We arrived in Sorrento yesterday. Our third visit to this city by the sea. On our previous visits we purchased several pieces of marquetry or wood inlay, intarsia. This art form originated in this area in the 800’s. It is sold in many of the local gift stores but we bought ours from the Stinga brothers known as the first family of Sorrento intarsia. Roberto and Franco are third generation and are still using the tools that have been in the family since the 1800’s. Doug and I anticipated buying another piece on this visit. Doug even said maybe a table. I didn’t know if he was serious. As we walked towards the shop we were all a little nervous what we might find. Our friend and the artist of our treasures was not a young man on our last visit and that was two years ago. We also knew his wife was battling Alzheimer’s. We were so excited when we were greeted with a look of recognition and that precious smile. After hugs and a short visit we set about the business of making our choice for this trip. There were no tables so Doug had to settle for a “happy hour” cart. Mr Stinga was determined that we not leave without an additional piece. So we also ended up buying the piece we had picked out for the next trip. They will be waiting for us when we get home. I’m looking forward to displaying them when we get home. But money will never be able to buy the memories of that humble man with the shy smile telling he’d see us next trip.