'A journey I call life'
Anna Paola Cedrini is an Italian language teacher based in Premià de Mar, specialised in tailor-made and in-company courses which are task-oriented and communication based. Anna is also the founder of ItaliandiAmo, a language trips business offering unique experiences in Italy. Here’s her story.
“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears”, Rumi
When I look back at the surprising journey I’ve been on for these last twenty years, I can’t be grateful enough for the people I’ve met, the things I’ve done and the experiences I’ve lived through. Moving countries and getting familiar with unexpected challenges have functioned as catalysts for my natural curiosity and openness to new experiences. That’s why I consider change not only inevitable but very valuable.
At university I chose foreign languages, even though my heart has always beaten for psychology, to learn about different cultures and eventually find a job to travel the world.
When I finished studying all I wanted was to leave my town under the Tuscan sun and have children. Unfortunately at that time I had neither a serious relationship nor any job offers to work abroad. Nevertheless, before I knew it, I was deeply in love, living in a different city and happily pregnant with my first son.
I was living my dream, which came with a certain dose of unsettlement and loneliness. Moving houses and countries, learning new languages, becoming the mum for three wonderful children, raising them abroad and adapting my professional life to different styles and needs has certainly been a challenging privilege.
No doubt dancing is difficult when the music changes and I learned it the hard way setting up my language training and travel business in the Netherlands and then reframing it when my family life brought me to Barcelona. I’ve experienced doubts, money loss and failure but it hasn’t stopped me being a passionate “teacherpreneur” focused on effective and meaningful learning.
In my job and my personal life, people, with their needs, fears and desires, always come first. Moreover, designing a tailor-made Italian training or a learning experience in Italy, my energy is funnelled into the uniqueness of my clients, my partners and my service.
We are all unique, but we can’t be ourselves without others. That’s why the people I connect with professionally and personally help me in shifting my mindset and building a life I love.
When I was younger, I wanted to get a job to travel the world but I’ve been building a profession which allows me to teach my language and culture and disclose the many beauties of my country instead.
I believe in the power of attraction, kindness, and positive psychology. My centre of attention are people and how to build meaningful relationships with them, I help my students overcome their blocks when it comes to language learning so that they can enjoy the best communicating experience.
I’m a very curious human being who is often looking forward to the next training, the next language trip and the next chapter of my life. Nevertheless, at this point of my journey I feel an urge to slow down a bit to live the present and the unexpected. Thanks to each of the many changes I’ve been experiencing, I’m making significant progress in my personal and professional life.
Becoming the proud mum of three children I wanted so badly, meeting lovely human beings, getting to know and appreciate different cultures, making long-lasting connections and having a clear vision of my values have made me grow into a better version of myself I’m fond of. I’ve always wanted to live by the sea, to which I feel an instinct and deep link, and living in Maresme and feeling the power and the beauty of nature is a true gift of life. The best is yet to come!
Quick Fire Questions
Fave restaurant in Maresme?
I really loved ‘La Ona’ on Premia de Mar beach. With its great food, fair prices and superb location was out to go address for any occasion, and the first place where we had a ‘boccadillo’ when we visited our house. Unfortunately, due to the restrictions of the ‘ley de costa’, it was torn down a few years ago. I’ll stay local, and very close to the sea, an say my current favourite spot is Cal Tito on the upper floor of Club Nautico in Premia de Mar, for its delicious fresh fish and seafood. Being a well-known and not so big restaurant, reservation is essential at the weekend, especially if you want a table with sea view on the panoramic terrace.Best weekend activity in Maresme?
All year round and with any weather conditions, my vote goes to the beach. Whether is swimming or walking season, morning and then breakfast or afternoon followed by drinks, the marvellous Maresme beaches appeal my body and nurture my soul, leaving my mind refreshed, relaxed and ready for a new week!Friendliest shop in Maresme?
‘Peluqueria Ecologica Naturalment’ in Premia de Mar is much more than a hairdresser salon. The owner Ginesa and her ladies’ team foster self-care, meaningful relationships and community support. A feast for the eye and the heart not to be missed if you want to feel beautiful insideoutWhat would surprise people the most when they come to Maresme?
We chose Maresme, or better said Maresme chose us, for its proximity to the sea and easy access to Barcelona. Seven years down the road, I’m still amazed by the breathtaking beauty and accessibility of its nature. Moreover, I’ve grown fond of the richness of traditions and history treasured by each village in Maresme. There are so many things to do and see here that some days I need to remind myself that Barcelona is just round the corner if I ever wanted to go into the city.
To know more about her services, contact Anna via email at annapaola.cerdini@gmail.com
Read more of our stories of those living in Maresme