Hi! I’m Riccardo, and I’m from Lake Como, Italy. This year I quit my job as a software engineer and decided to travel through Asia, experiencing new ways of life. I’ve taken part in some volunteering programs teaching English to kids, and I would like to become a language teacher soon. I’m currently in China, and I’m going to Japan from August 25 to start a one-month Kung Fu class in September. Even though I plan to spend most of my life in Italy - close to my family and friends - I also want to discover how people around the world truly live. For this reason, I usually prefer to stay in a place for at least two weeks or a month when I visit, so I can actually experience the local life. I love mountains and nature in general; I feel at home whenever I’m surrounded by vast stretches of greenery, meadows, and trees. I grew up in the Alps, and hiking is just part of my routine. I sometimes struggle in big cities, but I’m learning to see their bright side as well - the lively and social lifestyle they can offer. I value all kinds of artistic expression, and I enjoy writing and composing music myself. I’m happy when people share what they’ve created, whether it’s a song, a painting, or anything else they value. I find the deepest meaning in spirituality. I was raised Catholic, and I’m trying to reconcile the Christian view of the world with the scientific and then post-modern mindset I found my self growing up with. I respect and admire all religions and forms of spirituality, and I try to learn as much as I can from what other people believe and teach me. I aim to build genuine connections, based on lightness and respect.