People from our Past

Some people that we meet are friends for life, others are mere acquaintances that we may know through work, family or friends of friends then sometimes we meet people that come into our lives for some reason, make an impact somehow or other then disappear as quickly as they come.

My first job after working for myself was for a design oriented retail company in conjunction with an Italian company to establish a commercial division. I had known the Franchisee of the operation for many years and quite a few of the staff as they had been a client so the transition to this new position was not awkward or stressful. The Italian company had a representative working out of Australia looking after Oceania; Paolo was in Italy when were going through the discussion stage for the position but was there for training on my first day.

He was the typical good looking talkative late thirties guy who everyone loved (and all of the females swooned over). He came from Northern Italy and as English was not his native tongue we got stuck on a few words especially technical ones which usually ended in a laugh after asking others who might know the translation. We went to see clients together; trade exhibitions and plenty of coffees were shared. I was amused when someone asked if I was his wife one day while we were out on business, not sure if he was, seeing I was considerably older than him but being the worldly European guy he would quite often put his hand on my shoulder or grab my hand in a crowd to avoid losing each other. He had a doctorate in Marketing, read the most interesting books and had different views to anyone I had every met before. Living in Australia for him was an experience not a lifelong destination, something we all knew. He made many friends while he was in Australia from all over the world as he soaked up people and cultures like a sponge. His interest in others was genuine, thoughtful and emotional. Our most interesting project together in conjunction with the Italian factory was the design and supply of product for the Beijing Olympics. Nothing was ever daunting nor difficult for him; he just found ways around obstacles.

When I left my position he was still looking after the Oceania market but not long after this he was transferred to China looking after Asia. China and Facebook don’t see eye to eye so he could only post when he was travelling but this at least meant that we knew all was well with him and we could keep in contact sporadically. His goal was to look after the South American market based in Brazil (he was intrigued by the culture and most defiantly the woman). I always knew he would end up there as his concentration on his goals never wavered like no one else I had ever met before; it was always going to happen, the only question was when.

In January last year I emailed him as I could see he wasn’t in China and he had mentioned coming to Australia for a visit, I hoping we could catch up for a coffee but unfortunately he was in Italy as his Father had passed away suddenly. I had not heard him like this before, full of grief, maybe that he had spent so many years overseas and had not spent enough time with his father, although I can be sure of this.

Last year seemed to pass very quickly for me then one day I noticed him posting on Face book again but this time from Brazil – he had made it! The majority of his posts are in Italian so sometimes I have problems deciphering them but I know he is doing well and sounds happy.

Paolo has taught me so much just from him being himself. I miss our discussions, his views and the coffee; Italians always seek out the best coffee! Maybe he will stay in Brazil or maybe he won’t but one thing I know he touches lives where ever he goes and I’m sure is forgotten by few.

Paolo

A passion Coffee