A trip to Italy teaches a master lesson in how to bring each other value

For our 30th wedding anniversary, my husband, David, and I arranged a trip to Italy. Because the trip fell two weeks after our daughter’s wedding, it was our least planned trip yet. You may be able to tell by my writing that I am a planner. Certainly, I rest well and enjoy down time, but Italy is a destination for walking, touring, and learning, not “down time and rest.” So, I was a little stressed about this “no plan” plan — until day one.

Magically, without a strict schedule, David and I went on last-minute tours, wandered into shops, and talked to people we had not met before. We took our time eating, and we, generally, had fun. I learned a lot, but in a different way than formal tours: I learned by getting to know people.

A few of our encounters:

CREATING MASTERPIECES

In Florence, we stepped into a shop that contained framed art and beautiful woodwork. After five minutes of browsing, we started getting to know a kind, older gentleman (who turned out to be the owner). Before long, we were walking through the “work area” and talking to craftsmen who explained how they created the masterpieces displayed in the showroom. We saw paintings hundreds of years old, and learned about the generations of family who worked in the business.

CUSTOMIZED LEATHER

Next, we visited a leather shop where we spoke with a young man, his father, sister, and mother (all owners of the business). When we asked about colors and sizes, we were told, “Don’t worry, we make it the way you like it.” When I asked how, they showed me the upstairs where, for years, artisans hand-made custom jackets and purses.

IMPRESSIVE POTTERY

One day, we visited a beautiful pottery storefront. After admiring the pieces, we learned from the nice man helping us that his grandma, mother, aunts, brothers, and sisters all make the pieces in the showroom. David and I scheduled time to see how the pieces were made. By getting to know him, we were better able to appreciate all that their family does to create these masterpieces. When I asked about buying one piece, he said, “Well, grandma painted that one, and it sold. However, she will make you another, but you must understand grandma is 82 years old and works when she wants, so I have no idea how long that will take.”

A RESTAURANT ADVENTURE

Toward the end of our trip, I spoke with a gentleman at a restaurant bar who made me a cappuccino. We discussed how he made candles using wine corks. Before long, David and I were in a downstairs room where the gentleman showed us the candleholder. My jaw dropped when I realized I was in the middle of Amphitheater ruins.

PART OF THE PLAN

I love (not loved) Italy. The ancient buildings, the art, the history and, of course, the food, were amazing. On the flight home, I realized what I loved the most was getting to know the families. I felt humbled to be welcomed into their businesses to hear their stories.

I was reminded that if we just slow down and take a moment to get to know people as part of “the plan,” then just maybe we can bring value to each other. I look forward to getting to know you, dear reader, this year. OM

Email: april.jasper@pentavisionmedia.com

Twitter: @DrAprilJasper

Facebook: @OptometricManagement