Meet Tour Guide Wanda Martinelli
Wanda Martinelli is a certified tour guide in the picturesque city of Lucca, Italy. She was recently interviewed for a travel website; here's the Q&A:
What is your personal background?
I was born and raised in the hills of Lucca (I was "made in Italy!"), where generations of Martinellis were small, but proud, landowners. Languages always intrigued me and (beyond my native Italian and classical Latin) I became fluent in English and German. After attending the University of Pisa (politics and a potential diplomatic career), my language skills proved particularly valuable as the export director for local companies. When it was time for a change of career, training to become a Tour Guide seemed a good decision since it would meld my skills, interests and my passion for Lucca. This is my home and I treasure sharing Lucca with my guests who come to discover her charms.
What makes Lucca special?
Lucca was an independent city state for centuries (in fact, a Republic), incredibly rich for its size, nonetheless in close connection with the powers and culture of Europe. And it still has a life of its own, in spite of the increasing number of visitors. It is, in fact, one of the richest industrial areas in this country, but you can see businessmen riding their bicycles like everyone else as they make their baking rounds. Understatement is the motto here and this is something that keen travelers can see clearly for themselves.
What makes this area of Tuscany special?
Nature gave us everything here. Beyond the plain that cradles Lucca, it's a short drive to the hills, to the mountains, to the lakes and to the sea. The city is an open-air museum that offers amazing sights... beginning with the massive wall that surrounds the city center.. and coming in town to the ancient, narrow lanes and the grand, expansive piazzas.
What are your subjects of expertise?
Lucca and music! As a child, I studied music and the piano. I clearly had no talent for playing, but music continues to enchant me. Puccini leads the list of notable Lucchesi composers and musicians; the Puccini Festival brings thousands of opera lovers here every summer.
Please explain the qualification process to become a Tour Guide.
In Italy, becoming a Licensed Tour Guide ("Guida Turistica") involved extensive training. I'm using the past tense as lots of things have changed in recent years. Unfortunately, not for the better. This license was only a local license and a Tour Guide must pass challenging exams published by the local tourist authorities. So, for a full year (700 hours of lessons) my colleagues and I studied city history, art/art history, architecture, museums/their administration, churches, artisans/local art, geography, archeologu, economy, tourism laws and more. I look back on this time as one of the most intellectually exciting experiences of my life. There is always more to learn. Even now, in the off-season, I attend lectures and conferences held by museum directors, restorers and archeological curators.
What part of your work gives you the most pleasure?
Meeting people from all over the world and considering myself as an ambassador for Lucca to my clients! To share her cultural and artistic heritage! To help my clients understand connections through history! To learn so many things you'll never find in a guidebook or an MP3 recording!