We love this part of Behind the Books! Here we let you in on ten little-known facts about Felice Arena. Enjoy!
1. 'Felice' is the Italian word for 'happy'. The English/Latin version of my name is Felix.
2. I once had coffee with Hollywood movie legend Sophia Loren – in her house!
3. I taught art for one year as an emergency primary-school teacher.
4. I was once an exchange student in northern California. Most of my American friends there didn’t know much about Australia back then, except for Paul Hogan’s “Throw a shrimp on the barbie!” TV ads and Mel Gibson’s Mad Max films.
5. I have a huge fear of swooping magpies in September. And also of the football team!
6. As a teenager I was a competitive swimmer. At 13 I broke the state record for 50m Butterfly after training in a farming irrigation channel for an entire summer.
7. Whenever I go out for gelato I always order the same flavours – chocolate and lemon (yes, together!).
8. I have a sister 19 years younger than me.
9. I love the Swiss Alps. I think I must have been a mountain goat or a Von Trapp child in a former life.
10. I like to sprinkle icing sugar and salt on my popcorn. You should try it! Sweet and savoury – a killer combination!
