Monday, August 9th, 2021.
That was the day my life changed forever.

“Hey, wanna come to Lisbon for a week?”

It was a message from Pedro, my Portuguese buddy whom I’d met in Torino a year earlier. I hadn’t made any plans for the summer, and Portugal had always been on my list of places to visit. So, three days later, I was on a flight to that beautiful country, completely unaware of how profoundly this trip would alter my future.

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Travelling to Lisbon turned out to be the most extraordinary trip of my life.

Pedro became my guide for the entire week, crafting a schedule filled with unforgettable activities. All I had to do was show up and savor every moment. He introduced me to hidden gems far away from tourist hotspots—places I never would have discovered on my own. From secret beaches to quaint local eateries, it felt as though I’d been given an insider’s pass to Lisbon’s soul.

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Pedro also opened my eyes to the richness of Portuguese culture. From lively conversations over pastéis de nata to learning about local traditions and stories, I felt connected to a world I had only glimpsed before. It was unlike any other trip I’d taken because, for the first time, I had a local friend who transformed a simple vacation into a deeply personal journey.

“I wish I’d had someone like Pedro on all my travels,” I thought to myself, the idea echoing in my mind long after the plane ride back to Italy.

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Two days after returning home, I was still basking in the afterglow of my Portugal trip. That night, as I sat at my desk reflecting on my life, I couldn’t shake a gnawing sense of dissatisfaction. I was a graphic designer, but my job had started to feel hollow, as though I were stuck on a treadmill with no clear destination.

And then it hit me.

​“Wait a second!” I jumped out of my chair, my heart pounding with excitement.
“If having a local companion like Pedro made such a huge difference in my travel experience, why can’t I be that person for visitors to my own city? I could create the kind of travel experience I’ve always dreamed of having!”

The idea felt electric. It made perfect sense. I’d always been passionate about discovering hidden corners of my region, Piedmont. Those off-the-beaten-path places that often go unnoticed. I loved sharing my enthusiasm for local food, wine, and culture with friends. Why not turn that into something bigger?

And that’s how it all began.

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Today, my life is completely different from what it was before that summer. I’ve left the world of graphic design behind and embraced my calling: connecting with travellers to give them authentic, local experiences. Through my work, I help people explore the hidden treasures of my region while supporting small businesses and lesser-known areas.

It’s not just a job, it’s a way of life. And it all started with a single message from a friend that sparked a journey I’ll never forget.