Living the Dream with Tuscany Easy Travel
“Meet Marradi” … the people, the town, and the spirit of a special village in Italy. This is the place where I live, work, and play.
When I am asked about my story and how I arrived in this small town of Marradi, Italy. My response is always, “Marradi found me!” There is no other way to put it into words. My goal in this blog is to give you an idea of how truly lucky I am to be part of this community; not only because of the people, but also because of the beautiful area, and a way of life I have fully embraced and can not imagine life anywhere else. 
Let me introduce you to Beppe and Andrea, owners of a local fruit and vegetable market.
Even though supermarkets have become the most common source of supplies, a small vegetable store in Marradi remains popular with the town’s residents. There are many reasons for the appeal. Not only does the store provide reliable quality and competitive prices for fresh produce, but Beppe and Andrea are there! This father and son team has been working side by side for many years.
This family-owned business has been a part of the Marradi business district since 1890. Needless to say, Beppe and Andrea strive to form long-term relationships with their customers, and there is no mistaking that they have accomplished that goal.
My friend Ellen, whom you met in a previous “Meet Marradi,” told a great story that Beppe once shared with her. One day, she went into the store to order a kilo of vegetables. Without hesitation Beppe grabbed the vegetables and put them on the scale — and they weighed exactly one kilo! Ellen said, “That’s amazing Beppe, you know exactly how much a kilo is!” He explained that when he was four or five years old, he was given a small scale, a gift from his grandparents, the first owners of the store. From that point forward, he continued, he would weigh fruits and vegetables … accurately. He continues with his uncanny expertise, 70-plus years later. Needless to say, he is a master of knowing the weight of any given fruit or vegetable.
I personally can think of many reasons, beyond the wonderful fresh fruit and vegetables of the season at the antique vegetable shop, why I always enjoy shopping there. I remember my first days in Marradi, I stumbled upon this little family-owned shop. Just inside the door were crates of wonderful-looking fruits and vegetables, all lined up so neatly and nicely. I saw Beppe — and with a wide smile, he said to me “Dimmi cara.” (“Tell me dear.”). I was so nervous to be put on the spot. I had been watching my favorite Italian cooking shows, trying to learn the Italian words for various fruits and vegetables, but I was far from fluent in my pronunciation. So, I just pointed at the things I wanted, and smiled. Beppe and Andrea helped to put me at ease as I started on my path to feeling comfortable in my new Italian life adventure, even if it was just pointing and shaking my head “yes”!
Since then, Beppe, Andrea and I have numerous conversations and I can now ask for my fruits and vegetables in Italian. It seems like such a long time ago that I had my first taste of the wonderful produce of this quaint family-owned shop. I will never forget the kindness and patience. The smile and “Dimmi cara” of Beppe is one of the many beautiful reasons why I have become part of, and am happy to call Marradi “home.” And all those small gestures made by the many residents of this friendly, joy-filled community, well let me tell you, each one went a long way to making me feel very, very welcome.
