Stayed in India

But one meeting (and this is not our first) with the beautiful couple,and you know there’s so much more to them than most working foreigners,especially at embassies. For starters,they’ve been to the Breach Candy Club—possibly the only place that most fussy expats finds solace in Mumbai at—only three times in their eight months here. “We prefer to meet and make friends with the people of the place,otherwise this is a wasted opportunity,” says Elisabetta,41,and a former lawyer.

The Cutillos genuinely love India,so much so that they requested to be moved here. They’ve even read all of Khushwant Singh’s books. “I think he deserves a Nobel for literature,” says Giampaolo,39,in all seriousness. “He’s very accurate historically,witty and original,and a very cultivated man,” he adds,before expressing his desire to meet the journalist-writer. “Delhi is a fantastic book.”

Before India,the couple has been posted in Islamabad,Pakistan,and Caracas,Venezuela. “When we were sent to Pakistan in 2001 from Venezuela,we were very excited as we didn’t know much about this part of the world,” says Elisabetta. “Our daughter,Eloisa,was,of course,born in Rome but we took her back to Islamabad when she was 20 days old. And Chinasky (their silver-haired Alaskan Husky) has been with us since Venezuela.”

Pakistan and the rest of the subcontinent (they travelled to India a few times before they moved here,including a month in Rajasthan) impressed them with its culture,food,people and possibilities of travel. “India has the Himalayas as well as the beautiful coastlines of the south,” says Giampaolo,of their extensive travels in the country. They’ve just returned from Lakshadweep and Elisabetta can’t contain the gush,while visits to Ladakh and Varanasi are awaited.

“India is especially wonderful because it shares many commonalities with Italy. But the fact that Italy is much loved by Indians makes us very proud,” Giampaolo adds. His agenda isn’t just about promoting Indo-Italian commerce and hosting government relations,but also cultural efforts. “Anything that has to do with the Italian way of life; whether it’s Renaissance paintings,a food event or a fashion show. I believe that Italy is a cultural superpower.”

For the moment,they have settled into Mumbai life very quickly. Their duplex Breach Candy home is filled with antique rugs,silver curiosities,and ceramic plates,which share wall-space with Byzantine-style Renaissance reproductions. “If one isn’t careful in Mumbai,one can be going out almost every night,” laughs Giampaolo. While Italian food and fashion is easily available here,the Cutillos prefer to stock up their extra virgin olive oils,pomodoro sauces and Prada goodies from home. “We love Indian food,and eating out is usually at Indian restaurants. And I love Indian shoes; look at the beads on this pair,” says Elisabetta showing off her foot.

BEEN THERE,DONE THAT
Amritsar,Punjab
Mandawa,Rajasthan
Jaisalmer,Rajasthan
Lakshadweep
Old Goa