Simone

I was born in Victoria, Australia. My mum was a kiwi and my dad an Italian. At 15 I moved to Dunedin, New Zealand. When I finished my degree I came to Italy to play softball. Europe took hold of my heart and I ended up staying. That was over 30 years ago.

I have lived in Macerata, Stratford-on-Avon, Macclesfield, Claviere/Cesana Torinese/Sauze di Cesana, Bussia and now Guarene. I have a 22-year-old daughter and two cats. I now work as an ESL teacher in Alba. My job takes me travelling with middle and high school students to English speaking destinations.

I love hiking, bike touring or doing an easy ferrata. I love visiting quaint villages full of history and great stories. I am happiest when immersed in nature. There are loads of nature walks and rides that I enjoy. I have hiked around Mount Viso sleeping over in lodges. I have cycled from Alba to the seaside off road and passing through National Parks and villages lost in time.

I am into locally grown and know where the best farmers markets and small producers are. I have a dream to visit all the Slow Food Presidia and interview the local farmers about their products, then bike to the place of origin and eat/drink the product at the source and with the knowledge of its tradition.

I can share any local knowledge that may be of interest, such as where to do local wine tastings, which paths to take for spectacular views, where to have a decent lunch without getting 'spellato' (peeled) as they say in Italian, meaning to pay too much.

I can interpret obviously with the language, and help you achieve an authentic connection with the locals.

As a new member, I am not yet sure how else I could help so go ahead and ask what you think you might need.