Monica was born in Sanremo ...forty something years ago and grew up in a very international environment. After a University Degree in Law and a Diploma in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) she worked for different companies in the UK, Malta, Europe and the Emirates as a freelance consultant specialising in negotiations and common law. Tourism had always been one of her interests and so she qualified as a Tour Guide in Liguria and Guide Conferencier in France. Although she found working in three languages challenging at times, it was incredibly stimulating and interesting.

Monica is based in Apricale living in her family home where together with her mother they run a small Bed & Breakfast and are able to show their guests the beauty and the blessings of the Riviera. She is divorced but still positive that the right man will... "come up at the right moment." she says.

We asked Monica our famous 5 little questions and this is how she replied:

1) What makes you smile?

Waking up every morning realising how much support I get from my family, my friends and the lovely land where I live and even if sometimes life is tough and I believe I'm not very lucky... I know that's not true because I am very lucky!

2) What or who inspires you?

The memory of my grandmother inspires me everyday: she died a long time ago but I remember her very well. Coming from a very poor and humble family, she lost her father when she was a little girl and had no opportunities of going to school, to study, to travel and to do all the things that today are normal for me. She did the best she could every moment of her life transforming herself into an elegant, funny, sweet lady who loved football, books, socialising and cooking.  Against all odds.

3) Do you believe in gut instincts? 

I think so. It is not an insurance against making mistakes but I think that we all have this ability if we calm down and listen to our inner soul. It's not easy but yes I do believe in gut instincts.

4) Your three essential things if you were stuck on a dessert island would be what?

A box full of my favourite books, sun screen, my pillow.

5) If you are planning a day/night out, what do you enjoy doing the most?

A day out in summer definitely, a lovely beach with friends or my mother. Swimming and sunbathing.  If it's winter, I enjoy going to see a new exhibition maybe in Nice or in the surrounding area or going skiing: cross country ski is beautiful, challenging and you are in contact with nature. At night I enjoy a lovely dinner with friends - at home or at the a local restaurant it doesn't matter but... not forgetting a good bottle of wine.

Monica Buscaglia - Apricale