Lovers

While I was walking through the Piazza San Marco, I was approached by a fast talking Italian.

“Signorina, signorina! Are you going to Murano Island?”

I was startled. “Why?”

“How would you like to take a free vaporetto to the Island?”

“Free?  What’s the catch?”

“Catch?  Non capisco che la parola.”

As a tourist, I’m always a little suspicious when I’m approached. Especially by fast talking salesmen. Thinking he may be the distraction, I look around to see if there was a second guy working with him, trying to pick my pockets.  No.  He was alone, holding brochures and tickets.

Seemed innocent enough, but I was a little concerned I was going to be kidnapped.  And if so, who would know?  Kidnapped in Venice?  I guess there are worse places to be, but still an uncomfortable thought.

“Our Chamber of Commerce has hired men to walk around the Piazza, inviting tourists to travel free of charge to the showroom on Murano Island.”

“Why would they offer free vaporetto service during the height of the tourist season?”

“Venetian glass has been made on Murano since the 13^th century. Unfortunately there has been an explosion of imitations being sold on the cheap in Venice. The quality isn’t the same and as a result, Murano is losing business to unknowing tourists who purchase these disgraceful replicas for less money.”

I shook my head.  "How terrible."

He accompanied me to the vaporetto and with an outstretched hand gave me a ticket to board the water taxi.

Because of the fraudulent duplications, photographs are not allowed in the showroom.  It would be like giving a robber the keys to the vault. But, there was a work of art I had hoped to buy.  One of my clients has a statue called Lovers on her baby grand piano.  I have admired it for years and hoped to have one like it on my piano one day.

They say timing is everything and it was certainly true in this case.  The grand showroom displays enormous chandeliers in every color you can imagine, fountains, stemware, bowls, and hundreds of one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass art.  As I made my way through all the various rooms looking at these beautiful items, I found it~The statue of Lovers.

“What is the price,” I asked the salesman.

“1500 Euro."

I gasped.

"And signed by the artist.  Unfortunately this is the last one;  it was just purchased moments ago.  Would you like to order one?”

I was concerned about ordering a piece of art sight unseen.  This statue was elegant and delicate. Two bodies intertwined in an embrace.  Absolutely lovely. 

 I left the showroom disappointed.  I had traveled so many miles to finally bring this treasure home.  For me, it was an artistic reminder that I shouldn't give up on love. That love is real and one day I will have true love in my life. I didn’t know if the corporate pilot would be the one…but, in my heart I knew my beshert would capture my heart and a love story would begin, culminating in a happy ending once and for all.

Most tourists visit the showroom and then leave but since I was already on Murano, I decided to stay for awhile and explore.  I walked around the tiny island, purchased some gifts in little shops for friends and family. I saw some unusual glass objects in various courtyards on the island...an outdoor showroom of sorts.

            Two months after I returned home, FedEx rang my door bell and had me sign for a package.

                                                             Inside was a note:

Before I flew my boss and his family back to the US, I wanted you to have something to remind you of me.  Perhaps this will be us one day soon. 

It could only be one thing. Carefully I dismantled the packaging, pulled out the Styrofoam and there it was!      

                                                  Lovers                                         

              He was the one who bought the last piece of glass art.  I couldn’t help but smile...and wonder.