Page 15 - Dispatches - Winter 2022

Le : Simona breaks
bread with travelers
in Italy.

“A survivor himself,
Francesco was

very reluctant to
speak with us at
first. We explained
to him our goal of
bringing meaningful
conversations to
American travelers

who wanted to learn
somewhere. On the phone, he shared his story Experience Leaders to be as open and honest the good, the bad,
of how he was sexually abused by a priest as possible on the good and bad of Italy. This and the ugly of Italy.”
at just 11 years old and the trauma he still may seem unusual for a travel company, but
endures to this day. It was very emotional I believe so much magic happens when we
to hear. connect travelers with authentic people and
their stories.
So many Italians do not want to accept or
believe that abuse really occurs within the Editor’s Note:
institution that is at the center of their lives. After more than 14 months, we finally began Smart Travels with
Because most of the accused priests are moved resuming departures in Italy, and the first Rudy Maxa: Naples
from city to city, Francesco’s organization travelers on Italian Coastal Odyssey: Hidden & the Amalfi Coast
keeps track of where they are. There are Italy, Sicily & Malta had the opportunity to
more than 350 denounced priests on the map. hear Francesco Zanardi’s heartbreaking story
Talking with Francesco drove home our goal of in person. Joining them was journalist Stefano
connecting travelers with the truth and giving Pitrelli of The Washington Post who covered
a voice to those who have not been heard O.A.T.’s Controversial Topics and the evolving
before. When he agreed to work with us, we set travel industry in the following article.
up his Controversial Topic discussion in an art Discover southern
studio where he could feel comfortable sharing Italy’s exuberant
his story and answering questions. culture and stunning
beauty.
Whether it’s through a Controversial Topic
discussion or during a Home-Hosted meal, Watch Film
we want to give the people of our country
the opportunity to speak about themselves
and share their lives. We even encourage Trip

DISPATCHES • WINTER 2022 15

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