Buonjiorno Itialia

Recently I had the pleasure of jet-setting off to Italy to work with a company that has taken on the Final Touch Paint Repair System.

What an experience. My first trip to Europe and I really didn't know what to expect but it was a fantastic time. The Italians that I worked with were as passionate as I'd been prepared to expect and they had a genuine desire to ensure that they got the best results from the Final Touch (chip-fix as they called it) system. The standard set by the team was nothing short of excellence and they would ensure they didn't sign off until it was done properly.

This company http://www.daddario.it/ is pretty big with multiple dealerships, a massive staff and this big workshop near Taranto with something like 800 vehicles a month processed for sale handling everything from paint and panel, mechanical, interior and glass repairs, Final Touch and smart repairs through to valet and pre-delivery. Their paint prep area had 10 preparation bays and a spray booth that can paint three cars at a time. These guys are busy.

Aleaea and Angelo, our two new Final Touch expert technicians with a couple of Fiat's. I've never seen so many Fiats...

The region we were in was pretty coastal and ironically we travelled to the other side of the world to stay at a hotel called "Eden Park Hotel". I was fortunate enough to be welcomed as a football star amongst the locals as Mr Daddario also owns the local football team. I was pretty quick to dispel the myth unless they tried to entice me to kick a ball or something and found me out. Must say I was pretty chuffed by the suggestion however. Beckham eat your heart out.

Eden Park Hotel

Italian food is as we all know, delicious, the local Primetivo wine is superb (and surprisingly cheap @ about $4 Euro for a bottle) and although the locals are very welcoming and friendly they don't speak a lot of English. It helps to know someone in the area that can speak both languages as no matter how many times one might repaeat himself in english, the other guy won't gain extra understanding. The reverse is also true.

Rome, just before getting lost

I could go on more about the trip, Taranto at night, the effects of too much local wine and Limoncello, long long working days, Personal Drivers/bodyguards and interesting trips home as well as getting lost in Rome during a late afternoon walk about. It is best to say however that I hope that I get to go back some time, it was experience that i never thought I'd have this year and I'm very thankful for the opportunity. Viva Italia