Claudio has opened us the doors of his beautiful Relais immersed in the Tuscan countryside, and introduced us to Laura, his life partner and muse of his change. Together they talked about their meeting and the path they build day after day towards a life that is ethically compatible with the values they share.
We had a chat with them to get to know them better …
Claudio told us how the first engine of his change was a job that he felt alienating and not very satisfying. Laura for you how did it go instead?
Laura: It was a very dark period when I felt the need to change. I felt forced into a series of choices and relationships that didn’t make me feel good. Then I changed my attitude, I started a search for new points of view towards life, I approached Buddhism and I met Claudio. From that moment a new path began…
Do you remember the exact moment when you realized that your projects were compatible and achievable?
Almost immediately. [I answer together and laugh. Ed]
Claudio: Laura and I met and only after a few months we were married. So I would say that the awareness that we wanted to build a future together came in a very short time from our first meeting.
Laura: Everything between me and Claudio started with very long chats. We didn’t know exactly what to build, but the common goal of changing course towards a life that is ethically more compatible with our values was clear. There were many ideas: some were realized, while others changed shape over time and became something else. Change involves everything, us and what surrounds us. It is important to grasp it in order to continuously adapt oneself and one’s projects to the conditions of the moment.
Can you describe your “Vegan Relais Paramita” project in one sentence?
Claudio: it is a place that we have dreamed of and searched for for a long time. It is a bnb immersed in nature, in which we try to apply all our knowledge in terms of sustainability. It is a place of peace and well-being, which we can’t wait to share with the guests who will come. We do not have the ambition to offer luxury stays, but of pure well-being and relaxation in the silence of the countryside.
Laura: But it is also a place to meet, to create culture, we would like to create a film club … in short, a place where we can join together when this becomes possible again.
We know you are experienced EV drivers. Do you recommend a travel itinerary by electric car?
Claudio: Sure, I recommend one of our favorites. It is an itinerary that starts from our relais and leads us to discover the unspoiled beauties of Tuscany, Umbria and Marche. A 333 km journey perfect to experience aboard an electric car. Wonderful views and wild nature. The silence of the electric car allows you to lower the window and feel immersed in nature. The itinerary starts from Pomaia and touches Volterra, Colle Val D’elsa, Siena, Rapolano Terme, Perugia, Jesi and ends in Fabriano.
3 items that you would pack for this trip?
Laura: I’m reading a very nice book that talks about feminine energy in Buddhism. I’d bring this.
Claudio: A picnic basket, must never be missing! You can take advantage of the time to recharge the car to enjoy a moment of relaxation by eating something in the shade of an olive tree. As a third object we always carry with us a blanket: it is important to optimize resources, and car heating often represents a useless waste of energy. Better a blanket or an extra sweater. In addition, Laura almost always falls asleep when we travel by electric car, so the blanket is a must!
Claudio told us “change is life”. Laura, can you define the word “change”?
Laura: Actually that sentence is mine [laughs. Ed.] Or rather, the original sentence would be “Change is life, because it is the way things exist.”
Claudio: it is a Buddhist philosophical concept that explains that reality is not fixed as we perceive it but is constantly changing. It is necessary to grasp this concept in order not to live in the illusion of a fixity of things that does not exist. Change is being in harmony with life.
Next change in the program …
Laura: We would like to be able to complete our project here at the relais. Unfortunately, due to current restrictions, we haven’t been able to open the bnb yet, so we can’t wait to face this change. In the meantime, we are taking advantage of the time to study and dedicate ourselves to the land and animals. We like our present and are ready to face the future.
