The Priest
A lesson in why asking questions leads to opportunities.
Published: 16 september 2024
It all started at the local square. An old man was walking by with his rather interesting way of carrying himself. But that was not what caught my attention. It was the red pipe in his mouth and the cross on his chest. I didn’t have my camera on me but he was too much of a character to not take a photo of. I gently asked the old man if I could take a photo of him with my phone, and to my surprise he was more than willing to do so.
Half way through our conversation, Gerard kindly invited me to visit his church in the mountains, Olmi-Cappella.
Three days later I found myself in his car an hour from where I was staying. Gerard showed me his house, introduced me to his friends and we bought a cheese from one of the local farmers, who then invited us to the goat farm to see the production. Naturally, Gerard also guided me through his church where he’d been working his whole life as a priest.
Following numerous stops and detours, watching a boule tournament, attending a theater performance, and reconnecting with old acquaintances, the journey took an unexpected twist. Gerard hadn't been feeling very well during the day, and had to visit a doctor. In our quest to find medical assistance for him, we visited several churches and residences until the day began to wane. At our last try to find someone that could help Gerard, we met our luck.
An elderly couple who was friends of Gerard became our host for the evening. Serving us champagne, cheeses, hams, and home made soup for Gerard's sore throat. Conversations lasted well into the night, and after a long day it was time to go back home.
Two months later, after my tennis match, my friends and I celebrated the victory at Monticello's only bar. Unexpectedly, Gerard, who lives an hour away, arrived in his van and joined our table as if it were a planned rendezvous. Juggling his two pipes and sipping an aperitif, our conversation turned to cars. Eager to explore the island's stunning scenery, we were keen to get our hands on a vehicle. Gerard nods and makes a phone call. Minutes later he had secured us a car offer. Unfortunately, none of us had the French social security numbers prevented us from purchasing a car in France legally.
Understanding our predicament, Gerard offered a solution. He generously proposed to buy the car himself and rent it to us. Overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, we couldn't believe his generosity. Gerard confidently spoke to the person on the other end of the line and moments later told us, in his charming French accent, "the car is mine."
And that is why asking the simple question of "can I take a photo of you",
can get you the most local, authentic and by far the best guide the planet has to offer. Visiting a local cheese production, being offered champagne and ending up with a rental car would never have happened if it wasn't for that question. On that note, I want to thank Gerard from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and generosity.
Viva la corse!