# 29
Photo and concept by © Rob Venom 2022
I was born in Nardò,a town in the heel of the italian boot. I left my parents’ home when I was 19 to move to Siena, where I studied dentistry.As an Erasmus scholarship holder I spent the last year of my undergraduate studies in Valencia,Spain,and I went back there to attend a master degree, a few months later.Since then ,I lived and worked in Spain ,the Uk,the South and North of Italy.
I lived close to Milan.I spent 10 years of my life there,where my 2 children were born.
I am very passionate about traveling and exploring new places and cultures around the world.I think that is the best way to enrich yourself and feed your soul.I enjoy the connection with nature and I try to do so whenever I can. It is my way to express the mystical side of myself.
What do you do in your life in London?
I work as a dentist . I like to spend my free time with my family and friends. Some weekends I like to take a trip with them around London,exploring the countryside.
I like taking my children to museums. Fortunatly,London has wonderful and very interesting places to visit.
What is the reason to leave Italy and come to London?
It is the same reason of thousands of italians,probably. I was completely tired of the politics and management of the country. Due to the financial crisis,my situation changed a lot. Most of my patients lost their jobs and I started working less and less. My free time was increasing,but my finaces were decreasing. I felt frustrated and worried about the future of my family. I tried to get a job in Switzerland. The italian county was just 40 minutes driving from my home. I wasted time and money to recognise my italian degree ,but I didn’t get a job there. So, I decided to come back to the UK,where I found out an unexpected interest in my professional background.
What were your best and worst experiences in London.
What I like the most in London is its multicultural environment. It is like travelling around the world staying in the same city. My worst experience was finding a flat to rent. As self employed workers with 2 children and no Uk records, my wife and I experienced many problems in order to get a flat to rent. Landlords didn’t want children and they refused our offers several times. It was quite frustrating and disheartening.
I asked you to choose a place in London that you like or you are tied to, what was your choice and why you made it?
I chose Marylebone , because it is the place where I found my first job in and I like its smart and typical environment.
During your early times in London, did you have any problem?
Yes, many with the English language. Also, I struggled to get used to the fast pace of the city.
What do you think about this project?
I think it is a brilliant idea. Art, Communication and Information, all in one go.
How do you think you could support and promote Italian culture?
I like to suggest to my patients less known but equally beautiful and interesting places to visit in Italy.
