Hi, I am Hannah, 23 years old and a student from Germany! I am the first Coliver who is doing the Residency for 3.5 months here in Tertulia and half of the time is already up. I want to share with you what my impressions are, what I have learned so far, and how much I appreciate this opportunity.
Back home in Germany, I study Leisure Science and live in Hamburg (a big, rainy, noisy but beautiful city). As part of my studies, I needed to complete a mandatory internship and I chose to do it abroad. When I heard about Tertulia my heart was excited and very curious. Of course, I wanted my workplace to be the backyard with a beautiful view of the Tuscan hills instead of a city office, so I packed my bags and arrived in mid-August.
Since then, I’ve supported the community facilitations, marketing decisions, influencer and brand collaborations, and the everyday tasks on the farm (my favorite part of this work is the different fruit trees we have around the farm). Together with Anja, I’m helping plan next year’s schedule and taking part in shaping our events and retreats. I love seeing Tertulia evolve week by week and seeing the seasons change.
But the most interesting part about this whole project is the people along the way. People come and go (some stay 2 weeks, some stay 8 weeks), so the dynamics keep shifting. That’s part of the learning: different cultures, communities, and ways of being. Along the way, you understand yourself better and what truly inspires you by listening to people from around the world.
I personally find my daily routines shifting to another, slower and more conscious dimension. All I care about here is good food (and I assure you that is happening; I even learned how to make pasta by myself), daily physical activity instead of rotting on the couch, and connection with the community. I take more time to practice yoga, to journal, to meditate, and to listen to my body and what it tells me.
The other part of being a resident is the local connection. Anja and Francesco introduced me to their friends, and some already mean a lot to me. Our Thursday trips to the mercato help me improve my Italian, support local producers, and give me a truer sense of daily life in Tuscany beyond what social media shows.
I’m happy I still have two more months to witness the seasonal shift from August’s 32°C and constant sunscreen to cozy winter days. Right now, olive and chestnut harvests are here, and I can’t wait to light the fireplace.
I’m excited to watch Tertulia keep changing with the people who arrive, with the seasons that shape this valley, and with new experiences to come.
If this way of living, learning, and contributing speaks to you, reach out to Tertulia or AGAIA about the Coliving Residency or upcoming roles. You’re welcome to ask questions, follow along, or simply start a conversation.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to belong to a communal living project and to live closer to the land in rural Italy, this is how I experienced it. For 3.5 months, you join the Tertulia team, take on real responsibility, and shape projects that matter.
Life settles into a slower rhythm here: working remotely from the Appennino in Mugello, breathing pure air, stepping into the forest from the front door, going on a little hike just after the lunch break, sharing dinners and conversations that carry late into the evening. Along the way, you become a temporary resident, meet the local network (culture, services, traditions), and, when it fits your skills and timing, you take an active role on the Tertulia team.
Everything you need is within reach: coliving space, full facilities, a shared car, yoga and meditation, and the steady sense that your daily life lines up with your values.
If I could, I would extend my stay, but uni back home is calling me.
Tertulia made me explore a new side of myself and made me realize a little bit more what truly is important to me.
Tertulia, you will see me again!
