And not just because of the food (keep reading)...
On our road trip south through Italy, we stopped for lunch and an afternoon in Perugia. In our research, we'd read about Trattoria del Borgo in the New York times.
Three Types of Olive Oil on the Table
There is no replicating al fresco summer eating in Italy. This one hit the mark, big time. When they put three different olive oils on the table with the bread at the start of the meal, I had a good feeling.
Are They Talking About New York?
As we wrapped up our meal, an Italian family seated nearby was engaged in one of those animated Italian conversations. Deciphering a few words within the Italian, it became clear they were speaking about New York City. As we walked past to exit there was a hello, to which I said, "chatting about New York City?"
A Couple Hours Later
The family originates from Sicily
Josef lived in NYC and now is in Rome
Josef's parents have lived in Queens for decades
John Paul, his cousin, is the owner of the stellar restaurant
John Paul's wife is the amazing chef
Their daughter is studying to be an opera singer in Ukraine (she sang for us!)
We enjoyed Grappa & Sambouca from the private restaurant reserve
Paige & Sadie were treated to Josef's favorite dessert (yogurt and chocolate crumble)
The Iconic Wall Street Bull
What came up in conversation was that of the famous stock market bull. Now a fixture, the bull arrived in Wall Street illegally in 1989 off the back of a truck on Broadway (full story on Wikipedia).
Turns out Anthonio (the father in the picture below) was close friends with the artist and helped him drop the bull off at 3:00am in 1989!!!
People over Places
We're determined that our year will ultimately be special because of the people we meet on our journey, moreso than the places on their own. Today's amazing experience spending time with this gracious Italian family is an example of how fulfilling these connections are. Grazie multo!
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