The Quest Express: Travel, Culture & Untold Stories

VENICE: We continue exploring Luisella's customized experiences which are unscripted and never the same twice. If you'd like to book her for private tours or experiences, please do so in advance and begin here: www.seevenice.it

Inside:

• Finding the perfect experience for you and when to book
• When to go & when to avoid depending on your preferences
• Her experiences for disabled & blind individuals
• The WWII project with Maria Eichorn: “Places of Remembrance and Resistance” 
• What fishermen and archaeologists found that disrupted what we knew

What others are saying about Luisella's tours & experiences:

"She has this rare ability to bring history to life whereby I felt inside looking out rather than the other way around."

"Her love of Venice shows through and she filled the tour with interesting facts and stories about Venice in general. I have been recommending her to all my friends."

"Luisella changed the way we will visit museums in the future. If you are going to be in Venice, this is your tour guide. She is simply magic."

Bio:

Luisella Romeo lives and works in Venice, where her family has lived since the mid-1700s. She has been a registered tourist guide since 2000. She finds the history as well as the present time of my city very fascinating and loves narrating the stories of Venice with some sense of humor, too! 

She views the Venetian labyrinth as a metaphor for the meeting between different people, an amazing multi-ethnic mix that has lasted for several centuries.

After graduating from Ca' Foscari University of Venice in North American Literature and Language, she received a scholarship from the UC at Berkeley and a travel grant from the Fulbright program to continue her studies in the US at Berkeley. At Berkeley, the first man she met became her (Italian) husband… but that’s a different CV. 

While she loved traveling, in the end, always wanted to come back to Venice and loves showing the city to both solo travelers and groups. In 2022 and 2023 she was part of the project designed by artist Maria Eichhorn for the German Pavilion Biennale Venice called “Places of Remembrance and Resistance” also regarding the Shoah in Venice during World War II.

Interests: “Photography, rowing, and sailing on my wooden boat, I love fashion and anything that is local and locally produced.”

Website: www.seevenice.it 

Blog: www.seevenice.it/en/blog 

She also contributes to: www.bestveniceguides.it

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Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE: Today we meet Luisella Romeo, a certified tour guide whose family has been in Venice since the mid-18th century. 

Today we discuss:

• The road abroad and back home again
• What she decided to do when she was told her original plan wasn't realistic
• How Luisella sets up her tours and experiences
• How she keeps tourists away from other tourists
• And Luisella's guidance for my 30-day visit

What others are saying about Luisella:

"If you want a person who not only knows Venice, its history, its art, its people, and its culture but is also one of the most enthusiastic, personable people you've ever met, hire Luisella! There are places she can take you that are out of the normal tourist areas, places filled with history, wonderful art, and architecture."

"Best city orientation tour!"

"My wife and I did two tours with Luisella, which were more like visits and were pleasant beyond expectations. She grew up in Venice, and it shows."

Bio:

Luisella Romeo lives and works in Venice, where her family has lived since the mid-1700s. She has been a registered tourist guide since 2000. She finds the history as well as the present time of my city very fascinating and loves narrating the stories of Venice with some sense of humor, too! 

She views the Venetian labyrinth as a metaphor for the meeting between different people, an amazing multi-ethnic mix that has lasted for several centuries.

After graduating from Ca' Foscari University of Venice in North American Literature and Language, she received a scholarship from the UC at Berkeley and a travel grant from the Fulbright program to continue her studies in the US at Berkeley. At Berkeley, the first man she met became her (Italian) husband… but that’s a different CV. 

While she loved traveling, in the end, always wanted to come back to Venice and loves showing the city to both solo travelers and groups. In 2022 and 2023 she was part of the project designed by artist Maria Eichhorn for the German Pavilion Biennale Venice called “Places of Remembrance and Resistance” also regarding the Shoah in Venice during World War II.

Interests: “Photography, rowing, and sailing on my wooden boat, I love fashion and anything that is local and locally produced.”

Website: www.seevenice.it 

Blog: www.seevenice.it/en/blog 

She also contributes to: www.bestveniceguides.it

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE: In the last episode, Marco Gandini discusses Marco Polo - the subject of his book expected in early 2024.  Learn why the Polo family was indispensable to Khan and some of the unique missions he sent the Polos on.

 In this episode, we'll discuss:

• The three Polos and why Khan needed them
• Jerusalem, The Crusades & "the oil"
• What celebration you shouldn't miss in Venice
• What Venetians promised to build if granted mercy from the plague

 Marco Gandini was born in Milan in 1960. After graduating in Business Studies, he moved to London where he lived for many years before later moving to Venice where he got married and has been living since 2009.

Having developed a keen interest in Venice and its history, he began working two years ago as a voluntary guide for the National Trust of Italy, Fondo Ambiente Italiano. FAI is Italy's national trust, an organization aiming to preserve the country’s architectural and artistic heritage.

In 2022 he published a book in Italian on the history of the origins of Venice, an English translation of which is in the pipeline. He’s writing a book following Marco Polo’s itinerary from Venice to China.
 

 If you'd like to purchase a copy of the Italian or future English-translated book on the history of Venice or would like updates on his future books, please reach out to [email protected] with Marco's name in the subject line before the book launches next year.

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

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Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE: Marco Gandini shares a few defining moments of Venetian history, the impact of the Ottoman Empire and two ambitious explorers on Venetian trade, and how the aristocracy responded to impacts on trade routes during the 16th century.

We discuss:

• Pippin's egoic & unfulfilled desire to expand his "Corner of the Sky"
• Defining moments in Venetian history
• The butterfly effect of Christopher Columbus & Vasco da Gama
• Where the aristocrats refocused their interests after a jolting turn of events
• Where the exotic Venetian windows came from

In the next episode, we'll discover Khan's vested interest in Marco Polo, his father, and his uncle.
 
 Bio:

Marco Gandini was born in Milan in 1960. After graduating in Business Studies, he moved to London where he lived for many years before later moving to Venice where he got married and has been living since 2009.

Having developed a keen interest in Venice and its history, he began working two years ago as a voluntary guide for the National Trust of Italy, Fondo Ambiente Italiano. FAI is the national trust of Italy, and an organization aiming to preserve the country’s architectural and artistic heritage.

In 2022 he published a book in Italian on the history of the origins of Venice, an English translation of which is in the pipeline. He’s currently writing a book following Marco Polo’s itinerary from Venice to China.
 

Visit our website and leave us your feedback, comments & requests.

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE: Today, we chat with historical author Marco Gandini, who spent several years in London before he made Venice his home. 

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• Why Marco from Milan moved to London & settled in Venice
• How Marco met his wife & the glue that brought them together
• Marco's advice for anyone moving to Venice
• The controversy around Venice's actual date of birth

Marco Gandini was born in Milan in 1960. After graduating in Business Studies, he moved to London where he lived for many years before later moving to Venice where he got married and has been living since 2009.

Having developed a keen interest in Venice and its history, he began working two years ago as a voluntary guide for the National Trust of Italy, Fondo Ambiente Italiano. FAI is the national trust of Italy, and an organization aiming to preserve the country’s architectural and artistic heritage.

In 2022 he published a book in Italian on the history of the origins of Venice, an English translation of which is in the pipeline. He’s currently writing a book following Marco Polo’s itinerary from Venice to China.

If you'd like to purchase a copy of the Italian or future English-translated book on the history of Venice or would like updates on his future books, please reach out to [email protected] with Marco's name in the subject line.

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE: Today we conclude our conversation with the Founder & CEO of Teatro San Cassiano, Paul Atkin. He extends a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for either individuals or organizations to become a Founding Member of San Cassiano, and to etch their name in Venetian history. Please share the link to this episode if you know of someone who would be honored to support this mission.
 
Teatro San Cassiano deserves a place in Venice because Venice herself is a work of art, and a stunning example of how an environment can truly influence and inspire people to create, persevere, and prosper. But especially, because opera is inextricably linked with Venice’s history; it will attract lovers of the arts from all over the world as an experience one will never get anywhere else.
 
In this episode, learn:

• What has been done and what still needs to happen for the theater’s birth
• Will Steven Spielberg, Richard Branson, an Italian, or someone you know get the keys to the city?
• The multi-uses of this experiential and majestic theater
• How donors & patrons will be celebrated annually in true Venetian style
• Begin today to etch your name in Venetian history, a legacy move for those who love the arts, opera or Venice

If you'd like to become a Founding Member of Teatro San Cassiano CLICK HERE

Or reach out to Paul Atkin for more info: [email protected]

Bio:
Paul Atkin is a founder, entrepreneur, and musicologist. In April 2015, he launched his most ambitious project yet: the reconstruction in Venice, Italy, of the world’s first public opera house, the Teatro San Cassiano of 1637. Eight years later, the impossible dream has become a reality. A site has been found and the technical process of its acquisition is in full swing. Having secured the site, Paul is now looking to secure the remaining funding to restore the Historically-Informed Baroque Opera to Venice.
Website

Join The Quest Express newsletter here

Visit our website for updates here 

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE: Our conversation continues with Paul Atkin who is on a mission to restore a gem of Venice’s historical legacy to its rightful place. The reconstructed Teatro San Cassiano will be the only fully active Baroque opera theatre in the world. Its iconic status will provide the perfect conditions for it to become the world’s foremost center for historically-informed Baroque opera, attracting the world’s greatest conductors, singers, and musicians.

We’re pulling back the curtain for all music lovers, time travelers, and investors who are ready to be a part of Teatro San Cassiano's legacy.

 In this episode, we'll discuss:

• Bold visions and the measure of a good idea
• The moment Teatro San Cassiano stopped being a study
• Why the public opera house is a time machine
• How they discovered the original model
• The floor plan of the stage, orchestra & boxes
• How you can become a Founder as a legacy move
• How to get your name on one of the boxes

If you'd like to become a Founding Member of Teatro San Cassiano CLICK HERE

Or reach out to Paul Atkin for more info: [email protected]

Bio: Paul Atkin is a founder, entrepreneur, and musicologist. In April 2015, he launched his most ambitious project yet: the reconstruction in Venice, Italy, of the world’s first public opera house, the Teatro San Cassiano of 1637. Eight years later, the impossible dream has become a reality. A site has been found and the technical process of its acquisition is in full swing. Having secured the site, Paul is now looking to secure the remaining funding to restore the Historically-Informed Baroque Opera to Venice.
Website

Join The Quest Express newsletter here

Visit our website for updates here 

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

VENICE: Our first guest, Paul Atkin is a British expat who is reconstructing the original Teatro San Cassiano of 1637 and with it to restore historically-informed Baroque opera to Venice. This project is expected to provide 300 jobs and restore a part of history by reimagining the Teatro San Cassiano and Venice's greatest gift to the world: opera.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

• The birth of opera
• The hardy resilience of the Venetians
• Paul's cultural solution to the falling population
• The "Fortress" Lagoon 
• Tourism: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly
• Repaying a debt to Italy
• Why Teatro San Cassiano, & Why Venice?

Learn more about Paul's project here: https://teatrosancassiano.it/
Get involved or support: [email protected] 

Paul Atkin is a Founder, an entrepreneur, and a musicologist. In April 2015 he launched his most ambitious project yet: the reconstruction in Venice, Italy, of the world’s first public opera house, the Teatro San Cassiano of 1637. Eight years later, the impossible dream has become a reality. A site has been found and the technical process of its acquisition is in full swing. Having secured the site, Paul is now looking to secure the remaining funding to restore the Historically-Informed Baroque Opera to Venice.

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

Welcome to the beginning of a 25-city journey that may turn into 50.    
In this episode, we explore these topics: environment, migration, The Quest, and slow travel. What happens when you manufacture wombs that support your quest? From Hengrave Hall to the brothels of San Francisco during the mid-19th century, to the collision of cultures on The Silk Road trade route, everything matters and the environment is everything.

Tune in to learn about:

• The nuns of Hengrave Hall
• How going on a two- to four-week quest and change your life
• Why NYC was a magnet for Bob Dylan
• Why Nelson Mandela missed prison when he was freed
• How a Chinese princess hampered the silk trade
• How a job transfer made someone famous

Visit The Quest Express website to jump aboard
Email us: [email protected]
Become a Founding Member:  The Quest Express Passport Club
Hengrave Hall: https://hengravehall.com/

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel

It's just 7 days until the 1st episode, where we begin our virtual odyssey around the globe. Episodes will air every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday.  Follow, download and hit the bell for new episode notifications.

November 11th launches our first full episode before we spend 6 weeks in Venice.

Trailer Guests in order of appearance are:
Monica Cesarato, Food Guide, Travel Blogger & Podcaster
Paul Atkin, Founder, Entrepreneur & Musicologist
Marco Gandini, Historical Author
Luisella Romeo, Certified Tourist Guide

Here's the Venice Itinerary:
November 14: Paul Atkin | Venice's First Opera House Revived
November 21: Marco Gandini | The History of Venice & Marco Polo
November 28: Luisella Romeo | Experience Venice Inside & Out
December 5: Raffaele Dessi | Time-Travel Through Dance & Fashion
December 12: Monica Cesarato | Why You May Be Missing The Best Food in Venice
December 19: Chas Carner | Don't Walk Venice Until You Hear This

You can find us here & join our newsletter: www.thequestexpress.com

Introducing the First Premium, Come to You, Decentralized Dinner Society for Discerning Travelers: The Dinner Story.   Visit us and inquire here: The Dinner Story

The podcast may be over, but our curiosity and hunger for inspiring people and experiences will never end.

Join the WAITING LIST for our most unique experiences, COMMISSION a rare season of modular events, or just say HI:   [email protected]

Music Credits:  INTRO:  Loyalty - Philip Ayers | OUTRO: Grasshopper's Dance - Etienne Roussel