At least once each year I travel to our various factories in Europe. Sure, it sounds exciting and romantic, but I hate to say it – after a while it becomes routine, repetitive and I would really like to be home in my own bed. My current trip has been especially important since 2010 was such a difficult year and our commitment to Terrecotte San Rocco requires a much higher level of involvement and communication with them than ever before.
As always, I flew to Rome and stayed at my usual hotel for a day and a half to recover before driving three hours north to Siena. During my recovery I like to head straight to the Jewish Ghetto to a little restaurant called Sora Margherita (Daisy or Eye of the Day in English). Their logo is a simple flower created with lights. Though the handmade pasta is over the top, it’s the olive oil-fried artichokes that keep me coming back.
It was a great pleasure driving four hours over the Apennine Mountains from Florence to Vicenza to meet with the owner of our stone factory to pick up a special-order fountain top for a customer. We made it there through driving snow, but had to stop in Bologna on our way back to wait out the storm. We spent a day and a half with our partner in Athens arguing with the shipper. If anyone wants to ship from Greece, we’ll tell you who NOT to ship with.
Coming home will be wonderful! We’re ready to meet the workload and on-coming Spring at Eye of the Day.
Brent
I really like your candidness about your day to day problems of traveling and dealing with vendors. This makes your writing interesting to read. And reflects well on your dedication to your business.