Romolo Ranieri - Prada Challenge, Italy

	Romolo Ranieri, grinder and 'official cartoonist' for Italy's Prada syndicate.

As he did for the 1999-2000 Regatta, Romolo again has a job as a grinder in Prada’s sailing team.

Aside from his sailing role, he’s regarded as the Italian syndicate’s official cartoonist. Romolo also has a special interest in rugby union, having played it for Parma FC in his home country.

Q: What activities do you enjoy while you’re in New Zealand?

A: We don’t have too much time off, but when we do I like to drive and I like to go fly-fishing. I’ve been able to make quick trips to do that near Murupara (on the East Coast of the North Island) and I’ve also been to Taupo and Turangi.

For me it is great to be able to enjoy the landscape here and to walk in the bush. Fishing and hiking – that’s what I like to do. I also like going for bike rides.

When I was first here in 1998 I also tried surfing, but I ended up drinking too much water!

Q: What do you enjoy about living here?

A: The nicest thing about being away from Italy is that people are very, very friendly here. Everyone I meet is like that. They are always looking to help in some way, which is wonderful.

People don’t seem to be stressed in New Zealand either. Whenever I return to Italy, I immediately notice how stressed everyone is at home.

I also like the mountains, the countryside and nature here. You can go to places and there is every possibility that you will be on your own. There are just too many people in Italy, something like 60 million, for that to happen.

Q: What tourist attractions and activities have you taken in here?

A: In Auckland, I have been to Kelly Tarlton’s, the Auckland War Memorial Museum and to the Museum of Transport and Technology as well as the theatre.

Outside Auckland, I have visited Rotorua – where I had a sky dive – and Taupo. My wish, though, is to go to the South Island.

Q: What are the big differences you notice about life here?

A: There doesn’t seem to be the need here for people to have status symbols, like very expensive cars and so on. People in New Zealand aren’t as passionate about these things as they are in Italy and this is nice.

I also notice that people aren’t rushing all the time like they are at home.

Another thing I notice is the architecture. It’s so different from home. Italy and Parma are very old with lots of history in comparison to New Zealand.

Q: What would you rate as your favourite holiday destinations in New Zealand?

A: That would be the South island. I look forward to going there after the racing, because I have been told there are so many good hiking possibilities and fly-fishing spots.