An early start to the day. Took a train to Monza (20 min.). From there we hopped on a bus - no idea how to get tickets - probably in the train station, but we didn't. Thought we could maybe pay with coins like in the states, but no........ the bus driver took pity and let us ride for free. We had no idea how far or which stop to get off at. Chris asked a woman and she told us in Italian to get off at the stop after she got off. Worked like a charm and we were in Machiera where the Soffieria is. No idea where we needed to go, so called the factory and Lucca (shop owner) came on his bike to show us the way. 1/2 mile by foot??? Voila!!! We were there. What an entirely sweet family.
It was super interesting and highly gratifying to see where the ornaments that we love are made. The glass blowers that were working that day were fascinating to watch. Truly amazing what they can do with a torch and some breath. Really incredible! Both men had worked there for over 30 years. The ladies, including Lucca's mother were busy gluing the accessories and do dads onto the finished blown pieces. They also had been working there for most of their lives. They were happy to let us take photos of them while they worked. We met Luccas's father too. He looked through the inventory to find the ornaments we were interested in. A small family run business, but they seem to do very well. They have several small clients, but also some bigger contracts with large retailers like Saks, Barney's, Lord and Taylor, Gumps etc.
Chris was truly in hog heaven. She is a real collector of the glass. I have many pieces, but I also have other glass ornament makers that I really like too. People who know me, know that I don't put much stock in who you know, so although it was a special treat to meet the family, they're just people like me, getting by - on their own path through his life. Its pretty hard to get any hero worship from me - next to impossible really - our shit all stinks. The artistry is what impressed me. The commitment to family and hard work - that impresses me.
I felt so bad for Chris, she was unable to get all of the ornaments she would have liked. Me too. Next time we'll have to bring a lot more money!!! We both would have purchased many more if we could have. As it was, I got one and sometimes two for each of our immediate family. They didn't have all the ones Izzy wanted, so we are going to look for them on-line. Purchasing directly from the family however was much less than it would have been if we payed retail prices. They are getting close to $100 USD here at home, and they were in the 12 - 20 euro range, so quite a difference.
Lucca gave each of us a booklet with the family business history. Very sweet. Chris lost hers in the train station, but I'm sure Lucca will send her another when he ships our ornaments. Still, she was very upset for losing it. In retrospect, I should have given her mine, because quite frankly, it will just sit in a box.
We didn't have tickets for the bus, and weren't sure how we would get back. Completely unsure if the next bus driver would be as kind, so Lucca drove us in his car to the little mart that sold tickets. The proprietress was just leaving for lunch, but she sold us tickets anyway. Helps that Lucca is Italian and could speak quickly to her so she could understand our situation. I'll have to learn some basic Italian before my next trip. Lucca really was so sweet and gracious. I enjoyed our visit very much and hope to return some day. Can't wait to get my package of ornaments.
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