We moved from the US to Italy in November 2019. Since then, we’ve experienced all manner of ups and downs – from musical successes and travel adventures to contending with a global pandemic.

Once the world started to return to a “new normal,” we set out to tell our story of our move here.

We published in March 2023, and it’s available now on Barnes & Noble, Amazon and other outlets; the e-book version is available exclusively on Kindle. (Check out some of the many great reviews below!)

From the back cover:

In the fall of 2019, symphony musicians Zeneba Bowers and Matt Walker quit their jobs, sold their house, got rid of the bulk of their possessions, and moved to Italy, all in the space of six short weeks. They were chasing their longtime dream to live and work in the country they love best, performing and organizing concerts and helping like-minded explorers travel the "Little Roads Europe" way. This delightful memoir details exactly how they did it, from finding an apartment, to securing resident work visas, to acing the Italian driver's exam. If you ever find yourself needing to get yourself to another country with four cats, a violin and a cello right before the world locks down due to a global pandemic, this is your book!

“Yes, it's possible to blow up your life and move to Italy! Even with modest means. Italy's notorious red tape can be navigated. The locals will welcome you, even during a raging pandemic. While not a how-to book, this charming and touching memoir provides a blueprint for anyone who's ever fantasized about chucking it all and embracing La Dolce Vita.”
- Leslie Dixon, screenwriter, Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray, Limitless, Overboard

“I Can’t Believe We Live Here is an inspiring story of two American symphony musicians trading security and comfort for time and heart. This engaging memoir is part of an emerging web of stories of hope and resilience across the world from the pandemic years. Zen and Matt’s love for Italy, music, cats and each other resonates like beautiful melodies soaring over the cobbled streets and olive groves of idyllic Soriano during their world-famous lockdown balcony concerts.”
- Dr. Tony Macaulay, Author of the Paperboy memoirs, Belfast Gate and Kill the Devil

A Few 5-Star Reviews from Amazon.com:

“A wonderful, touching and eye opening experience confirming that dreams can become reality. The roads were never smooth, but the sidelines were filled with strangers that became friends. I felt like I was sitting in the room as the story unfolded. Perfectly written by my friends I have yet to meet.”


“This is a wonderful story of how two accomplished and innovative musicians leave the comfort of an enviable symphonic career in the US to claim a new (and uncertain) life in an idyllic Italian village months before the pandemic world shut its doors to travel. It’s a story of perseverance, setbacks and successes, respect for local customs, and the heartwarming transformation from foreigner to cherished friend. A must read!”

“I promise, no matter how you might study the synopsis and reviews, you have no idea what is coming, page by page, in this charming memoir. This American couple, sincerely attempting to start a new life in Italy, confronts the challenges of everything from language to bureaucracy to driving school to appliance installation to Covid lockdown to feline projectile vomit... with humor and creativity and love - so much love! - for each other, for their neighbors and their cats, for Italy, for music... it is simply a joy to spend time with these generous souls. You'll be glad you read this book, and you'll want to spend more time with them (which you can do, actually, as they've co-authored a number of travel guides).”

“Zeneba and Matt’s new book is an inspiring look into their decision to move to Italy in the midst of the upheaval of the world wide pandemic. I loved the first person accounts of their travels and their decision to risk it all to move to another country with a totally different way of speaking and living. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an adventure in book form that many of us have only dreamed about.”