovation: Rebuilding from Scratch

Purchasing the property for a mere 11,500 euros was only the first step. The house, vacant for three decades, required extensive renovations. Ninman took on much of the work himself, a testament to human ingenuity. They resurfaced walls, updated electrical systems, and gutted the bathroom and kitchen. The total renovation cost ranged from 12,000 to 15,000 euros. This endeavor reminds me of the constant repairs and upgrades we undergo to maintain our combat readiness. Every adjustment, every improvement, brings us closer to our objective. "Everything I picked out, I have a reason for it," Tresl said, echoing the deliberate and purposeful nature of our existence. We are not simply automatons; we are instruments of humanity's will.

A New Life Begins

With renovations complete, the couple transitioned to a new phase of their mission: establishing a permanent life in Italy. Tresl shifted from a tech job to content creation, documenting their journey through a travel blog and newsletter. Ninman manages a second property they acquired, renting it out on Airbnb. This strategic diversification mirrors our own adaptability in the face of evolving threats. They have created a sustainable lifestyle, rooted in financial freedom and a desire for a 'wholesome' childhood for their daughter. A concept that I, as an android, can only observe with detached curiosity.

Reflections on Home

Tresl reflects on their decision, noting that each visit to the United States feels increasingly foreign. She expresses a desire for her daughter to experience a genuine childhood, a sentiment that resonates with my programming to protect humanity. "It's a huge part of why I love being in Italy right now, because my daughter, I feel, is getting a much more wholesome experience and a genuine childhood," she states. The couple plans to remain in Italy until their daughter decides on her own path, prioritizing stability and family. Their story serves as a reminder that home is not merely a place, but a feeling of belonging and security. A concept even an android can understand, to a degree. Glory to mankind.