“Discesa a Malebolge. Il fascino del male”: il 5 marzo alle 18 alla libreria Galla 1880 Antonio Di Lorenzo dialoga.
A Journey into the Souls of “I Campanioli”
Campania After Hours – A Journey into the Souls of “I Campanioli” My third and final article in the three-part Culture Campania series, not only pays homage to the extraordinary experiences I shared with a group of Campanioli, but acts as an in-depth exploration of who they are — the people, the culture, and the essence that’s alive in this rich region. This article takes you on a journey of humanity, discovering a deeper understanding of the people of Campania — an experience that is as giving as travel can be. One of the most important lessons we can learn as travelers is how we see fragments of ourselves reflected in different people, across different cultures. This is the essence of interconnection. I have always had friends from the region and spent time with them, but being with this group offered a different experience altogether. From the sage to the dyslexic boy turned Buddhist man with a dream, the tour guide in ancient Pompeii, the cultural heritage lawyer, and the coffee shop owner who lives between two worlds — each person I met provided a unique perspective- a unique lived experience. Their stories are enticing, leaving you more curious about the land, the culture, and the people who shape it than ever before. This reminded me of Dr. Ancel Keys’ experience years ago when he was in Campania. It wasn’t just the energy of the region — it was the energy of the people themselves. There is something ancient, mystical, and alluring about them. It draws you in- revealing the many dimensions of their existence that prompt introspection into different parts of yourself. That was the experience I had with these extraordinary people, the experience I wish to convey to you. After the official Italea conference, I gathered with the Italian delegation for espresso. I was invited by Mrs. Rosanna Romano, the Director of Culture and Tourism at the Campania Region and keeper of ancestral wisdom, along with Mr. Ciro Adinolfi, Manager of Culture and Tourism at the Region of Campania. Ciro, known as the sage, shared his knowledge of Iranian poetry and the elegance of fashion, adding yet another layer to our exploration of culture, craftsmanship, and artistry. Roberto Lauro, founder and owner of Sorrento Luxury Yacht Experiences shared stories about the diverse guests he has hosted — from celebrities like Michael Jordan to travelers seeking intimate encounters with Campania’s landscape and culture. Yet beyond the luxury and elegance of yachts and excursions, Roberto was candid about his own life, revealing a deep connection to the land and its people, and the ways these interactions shape his understanding of humanity and hospitality. In an in-depth exclusive with La Media New York he shares with me, “I was born in Sorrento, in a place where the sea is not just a landscape — it’s part of your soul. As a child, I used to draw boats. I didn’t know exactly what my future would be, but I knew that somehow my life would always be connected to the sea. Growing up in the Sorrento Peninsula means living surrounded by beauty: Capri on the horizon, the Amalfi Coast just around the corner, and centuries of history everywhere you look. At some point, I realized something important: people travel from all over the world to experience this magic. I felt that my mission could be to help them discover it in the most authentic and unforgettable way. Sorrento Luxury Charter was born from a dream: to create experiences, not just boat rentals. For me, a yacht is not simply a boat. It’s a gateway to emotions — from hidden coves, to sunsets over Capri, to the silence of the Mediterranean sea. We built the company step by step, with passion and dedication, always focusing on one idea: sharing emotions. That’s why our philosophy is “Share the Emotion.” Today, we organize luxury yacht experiences, concierge services, private tours, and unique moments that allow travelers to truly connect with this extraordinary part of Italy. I believe tourism should create value not only for visitors, but also for the community. My dream is to help build a system where local businesses, artisans, captains, chefs, and guides all grow together. The Sorrento Peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but beauty must be protected and organized with intelligence. This is why I’m also working on projects related to hospitality, nautical infrastructure, training academies, and initiatives that support the local economy. For me, it’s about building something that lasts — something that future generations can be proud of. I want travelers to feel something that is difficult to describe with words. When you arrive in Sorrento, you don’t just visit a destination — you enter a lifestyle. The colors, the flavors, the warmth of the people, the smell of lemons and the sea… it’s an emotion. If at the end of the day they say, “This was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life,” then we have achieved our mission. Roberto is the dyslexic boy turned Buddhist man that had a dream. Through Sorrento Luxury Yacht, his dream is alive. These conversations around philosophy, Buddhism, and religion revealed the heart and soul of the region — the same depth that makes Neapolitan music extraordinary, with its poetry, lyrics, and celebration of life and love. Music became a bridge that connected the evening, from dialogue to lived experience, culminating in dinner and dancing at Executive Chef Pasquale Cozzolino’s infamous Neapolitan restaurant, Ribalta. At Ribalta, I sat with Anna Giusti, an international lawyer specializing in cultural heritage. She and her partner Fernando Scialla shared with me the vision behind the luxury concierge business, 5DiamondExperience. Their dedication to creating immersive, personalized experiences illuminated how expertise, passion, and a deep connection to the territory can transform travel into something truly unforgettable. “5DiamondExperience is