Friendly Foreign Encounters: Venice, Itlay
People watching and conversing with strangers is a favorite pass time. There is no judgement being held towards you/them and there is a probably you’ll never encounter them again. For a moment, you get to extract life intel from a completely different world, and often the energy exchange leaves joys and gratitude. I find these moments occur frequently with me in Los Angeles so, I am no stranger to others warming up to me when I travel. I have some much curiosity for people who very original, especially those oblivious to first world problems.
While in Venice, we were recommended a local restaurant Osteria da Fiore, we had a wonderful presentation the night before at Gio’s at the St. Regis so we looking forward to another culinary adventure. Tucked in through a small treat, the restaurant felt like Gio Ponti cabin, decked with sultry wood paneled walls…who wouldn’t want to get drunk here. We spent a few hours exchanging stories and experiences over delicious food and wine. Three ladies and Pietro, who would occasionally treat us to more wine, and something on the house. I feel he appreciated our genuine interest in him and didn’t want us to leave. If we didn’t have to work, we probably have stayed longer. I would say Europeans and Latinos are similar in this regard, a good dinner or lunch lasts hours because it also entails good conversation. In North America, gringos say “time is money” so going beyond the business conversation is dreadful.
It’s not always about the money for me, I am rich that way.
Our lovely waiter Piertro in Venice, Italy, 2024 photographed by Cole Moser.
Osteria da Fiore
Osteria da Fiore
Osteria da Fiore
Osteria da Fiore
Osteria da Fiore
Gio's at St. Regis Venice