San Francesco

  I was in Toulon, and during my travels, I love visiting museums, churches, and everything else that humanity offers as a gift. I was born just a stone’s throw away from the Basilica of Assisi dedicated to the saint, and of course, I have visited it!

In Toulon, there is a basilica dedicated to Saint Francis—isn’t that fantastic? Ravenna offers a unique setting in its square dedicated to him. I feel lucky because, at that time in France, I drew holy cards and sold them around the church for two euros each—hooray for sincerity!

A piece of history

Today, I met a friend at the bar counter while having a coffee. In Italy, it’s a tradition to drink a hot and strong beverage like coffee in a small cup and do it quickly! Isn't that amazing? In bars, you often hear plates and cups clinking.  

He led me into the world of the Emilian partisans, showing me the square where congratulations were given to everyone! It’s called Piazza Garibaldi, where there is also the small municipal theater, full of shows all year round. 😊

My trashy good

Hello everyone, I hope you're all doing well and enjoying time with family, children, and friends.

I’ve recently set up a little green corner in the park — a small stand with some t‑shirts for you. Come take a look; let me tell you where it is.

Just a few steps from the train station, there’s a Venetian castle called Rocca Brancaleone, a peaceful place where you can relax in the sun surrounded by greenery.

Every now and then, I play a bit of live music with my trumpet — just like Sting said, it’s a “message in a bottle.”

Hope to see you there!

Springtime in Ravenna

Like a beautiful woman, the street reveals itself in all its magnificence. Bicycles of different styles, people doing excellent things.

Sad story

Today, my broker Etoro started trading on the stock market. It’s incredible to think that, as I’m writing this, it’s actually listed on the U.S. market. I imagine it there, surrounded by its friends, all excited that such a great idea has finally become real.

I also have some personal news. I was living in Toulon — a beautiful city in France — but one day I ran out of fuel (yes, really). Tough times… it meant having almost nothing to eat, and many nights my dinner was just a piece of bread.

Then one day my brother called me, shouting: “Hey Piero, do you remember that small Etoro account you forgot about? It might be enough to help you get by for a while and come back to Italy!”

Isn’t my story a bit sad?

Epidemic of 2020

Hello! I’m sharing these photos because I’m glad the 2020 pandemic is finally over.

I was in Toulon, France, and in one of the pictures you can see the long line of people waiting to enter the supermarket. I was standing at the far end of the square, and behind the corner to the right the line continued for another two hundred meters.

It’s wonderful that all of this is finally behind us!

Shipwreck

It was June 2022, and I had prepared my sailboat for the passage to the port of Le Havre (Normandy, France). I had been moored in Cherbourg for several months, which gave me time to inspect all of my equipment.

I left Cherbourg in the morning, and after passing the Gatteville lighthouse, my boat eventually ran aground during the night. The Channel current was against me, and as I waited for it to turn — with all sails up and in the middle of a jibe — it happened…

Ravenna and the sea

Ravenna is the city where Raul Gardini was born. He was an entrepreneur from this region of Italy with a deep love for the sea. Inspired by the international world of sailing regattas, he equipped the boat Il Moro di Venezia and competed in major races.

Ravenna is an exciting place: you can watch a train pass by and dream of a journey. Doesn’t a passing train hypnotize you, catching you off guard? Let that feeling carry you far—enjoy it.