*Attend the next Vilcabamba Lifestyle Retreat-BOOK HERE:* https://www.wetravel.com/trips/august-2025-vilcabamba-lifestyle-retreat-abundant-living-retreats-41552325*Check out Mama Silvia's here:* https://maps.app.goo.gl/7SFpyk2shfcg7ukU9*In this episode:*Franco Magrini’s life is a tapestry of global adventures—from his roots in Argentina and Florence to the vibrant streets of New York, the sunny shores of Sarasota, Florida, and the untamed wilderness of Alaska, before finding his true calling in Vilcabamba, Ecuador. In this heartfelt interview, Franco reveals how Alaska’s raw, rugged beauty and tight-knit community transformed him, shifting his worldview from a fast-paced, party-driven life to one grounded in simplicity and resilience. It was in Vilcabamba, however, where he truly settled, opening Mamma Silvia, an Italian restaurant that blends his Florentine heritage with Ecuadorian warmth. Franco shares how the tight-knit Vilcabamba community embraced him and his late mother, offering a sense of belonging he’d long sought. Reflecting on a life of travel, challenges, and growth, he now gives back by mentoring local youth and building a legacy of gratitude. For anyone dreaming of a simpler, more connected life, Franco’s journey—from Alaska’s harsh winters to Ecuador’s tranquil valleys—offers inspiration. Curious about relocating to Ecuador? Come explore Vilcabamba and see why it’s home for Franco and so many others.#ExpatLife #EcuadorLiving #Vilcabamba #italianfood #LifeJourney #PersonalGrowth #CommunityLiving #MammaSilvia #Authenticliving #Alaska #Bhuddist #Relocation #SustainableLiving #FamilyFirst*Welcome to Abundant Living Ecuador!* 🏡Dive deep into the heart of Southern Ecuador with real estate professionals dedicated to helping you realize your dream of living abroad. Whether you're seeking tranquility, nature, or the unique culture, we've got you covered!🤗 Check Out Our Reviews: https://maps.app.goo.gl/n9PQCVxqijgwdQk27🌐 Check Out Our New Real Estate Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7xexn9u-G47zi5XhbIrzVA🌿 Get to Know Ecuador In One of Our Upcoming Retreats: https://abundantliving.wetravel.com/users/abundant-living-retreats📘 FREE Guide "Relocating to Ecuador": https://www.abecuador.com/relocating-to-ecuador 🏠 Browse Our Property Listings:See what's available in our curated listings: https://www.abecuador.com/properties-for-sale 🔥 Check out our Audio Podcasts:Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a8aba64c-28c6-4d02-a1ff-e6e6f54015f5/ecuador-insiders?ref=dm_sh_6C2aESDotlIoxaOZzLBKsbuQeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2KJZalvGnehJM7Fvl3Lvbz?si=UkkSvhSUTS6Hzws8K_kC1gApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecuador-insiders/id1726988592👍 Follow Us:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abundantlivingec Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abundantlivingecuador/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abecuador X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AbundantEC📞 Reach Out to Us:Email: info@abecuador.comCall or Text: +593 98 074 8925 (Available on WhatsApp, Telegram, & Signal)Embrace a new adventure with us, as we guide you through the picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities of Ecuador!00:00:00 Franco gets real: life's better without drama, just enjoy it00:00:53 Meet Franco Magrini, Mamma Silvia's chef with a wild past00:02:00 Not just Italian, Franco's a proud Florentine soul00:04:00 Gut vibes led him out of Italy as change loomed00:07:03 Young Franco: strapping Italian, party king, and model00:10:18 Alaska stole his heart: finally felt like home00:11:00 From veggie to Alaskan Buddhist redneck, what a shift00:12:52 Mother nature in Alaska: in your face, no kidding00:14:08 Buddhist meditations keeps him grounded, 37 years strong00:19:00 Neighbor fixes furnace: we help, but we're not pals00:52:02 Drama-free life: Franco’s secret to sleeping easy