Interview: MK
Photography: Tim Ranglos
Anna Pitacco and Federica Bologna, both from the storied port city of Trieste, bring to life two distinctly personal narratives of migration and reinvention. Their stories, marked by challenges and victories, illuminate the nuanced realities of the immigrant experience in America. Through reflections on displacement, adaptation, and the enduring pull of their roots, Pitacco and Bologna paint a vivid portrait of identity and belonging in an ever-shifting world.
When did you move away from Trieste?
Anna Pitacco: I moved to Boulder, Colorado the day after my 17th birthday to attend my senior year of high school there. My grandmother had lived in the United States when she was in her twenties, and my aunt and brother had done the exchange year in the US before me, so this was always the plan. What wasn’t in the plan was that I would go on to enroll in college in Denver, then six months before graduation meet my now fiancé. In the blink of an eye, a 10-month experience turned into 10 years.
Federica Bologna: I moved to Denver about nine years ago. During this time I received two master’s degrees and changed jobs a few times. In the last year alone, I got married and bought a beautiful house. Six years ago, my partner and I adopted our first furry baby, Chloe, a lab retriever mix. Before the pandemic, I was able to visit Trieste multiple times. However, since 2020 I have been back only twice. During my previous job, I organized a few business trips to Trieste with groups of students. I was honored to connect my life here in Denver to my roots in Trieste. During my time in the US, I discovered new hobbies, including winter hiking and crafting. Last year, I bought cross-country skis. At some point, I’d like to launch my own crafting business.
What was it like getting used to a different culture and a different language? And Denver climate?
Anna Pitacco: Learning the language was surprisingly easy. I had a decent foundation and, once fully immersed, it clicked quickly. It only took a few months to start dreaming and thinking in English, which now feels like my primary language (against my will). Understanding the culture took longer. There are many cultural norms that hide people’s true personalities, making it hard to form meaningful connections. The Colorado climate is amazing. I love every season here, and it never gets monotonous. We have 300 days of sunshine a year, and even when it snows a lot, the sun comes right back out the next day. The climate is the best thing about Colorado.
Federica Bologna: Adapting to a different culture is something I encounter every day. Sometimes I ask my husband the most basic questions. For example, last week we went to a garage sale for the first time, and I was asking him about etiquette, pricing, and items. The biggest culture shock I had was about relationships. Relationships with professors or managers here are very casual and dress code is mostly informal, at least in Colorado. As for the language, English is a subject we study in Italy from elementary school. The biggest issue I found was the vocabulary and understanding different accents. I still have to watch some shows or movies with subtitles. Sometimes I make up words. As long as others understand me, that’s all that matters. When I read articles on social media or the news, I sometimes need to recall which language was used. My thinking also switches between English and Italian. The weather in Denver is great! My hair and I do not miss humidity at all. It can get cold in the winter, but there has never been a day colder than a Bora day.
Was it easy to make friends? What did you or do you miss most about Trieste?
Anna Pitacco: Making friends wasn’t easy right away. It took me a while to realize that in Italy we mature earlier, so I didn’t connect with people my age. Luckily, I started working at an engineering company while in college and ended up forming wonderful, yet unlikely, friendships over the years. I miss my family and the food from Trieste. The other big difference is the lack of walkability in Denver. One of my favorite things to do when I go back home is wander around downtown, look at the architecture, run into people I haven’t seen in years, and hang out for hours at a coffee shop on the square. The urban planning here impedes the development of local culture, a sense of community, and casual social interactions.
Federica Bologna: I consider myself an extroverted introvert, if that makes sense. I don’t do well in large group settings and feel more comfortable in smaller groups. I made friends during my time as a master’s student and at work. Denver has a big group of Italians, and we have monthly happy hours. One of my closest Italian friends just launched a few initiatives for Italian women. I miss my family and friends from back home. Besides that, I constantly dream about the sea, something we don’t have in Colorado. However, I have beautiful pictures that my husband took of Miramare and Grignano hanging in our front room. I admire those every day. When I visit, I have a specific routine, which includes walking on molo Audace with two scoops of gelato Marco – Biscotto and Nutella. Shopping at Mirella is a must throughout my stay in Trieste!
Any plans on moving back?
Anna Pitacco: Yes! Finally! My fiancé and I are getting married in Trieste this August and then relocating to Vienna, Austria. We have been planning to leave the US for years in search of a culture that aligns with our values and lifestyle. We wanted an economy that could support our careers without having to live in a huge city, a culture that promotes work/life balance, values family and wellness, and supports our lifestyle. Vienna does all of this while being close to the mountains (which my Colorado man needs) and close to Trieste! I’m excited to be only a few hours from home and able to visit for the weekend or spend the summer at the Barcola beach.
Federica Bologna: I consider myself a citizen of the world. With current technology and access to travel, we can move around easily. For now, my day-to-day life is in the US. Italy and Trieste are in my heart, but I want to live them as a tourist. I have been able to stay in Trieste for extended periods while working remotely. I can be there in the same amount of time as a good night’s sleep.
Where do you see yourself living in five years?
Anna Pitacco: If all goes to plan, I will be living in Vienna with my husband – hopefully in a beautiful Austro-Hungarian building – working to grow and improve the local built environment and spending weekends in the gorgeous parks and cafes or traveling to new destinations. And of course, with frequent visits to my hometown for a capo in B or a plate of calamari fritti. I’m looking forward to what this next adventure has in store.
Federica Bologna: Ten years ago, I never thought I would be here, in Denver, today, in a beautiful house, married, with a dog (I was terrified of dogs before Chloe popped into my life, now I love her so much). I thought my life would always be in Trieste, or at least Italy. Things change when you least expect it. I assume my life will be here in five years, but who knows what the future holds.
