My wife and I were on our 25th wedding anniversary trip in Florence, Italy. We were eating brunch at an outdoor café. A gentleman sitting at the next table engaged us in conversation. Raphael is originally from Florence, and his family has been in the leather tanning business for many years. He is a designer and his boutique is just around the corner. He goes on and on telling us about his family’s history, how he used to play in the piazza when he was a small boy. Raphael would be honored if we would come with him to see his shop. Raphael is a gregarious, funny guy, and it is difficult to resist his charm.
We get the feeling that we’re not the first American couple Raphael has befriended at that ristorante. But, hey, we’re in Florence, and when in Florence…
Raphael knows what he’s doing. He isn’t just selling leather coats; he’s creating an event, an experience. We not only walk out with two jackets, which we still wear three years later, we walk out with a fond memory. And pictures. Raphael insists we pose for photographs in front of his store. Oh yeah, he also gave us a bottle of wine for our anniversary. Thanks, Raphael.
