In the ancient Italian village of Santa Vittoria, in Matenano, Mark Hinshaw, 73, and Savina Bertollini, 50, are the only two Americans among 1,300 people. Amid the tranquillity of the rolling green Apennine foothills, they could not be farther removed from the rainy, grey city life of Seattle, Washington. Yet they feel at home.
The couple, two of about 1.6 million Americans living in Europe, were hoping to escape the chaos of their lives in the United States and enjoy a peaceful retirement after arriving three years ago. But the turmoil of 2020 found them, both with the coronavirus pandemic and the bitter divisions over politics and race in the run-up to the presidential election in their former country.
"I spend as little time as possible discussing politics and stressful subjects. I prefer to spend my time meditating and healing," Ms Bertollini, a herbalist and language tutor, tells The National.
“Covid in Italy was out of control, caught everyone by surprise,” says Mr Hinshaw, a retired architect and journalist for a local publication. “It was horrible. But Italians changed their behaviour. They stopped hugging and kissing – a big cultural change for Italians.”
Italy was one of the worst-affected countries at the start of the pandemic, and is facing a second wave and potential new government lockdown measures. And yet, even after 38,000 deaths, the virus was rarely politicised.
“There was never debate [on mask wearing]. There was this social philosophy of collective responsibility.”
Mr Hinshaw wonders when that was lost in the US, where the virus has killed more than 200,000 people and safety measures are observed largely along party lines, according to research done by Pew. “Growing up, that used to be part of our culture,” he laments, “a balance between individual rights and public responsibility. The latter seems to have diminished.”
For the first time in my life I'm voting Democrat blindly, since the Republicans haven't given me a choice
Andy Adams, an American who has spent three decades working in finance and higher education in Luxembourg, has also watched his homeland, and its politics, change immeasurably.
“I came over during the Reagan presidency, and there was a lot of anger in Europe at the time. But what people didn’t understand about Reagan was that although he came across as a cowboy and had been an actor – he had also been governor of California for 12 years. He was an experienced politician.”
Mr Adams, 54, is not registered to any party, and has voted for both Republican and Democratic presidential candidates since he first picked Reagan over Walter Mondale in 1984. He voted for George W Bush in 2000, and Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012.
In this election, he says, the Republican party’s shift right under President Donald Trump, and double standards on processes like the Senate voting to confirm a Supreme Court judge just days before an election, have lost them his vote.
“For the first time in my life I’m voting Democrat blindly, since the Republicans haven't given me a choice.”
Mr Adams is also harsh on the incumbent’s qualifications, or lack thereof. “Trump is not a politician, which is somehow what people think is his virtue. But I don’t get on a plane where they say the pilot is not a real pilot.”
He is not alone. With less than a week to go, the national polls show former vice president Joe Biden with a sizeable lead over Mr Trump.
Americans abroad, who tend to lean towards liberal, seem to be following that trend. For Kelsey Hopper, also of Luxembourg, her decision in this election was a no-brainer.
“I voted for Biden and Kamala [Harris], and everyone else who was either a woman or ethnic minority.” For her, this election is about women’s rights and health care.
“If women are supported in their reproductive health and their family planning, it’s better for everybody. Especially the economy: everything gets better if women are supported.”
Ms Hopper, a 29-year-old private music teacher and yoga instructor, says she is afforded a stable career and life, in part, because of Luxembourg’s social support system. “I’m able to have an artistic freelance career that works.
All of this happens because of support by the government, and then I give back by paying my taxes and being a robust business. I love Luxembourg for that – they support people.”
Health of the nation critical
Healthcare and quality of life are election issues that, perhaps unsurprisingly in the midst of a pandemic, are universally important. Mr Biden has promised to protect and expand the Affordable Care Act, while President Trump has campaigned on stripping it back.
To Americans living in Europe, whichever candidate wins will play into their decision on whether or not to move back at some point.
“I don’t foresee moving back to the US unless health care is sorted,” says Kevin Raub, a 47-year-old travel journalist and guidebook author who has lived in several European countries. “This time it’s not about one’s political views or party affiliation – it’s about life and death and the future of the country.”
Carli Williams, 29, works as a higher education consultant and has lived in Luxembourg and Italy.
Nobody would set up our health system at all if they were creating it from scratch
She also worries that moving back would be risky. “I’ve come to appreciate the healthcare system here, and know that, no matter what happens – if I lose my job or things are unstable – I don’t have to worry about my health and being able to pay for it. Moving back to the US and dealing with the lack of universal health care is quite scary, and would be a major concern.”
Even though 92 per cent of Americans have some sort of health coverage, more than 43 per cent between the ages of 19 and 64 were found to be inadequately insured, according to research by the Commonwealth Fund. “Lack of universal healthcare limits job mobility,” Mr Adams says.
“Nobody would set up our health system at all if they were creating it from scratch. Not Republicans, nor Democrats. Nobody.”
Distance lends a different perspective on other, less tangible issues that are front and centre in this election. In particular, President Trump’s “America First” policies and rhetoric frighten Americans in Europe and the people they live among.
“Europeans are absolutely terrified of America first and this rise in nationalism,” says Ms Williams. “Americans don’t realise that they affect change elsewhere.” Given the history of Europe, “It’s an issue they take very seriously here.”
Preventing a 'fascist regime'
Back in Santa Vittoria in Matenano, Ms Bertollini cringes at the mention of the election. In 2016 she “deliberately didn’t vote” due to her displeasure with both candidates on offer. But four years on, abstaining for her is not an option – she voted for Biden/Harris.
“I want to prevent the rise of a fascist regime. I don’t like Biden. Were I given another choice, I wouldn’t vote for him. But I don’t have the luxury of voting for anyone else, because the system is broken, and it’s not gonna be fixed today.”
Mr Hinshaw, who also voted Democrat, avoids the “f” word used by his wife. But he does acknowledge the importance of this election to the future of the country and wonders how to bring back the American values that he saw and felt growing up.
“Will it be more of the same, or are we going to continue on an earlier track? The one of collective responsibility, and shared rights and privileges, the things we had hoped to see in the evolution of the country. It’s a big turning point, it’s a Rorschach test of what is the collective psychology of America.”
The couple also worry about their family and friends back home.
“No matter what election scenario you choose, there’s gonna be painfully difficult situations – chaos. I think Biden wins by a landslide, but there will be attempts in swing states to contest,” Mr Hinshaw worries.
He often spends afternoons sitting in the village piazza and shops, drawing sketches of the medieval buildings and age-old hills for locals. It is a picturesque view, much different from the one he sees for his country, at least in the short-term.
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Rain Management
Year started: 2017
Based: Bahrain
Employees: 100-120
Amount raised: $2.5m from BitMex Ventures and Blockwater. Another $6m raised from MEVP, Coinbase, Vision Ventures, CMT, Jimco and DIFC Fintech Fund
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
Korean Film Festival 2019 line-up
Innocent Witness, June 26 at 7pm
On Your Wedding Day, June 27 at 7pm
The Great Battle, June 27 at 9pm
The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion, June 28 at 4pm
Romang, June 28 at 6pm
Mal Mo E: The Secret Mission, June 28 at 8pm
Underdog, June 29 at 2pm
Nearby Sky, June 29 at 4pm
A Resistance, June 29 at 6pm
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
COMPANY PROFILE
Initial investment: Undisclosed
Investment stage: Series A
Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
Conflict, drought, famine
Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.
Band Aid
Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
The results of the first round are as follows:
Qais Saied (Independent): 18.4 per cent
Nabil Karoui (Qalb Tounes): 15.58 per cent
Abdelfattah Mourou (Ennahdha party): 12.88 per cent
Abdelkarim Zbidi (two-time defence minister backed by Nidaa Tounes party): 10.7 per cent
Youssef Chahed (former prime minister, leader of Long Live Tunisia): 7.3 per cent
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
NYBL PROFILE
Company name: Nybl
Date started: November 2018
Founder: Noor Alnahhas, Michael LeTan, Hafsa Yazdni, Sufyaan Abdul Haseeb, Waleed Rifaat, Mohammed Shono
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software Technology / Artificial Intelligence
Initial investment: $500,000
Funding round: Series B (raising $5m)
Partners/Incubators: Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 4, Dubai Future Accelerators Cohort 6, AI Venture Labs Cohort 1, Microsoft Scale-up
The National photo project
Chris Whiteoak, a photographer at The National, spent months taking some of Jacqui Allan's props around the UAE, positioning them perfectly in front of some of the country's most recognisable landmarks. He placed a pirate on Kite Beach, in front of the Burj Al Arab, the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland at the Burj Khalifa, and brought one of Allan's snails (Freddie, which represents her grandfather) to the Dubai Frame. In Abu Dhabi, a dinosaur went to Al Ain's Jebel Hafeet. And a flamingo was taken all the way to the Hatta Mountains. This special project suitably brings to life the quirky nature of Allan's prop shop (and Allan herself!).
