February 8, 2009
Luca Marchio: Real traveler or naive tourist?
A while back I asked what it meant to be well-traveled. Here's a story about a pretty unique traveler: unique because he wants to see the entire world, including Iraq.
“I explained to him that it was not safe to move around,” said Renato Di Porcia, the deputy chief of mission at the Italian Embassy in Baghdad. “He is a little bit naïve.”
Can we call someone naive if they are able to get a 10-day Iraqi visa, enter northern Iraq, get to Baghdad, then go to Fallujah? And this is on his own - although he did hire a local guide in Baghdad - this guys was traveling solo.
What seems crazy to me is this: "An American marine working with the police suggested taking him to the city limits and dropping him where Falluja met the main highway."
How is abandoning a guy on the side of a road in Iraq going to protect him? Luckily, it seems like they didn't listen to that guy: "On Friday night Mr. Marchio was being held for his own safety, the Iraqi police said. “He will leave with the earliest flight tomorrow morning,” Mr. Di Porcia said."
Anyway, if you're looking for something to do, please read the article and think about whether Luca Marchio is a naive tourist or a savvy traveler and share your thoughts by leaving a comment.
Posted by James Trotta at February 8, 2009 8:57 AM
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Part of me wants to call him naive. You could even make the argument that he endangered his guide, Iraqi police and the Marines who had to see to his safety.
However, I mostly just marvel at his determination and lack of fear. I think his sentiment that "I want to see and understand the reality because I have never been here before, and I think every country in the world must be seen" is admirable. I just hope he continues his quest in a safer manner in the future.
Posted by: Jill at February 8, 2009 11:58 PMEnjoyed the story! Luca might have been a bit unwise in traveling to Iraq, but his ingenuity and persistence are noteworthy. Crossing borders seemed almost too easy. Using public transportation and a local guide indicates to me a savvy traveler, not wanting to draw attention to himself. But, would I go to Iraq - definitely not!
Posted by: Sharon at February 9, 2009 12:12 AM