My name is Sonia Laura Castaneda-Piacente. Born and raised in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, I have spent the majority of my life living blissfully happy in Texas. I lived in Utah for 3 years while growing up and getting educated. I graduated with a degree in Medical Assisting, moved back to Dallas and began working as a Medical Assistant for a Family Medical office. I also worked in the Emergency Room of a major hospital in Dallas. I found my true calling when I started working for a Colo-Rectal Surgical office as a Surgical Coordinator.
It was during that period in my life that I met a certain man who would change everything. In 2007, I began a new chapter in life when I married my Italian husband. In 2009, I said good-bye to my job, my friends, my family and my life and moved 5,000 miles to Torino. In 2010, we added a limb to our family tree with the birth of our daughter V.
Carlo Piacente was born and raised in Torino. Spending his life with a passion for learning, Carlo graduated from the Politecnico as an Electrical Engineer. In 2006, we was sent by his Italian company to Ft. Worth, Texas and remained a contract worker for Lockheed Martin for 2 years. In September 2006, we met and had our first date. By the end of October we were engaged and spent New Years in Torino meeting the family. In November 2008, we found out that Carlo’s contract would not be renewed and thus began the process of relocation. Carlo is the creative force and consultant behind TurinLove.
We thank you for joining us and hope you love Turin as much as we do!
Sonia,
I love your articles about life, beauty, and history in Turin through the eyes of an American. You’ve made me open up my eyes even more about the beauty of the city. Reading your articles makes me want to be there and experience all the beauty and mysteries Turino has to offer. I especially like the sweets part of it. I think their chocolate is the best in the world. I am so happy to see how well you are and how well you have adjusted living there.
All my best to you and your family. ~Ella
Thank you Ella! Let us know when you guys get to come back and visit!
Ciao Sonia, found you through Michelle from Bleedin Espresso. Just had to say hi, we lived in Gambasca which is about 60kms from Torino. I also married an Italian and we moved from Australia to Italy with our young children in 2005/6. We are about to move back again in June for good this time. Can not wait to get back and I so love Piemonte and the people. Great to see your passion for Turin.
ciao for now
Lisa
Hi Lisa, Thanks for your comment. I am so in love with this city that I feel like I should share it with everyone! Good Luck with the move back to Piemonte and do let me know when you’re in town. We’ll meet up for a gelato!
Sonia I love this website! It is so romantic. I am already in love with Turin. I will definitely be a frequenter of this website. I watch travel shows all the time. My favorite is Rudy Maxa… haha… anyway, but now having you are my tour guide is so much more personal. I love this, and thanks again for sharing your charming life with all of us “yanks”
Thanks Ashley. I think you and Richard should come visit soon! Oh.. and tell your dad too! I know he served part of his mission here in Torino. I’m sure he’d love to see how things have changed!
Hi Sonia, I sent you current info. via your sweet monkey address and this one.
Have a great weekend!
Hi – I just stumbled across your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve seen so far. I’ve also married an Italian, and we’re moving to a small town near Alba shortly. We’ve spent a few days in Turin already but I’m looking forward to many more and I’ll be checking out your blog for ideas of what we should do there.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
Richard