12/08/2024
It is with much sadness that we learned of the passing of Andrea Camaiti who was killed in a motorbike accident in Pievo Santo Stefano over the weekend. Andrea was our bus driver on the 2006 Andiamo Italy tour, and instantly became our favourite Italian. He also set an impossibly high bar that no future bus driver could possibly meet.
Over the past 18 years we were fortunate enough to meet up with Andrea every time one of us or the TES group went to Italy. He would go out of his way to see us, sometimes riding several hours either way on his motorbike to spend a few hours with us. The language barrier did not prevent us from having long, deep, meaningful conversations, and sharing many fun, humorous moments together.
The conversations via text/social media over the years were often hilarious as we were trying to navigate English, Italian and Afrikaans, but certainly became easier - although less funny - as Google Translate and other apps improved. Checking in with each other in times of celebrations as well as grief was a given.
We are so grateful for the many memories we have: following Soccer World Cup matches (esp. watching the 2006 finals in San Gimignano and celebrating through the night); stopping next to the highway in Switzerland for the South Africans' first experience of snow while singing Heidi in 3 different languages; discussing the adventures of Molly the pig for years and - totally unrelated, he assured us - getting to taste his home-made salami and other delicacies; being awe-struck by his ability to manoeuvre a massive bus around the tightest corners; greeting the adults with espressos every time we returned to the bus; teaching him to say good night ("lekker slaap") in Afrikaans and convincing the tour members that he was able to understand them the whole time; and so much more.
TES Adventure Travel has lost a dear, dear friend, and our deepest condolences go out to Romina, Chiara and the rest of Andrea's family and friends.
Your South African 'family' is heartbroken.
Lekker slaap, Andrea !
Estelle Smith Sjaene Van Wyk