Livia Formisani
Based in Luxembourg City, Livia follows invisible threads looking for stories that help her grow as a person, hoping to inspire readers along the way. A carry-on suitcase and a couple of books are her constant companions on her countless adventures.
You write about a variety of subjects for amexessentials.com. What most inspires you about your subjects?
I’m constantly trying to improve myself, so I look at the dynamics behind quality and true passion in everything I write about. I’m always amazed at the thought processes and the mindsets of artists and passionate professionals – there’s a lot to learn, and I feel very privileged to talk to them.
What kind of details do you look for?
Every single little one. They often lead me to profound insights. I usually have to put a stop to the degree of detail I look into, or I’d never get anything done.
What’s the most unusual thing you’ve covered?
ESO’s Very Large Telescope in the Atacama Desert, Chile. Few journalists are allowed to visit the world’s most advanced optical telescope; it was an incredible experience.
What’s the next big thing?
Virtual reality. It’s just a matter of time before it will open our minds to other worlds and completely different social dynamics. I’m sure this endless realm of possibilities will inspire us in completely new ways; I recently sat in ‘space’ while looking at the earth from above. It was beautiful.
What social media channel inspires you most and why?
Reddit. It has a much higher degree of anonymity than any other network, therefore contributors express themselves more freely. It’s rather like the internet at its origins, so there’s a nostalgic element to it, too. And if I’ve had a bad day, the r/aww subreddit never fails to put me in a good mood.
What website do you check first every day?
Reddit. It has everything: news, trends, tips and even baby elephants! It’s a good way to ease into the day.
How do you relax?
By immersing myself in a great story. It could be a long feature, a novel or a film. Any story that captures my attention so much that I lose focus of everything else, even my own body. It may sound weird, but I’ve found it to be the only way to escape the ever-present to-do list in my head.
Film or TV?
Film and a few high-quality TV series. I own a TV exclusively for on-demand streaming services like Netflix.
Books or ebooks?
I really tried to switch to ebooks, but I love the feeling of turning pages by hand. Storage-wise it’s a continuous struggle: I had to devise my own ordering system.
Wine or beer?
Wine. I’ve lived in countries famous for their beer production such as Belgium and Germany, but if you ask me, nothing beats a glass of Pouilly-Fumé.
Street food or fine dining?
I love the atmosphere of fine dining, but its level of sophistication often feels unnatural. I’d rather eat a traditional homemade meal from a street food truck. It has history and is the outcome of an expertise that might one day be lost forever.
Favourite place?
Kyoto, Japan. I spent about a month there, and I still didn’t make it to visit all its sights. It’s the perfect mix of tradition and modernity in a bike-able size, with great food, lots of greenery and a few mysterious sides.
Your secret travel tip?
Staying with locals. Over the years I’ve discovered incredible sights thanks to hosts all over the world.
Your three travel essentials?
My smartphone to look up and note ideas and inspirations, a novel for unwinding, and a scented lip balm for immediate comfort.
Your essential luxury?
An exotic body wash. I always pick them up when travelling, and I have a rather large collection, so I can choose the most appropriate depending on the mood I intend to create. But, being environmentally conscious, I use them in small quantities while taking short showers.
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