Tales from my Italian adventure
Paolo Fanciulli is not a guy who lets a few obstacles get in his way. A fisherman who lives in Talamone next to the Parco Naturale della Maremma in Tuscany, Paolo is a shining example of the impact one person can have. We got to spend the day with him learning about his passion for the sea.
Thinking outside the net
For the past twenty years Paolo had been attempting to bring government and public awareness to the devastating damage that trawl fishing nets do to the sea bed. Although illegal, fishing using these nets has gone on unhindered for years causing the destruction of the naturally growing sea grass which provides a habit for fish, oxygenates the water and prevents coastal erosion. Years of trawl nets has left the fish population depleted and the sea floor devastated.
After repeatedly running into opposition, roadblocks and indifference, Paolo got the idea to create “pescaturismo” - which gives travellers an eco-conscious opportunity to experience the natural environment while gaining an appreciation for environmental needs of the area. Paolo figured if people could have a first hand experience they would rally behind the cause of sustainable fishing.
Building blocks of success
Deciding that the government’s minor fines for trawl fishing would never dissuade large companies from continuing to destroy the sea floor, Paolo came up with another plan: to put what he calls case per i pesci or “fish houses” along the sea floor to prevent the use of trawl nets. These large hollow concrete blocks imbedded with hooks essentially tear through the nets while providing the fish with a safe haven for breeding.
Last year through Paolo’s awareness campaign and fundraising efforts, 250 of these fish house were placed along the coastline of the Parco Naturale Maremma. One year later he says they are already seeing the positive impact. Trawlers no longer fish this section of the coastline and the sea floor and marine population is improving. What I especially loved about Paolo was, when asked whether we could make a donation to the cause he declined. “The fish houses are now in place,” he said. “What I need you to do now is tell people about the problem and what’s possible.”
There’s always a way
If you find yourself facing one obstacle after another in reaching your dream, Paolo’s advice would be to find a blend of optimism, activism and pragmatism. You may have to consider plan B or even C to get the job done. What Paolo has demonstrated is when you have a vision and are committed to making to a reality, where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Tales from my Italian adventure
When I first started exploring the world in the mid 1980’s, I admit I succumbed to the clipboard of fun method of travelling. That’s probably a pretty common mistake for novice or infrequent travelers - to have as many sights as possible jammed into the itinerary with the primary purpose being to tick off each one as completed rather than truly experienced.
The allure of the clipboard of fun probably speaks to our desire to “do it all” or to make the most of what we imagine is a once in a lifetime trip. But the dark secret of that dreaded clipboard is that you end up tired with no particularly powerful memories. You might have been to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence but you don’t have a clue what you saw.
Never enough time
What I’ve come to realize is that there will never be enough time to see everything there is to see in the world. I gave up the clipboard of fun method and traded it for a grassroots one. I’ve learned a few things:
- to slow things down, not plan too much, leave lots of free space for unexpected discoveries
- that tourist attractions are nice but the best sights I’ve seen are off the beaten track.
- that connecting with local people is the richest way to learn about an area.
That was one of the delightful parts of this trip to Italy. During our week with David Whyte, we experienced Tuscany through the eyes and stories of some amazing Italians. Everyday people who shared their Tuscany with us. No guidebooks, no tourist attractions.
Create a personal experience
A few years ago I discovered a great company called Context Travel. They design small group tours of famous and not so famous sights that allow travelers an opportunity to really have a personal experience. I’ve taken several tours with them during the past few years and they never disappoint. On the second half of our trip we had the great pleasure to explore the Oltrarno neighbourhood of Florence with them. An absolutely wonderful experience learning about this less explored part of the city and the artisans who work there.
Next time you plan a trip I encourage you to think about the kind of experience you want to have rather than the list of sights you want to see. Far less exhausting than a clipboard of fun and infinitely more memorable.
What was your best travel experience?
Tales from my Italian adventure
Friends sometimes give you the best gifts without even realizing it. That happened to me when my dear friend Victor sent me a David Whyte poem one day several years ago. It was my first encounter with David’s work and at the time it perfectly captured the emotion of the moment.
Over the years I’ve read pretty much all of David’s work and listened to his audio cds. And like that very first poem, I often find that there is one that speaks as if it were magically written just for me in that instant. I have my favourites - like The House of Belonging - which I return to again and again. When new works appear, they are savoured piece by piece with faith that they too will, in their own time, be written just for me.
Retreating to the tuscan countryside
Of course when the opportunity came to travel to Italy to take part in one of David’s week long retreats I jumped at the chance. He and his wonderful staff created an amazing week of conversation, culinary delights, cultural experiences and indeed poetry. It was an opportunity to experience his work in a new and rich way.
His beautiful command of language and metaphor inspires the writer in me.His urging to return to conversation with ourselves and others moves me to find a deeper dialogue.
If you have already enjoyed David’s work, then know you have a kindred spirit.
If this is your first encounter, consider it my gift to you.
What poetry inspires you?
Paolo Fanciulli is not a guy who lets a few obstacles get in his way. A fisherman who lives in Talamone next to the Parco Naturale della Maremma in Tuscany, Paolo is a shining example of the impact one person can have. We got to spend the day with him learning about his passion for the sea.
