Friendly Fins
Adventures
An Interview with Myself
How did you get the idea for a blog about the sea?
The idea for my blog FRIENDLY FINS ADVENTURES was born during Covid-19 which made me realize how important it was to create a network of divers-snorkelers or simply sea enthusiasts like me to share together the great emotions that the sea and its inhabitants give us!
Why should this matter?
Because often people who approach the sea are looking for something, strong emotions, peace, curiosity, overcoming their limits or fears, being surprised by Nature. I myself approached marine life in Rhodes for the first time with a mask and snorkel, I remember it took me 4 days to overcome the small "drop off" that separated the shore from the deepest part! Thinking about it now I still smile but from there my world opened up and my path that I am still following today with joy and enthusiasm. I have met people over the years, who then became affectionate and present Friendly Fins, who have truly surpassed themselves and this has also helped them in facing everyday life.
What is Friendly Fins based on?
The principle on which Friendly Fins is based is to know and tell the sea in a Simple Curious and Friendly way
Simple because we don't have to be professors, instructors or graduates to know the sea and its inhabitants
Curious because I like anecdotes, habits, feelings, things that are not learned at school but are learned in the field, dive after dive, snorkeling after snorkeling, always observing the same places but above all OBSERVING what is around us. I find it more fun to understand why two surgeon fish chase each other changing color than what an eel eats! With all due respect for eels!
Friendly because respect for the sea is the backbone of everything, knowing that you can't touch turtles or pet a whale shark or pick up a shell on the beach are just the initial tips for living the sea in harmony feeling part of this magnificent world... But there is no respect without knowledge and that's why here I am!
Why should you follow Friendly Fins?
Friendly Fins was born as an ideal to follow, and that everyone can follow in everyday life. Each of us can be friendly in his own way, respecting the environment in which he is, respecting others and respecting plants and animals whether marine or terrestrial.
Why do you always speak in plural when you tell stories?
Because Friendly Fins is a community of special people that I met during my travels, my experiences, my diving courses; people who follow me on social media and who slowly became interested and to whom I transmitted my passion for the sea and they transmitted to me the desire to try and believe in themselves. All Friendly Fins have something to learn from each other.
Who are “your Friendly Fins”?
The thing I always remember with the most affection was the first evening of my first Friendly Fins trip, we were in Marsa Alam: I gave the briefing at the beginning of the holiday to 18 people who hardly knew each other so obviously I would never have expected them to be together all week, so I only asked for punctuality at the diving center appointments and for the rest everyone could manage themselves. What was the result? We were together all week, all dinners, all lunches, all activities! These are my Friendly Fins!
Cosa diresti alla Chiara di tre anni fa?
I would say that she did well to believe in its potential and to put in that pinch of madness that distinguishes her, I would tell her that her project has taken different forms over the years but has never lost its spirit and more and more Friendly Fins believe in it and are passionate about it. I would tell her that I am happy and I have never regretted carrying on Friendly Fins for a day.
What would you say to the Chiara of the future?
I would tell her that a front row seat is earned with sweat and effort but that everything will then be repaid by the satisfaction of making you daydream.
What's in the Friendly Fins Dream Drawer?
In recent years the blog has grown and, in addition to a “virtual sharing”, I organize trips dedicated to the sea, my dream is to dedicate the trip to the search for “rare and special” animals with in-depth marine biology and natural sciences to truly experience the essence of the place where we are and enter into harmony with its inhabitants! A sort of naturalistic expedition! So Friendly Fins, hold on tight and come with us on this journey to discover the seas of the world exploring it with CURIOUS, SIMPLE AND FRIENDLY eyes!