I also got the message that you should find beauty around you no matter where you are.

I know that poet was based on a real poet, but was Mario based on a real guy as well? I read the poet's biography on wikipedia after watching the movie. It mentioned he went in hiding all over Europe along with Mexico but it didn't mention any speical moments while in Italy. So I was wondering if Mario was also based on a real guy or if he was just added to make the story better..