My hidden family

CYNTHIA

My suitcase is ready, I normally haven’t forgotten anything for my three-day trip to Italy.

Being in summer, I took a small suitcase because shoes take up less space than leather boots!

I arrive at the office at eight o’clock. I have always been a morning person.

My job is to pester others, I am the “troublemaker”. For the purposes of my job, I have to audit a supplier in Italy.

My plane takes off at the end of the morning, which allows me to check my emails and prepare my laptop and media for the audit.

The supplier kindly offered to book me the hotel as well as the airport-hotel transportation. This was a real relief for me, I must admit.

I know Italy a little bit because I went there once on a school trip.

I have to land at the airport near Rome and then it’s at least an hour drive south.

The whole day went smoothly. The flight was on time, the driver in charge of taking me to my hotel was clearly visible. He was waiting for me with a sign with my name on it at the baggage claim. Zero stress, it’s really perfect!

During the journey, I see the landscapes passing under my eyes. Italy is really beautiful! How I wish I could speak Italian.

I forgot to tell you that I have Italian origins but they are absolutely not visible! I’m blonde, pale and not very shapely. My paternal grandmother was pure Italian but all the Italian genes have dissipated over time...

My family history is a bit or very complicated. I know I must have family in Italy but I would have to do some research and the language barrier doesn’t help.

The driver has been driving for a good hour now when we finally arrive in a city. The architecture of the city reminds me of Rome. The buildings are old and bright, there are narrow streets, terraces in the cafes, Fiat 500 and Vespas. I know it’s a cliché but that’s what I see!

The car stops in front of a beautiful hotel. I’m not sure I have the right clothes for this type of establishment.

“Siamo arrivati bella signora. Verrò a prenderti domani alle 8:30.”

What?!!!

“Oh wait, I did not understand everything” not to say that I did not understand anything in fact!

" Hum.... Wait a minute... ”

I turn on my phone and while I’m looking for my app for voice translation, I ask him:

“Puede repetar?”

The driver looks at me strangely. “Ah shit it’s Spanish” I say out loud.

“une momento per favor...”

That’s it, my app is open and functional. Now he would have to repeat what he told me so I make big gestures with my arms and hands to ask him to repeat.

Fortunately, he understands and the application translates it all into French for me. I must have looked like a crazy person with my gestures!

I get out of the car and walk up the few steps to the stoop knowing that an employee of the hotel will take care of my suitcase.

The room that has been reserved is very spacious. Shades of beige are present everywhere and enhance the old character of the room.

Knowing that it is still early, I freshen up by taking a quick shower and put on a light navy blue slit dress. I really like the “light” side of this dress.

Wanting to have a drink, I head to the hotel reception. Well, I’ll try the French, it will be safer and easier!

“Bonjour...”

I wait for one of the 3 people present at the reception to answer in French preferably!

“Bonjour signora”, one of the employees answers me with a beautiful smile.

“I would like to have a drink outside. What do you recommend?”

He thinks for a few seconds, maybe he is looking for his words in French...

He takes out a map of the city and he circles two places that for him are nice “amichevole”.

I look at him with a frown

“Sympathetic” he answers me. Ah yes, I would have said “simpatico” but apparently not!

I thank him and leave with my plan.