A Commodore 64, a joystick and my uncle: just thirteen years older than me, he is my guide to a whole new world. With him I discover games, computers and a curiosity about technology that never leaves me.
02 / Childhood
A gentle nudge.
I lose my dad at six, and it becomes just Mum and me. He was a cyclist; she insists that I take up a sport. I am reluctant at first, but start swimming lessons. Deep down, sitting still has never really been my thing.
03 / Aged 12–13
Another world. Then out to play.
Summers are split between video games and rollerblades. I fall in love with manga, anime and comics too: JoJo becomes my favourite, alongside plenty of other heroes. From the Commodore to the Amiga and consoles, there is always another world to explore.
04 / Aged 11–19
From the screen to the gym.
Manga, games and films with Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan and Van Damme spark my love of martial arts. I start kung fu at eleven and keep going until nineteen. This time, I get to try the moves myself.
05 / After school
Curiosity becomes a career.
After finishing school, I choose to start working in IT. That childhood passion becomes my career: more than twenty years of solving problems and learning new things. And the games? They stay, alongside films and TV series.
06 / Aged 30
A new life in Belfast.
Work takes me to Northern Ireland, into IT security for an American company. I move at thirty and spend five years in Belfast: an experience that changes the way I see the world.
07 / From age 33
A new passion gains strength.
After years with little sport, I start again at thirty-three, this time with weights. Workout by workout, training becomes part of my life. The houses change, and so does the home gym, but the drive to train stays.
08 / Summer 2019
This time, the timing is right.
I already knew Milena through my best friend, but it had never been our moment. Then a week away with friends in the summer of 2019 changes everything: we fall in love. I begin looking for a way to move back to Italy, to her.
I grow up near Milan with Mum, Dad and two younger siblings: my sister is four years younger, my brother eight. Between dolls and Barbies, in a family this big there is always someone to share the day with.
02 / The last year of middle school
One more page. Then another.
I have always loved reading. So much that in my last year of middle school I win the library prize for reading the most books in the school. Stories keep me company, and finding time for another chapter is never a problem.
03 / High school
Our weekends come from the video shop.
I meet Laura in high school. We often spend Saturdays and Sundays at her house watching films from the video shop, especially love stories. When I see Titanic, there is no question: it is my favourite film.
04 / Since our second year of high school
Five friends, the Mille.
Milena, Ilaria, Laura, Laura, Elisa: our initials become the Mille. Some of us have known each other since childhood in Inzago; in high school we become inseparable. Through nights out, laughter and changing lives, we keep finding ways to be there for each other.
05 / Since 2004
One company, many chapters.
After school I join Expeditors, where I still work today. I start in operations, then move into sales in 2017. Through shipments and different roles, this company becomes part of my life and helps me grow as a person too.
06 / A lasting passion
The ending has to surprise me.
These days I prefer thrillers, mysteries and horror to grand romances on screen. I love Nolan’s films and stories with a mystery to solve: no predictable endings, please! When I was younger I wrote short stories too, mostly thrillers. That need to find out what happens next has stayed with me.
07 / Everyday pleasures
Taking it slowly. Deciding in a minute.
Skincare has been a passion since childhood: I enjoy learning about products and looking after myself. I am outgoing and instinctive, but I like taking my time. And sport? Matteo has got me working out, though let’s be honest: the gym is hardly my great love.
08 / The next chapter
My own love story, at last.
When I meet Matteo, I know I have found the right person. We share a love of good food and a curiosity for travel. Getting married has been my dream since childhood: I throw myself into the preparations, with his help and ideas. After “I do”, Japan awaits: I cannot wait to discover a world so different from ours.
A week away with friends in the summer of 2019, and our story begins. This is where we’ll share the journey from that first chapter to our wedding day.
We’re putting this chapter together. Come back soon to read it.
