As part of a new series, our colleagues from RTL Télé visit Luxembourgish families who have moved across the border. Among these individuals is Marc, who has called Bollendorf home for several years now, a move influenced by an unexpected companion - his dog.
For decades, Marc and his wife operated a café in Luxembourg. As the time for retirement approached, they made the heartfelt decision to purchase a house in Italy, Marc's country of origin. However, their plans were abruptly halted when Marc's wife required surgery and ongoing medical attention. Shortly thereafter, Marc experienced a heart attack. The dream of relocating to Italy had to be temporarily shelved, despite having already secured their Italian abode.
Until their health allowed them to relocate to Italy, the couple sought to rent a residence in Luxembourg to ensure they had access to local medical care. Although Italy's medical facilities were certainly competent, the language barrier, with its specialized medical terminology, presented a significant challenge. Although Marc understands the language and can communicate in Italian, his knowledge is limited.
In their quest for a temporary solution, the couple encountered numerous obstacles. Despite touring more than 50 potential homes, they struggled to find a suitable residence. Surprisingly, even in places where pets were allowed, no landlords were willing to accommodate their beloved dog, Rambo. It's worth noting that Rambo, a German Shepherd, is a friendly and well-behaved canine, yet property owners remained unmoved by these qualities.
Today, the couple and their dog, Rambo, live just a kilometre from the Luxembourgish border, specifically in Bollendorf, Germany. Their reception was immediate and warm, with Rambo not posing any issues. Their monthly rent amounts to just over 700 euros. Beyond the financial aspect, there are other appealing advantages. Life is more affordable, and the people are notably friendlier, Marc observes. "We only return to Luxembourg for medical appointments. Otherwise, we prefer the comforts of this side of the bridge."
Once Marc and his wife regain their health, they plan to leave Bollendorf to pursue their long-cherished dream in Italy. A permanent return to Luxembourg is not on their agenda.
Don't miss the first episode of our series: "Luxembourgers living across the border: 'I wouldn't have gone abroad if I'd known'".
