Bozen – Christmas is a time for tales and stories and a little romance. As is so throughout the year business can learn a lot from life and so we leave our readers to reflect on what repercussions for business thinking, attitude and approach the following “racconto” has. I am in Columbia for business at the moment, in Medellin to be precise. Now Medellin is famous for the likes of drug lord Pablo Escobar and artist Fernando Botero but I saw something yesterday which would take the breath away from these two diametrically opposed characters – in fact I am convinced it would take the breath away from any living being.
On finishing an appointment in Envigado my colleague and I made our way through the side streets so as to reach our next destination when my eye fell on a rather peculiar building front on the opposite side of the road. It was difficult to make out what it actually was, in fact it looked a little as if the place had been left to ruin, but, sure it would make an interesting photo, I crossed over. As I reached the house a most peculiar looking guy sat down outside so I took the opportunity to be photographed with him.
At this point a few locals came up and said “You can go in you know, if you want”, “Go in?” I thought, “Why would I want to go in?”. My suspicions were aroused but on looking through the window it did seem rather intriguing even if I still had no idea what I was looking at – a junk shop perhaps, or a disused workshop maybe. When a lady came to the door and beckoned me in I really had no choice.
My colleague followed and after a quick exchange in Spanish it became clear that the couple welcoming us actually lived there, but that we could view the premises if we wished. Oh well, to see inside a Columbian home of obviously simple working class Columbians would be unusual and would not take more than a minute or two. Little did I know that I would walk out an hour later, my legs weak, and in something of a daze … and to tell you the truth I do not think I will ever be the same again.
There is no other way to tell this tale but to churn out the facts. The couple had married 30 years ago and the young man had vowed two things; he would give his wife a rose every day and he would build her a house of stone. The first promise had been kept and the second had been realised in the most spectacular of fashion, for indeed he had dedicated his life to the task and produced a world wonder.
It is necessary to put things into context and as one might make out from one photo it is quite a rundown street and the house next door is not easy on the eye, and yet despite all this here we have a magnificent example of dedication and style and unsurpassed architectural and interior design. Slowly but surely over the three decades the super artisan husband has made use of pebble, stone, brick, clay and cement to realise his dream … and he has done it all by himself. “So what” one might declare but the beauty and fascination of the place is in the attention to detail, a tasteful eye, and a commitment which goes beyond belief. It has indeed developed as a family home and the latest joy is a room for the grandchildren when they visit, complete of course with amazing craft works as if it was a creation of some Disney film – delightful beyond belief yet wonderfully functional at the same time. Surprisingly the premises are quite large and there is even room for an inner courtyard, with of course a tree reaching high to the upper floor! One staircase is designed in immaculate fashion of wooden planks, they are cut out so as to accommodate step by step one left foot and one right foot – coming down is real good fairground fun. Over the years wood and metals and glass have been introduced and they perfectly integrate into the artisan style abounding. This is particularly so in a couple of the terrace areas where there is an array of colours and a compelling combination of plants, flowers, and artisan decoration – an inventive mind and able hands coming together to amazing effect. In the master bedroom there is of course a rock formation arranged so as to create a waterfall of a shower and the ingenuity of the master has ensured that hot running water is on supply. I should add that although we have a national heritage on our hands there has been no contribution or recognition from the local authorities – the creation really is a love of labour. Even the tiles decorating the walls and surrounds are individual creations and could be easily mistaken for precious works of art, so much do they appeal and resonate. I would pay a king’s ransom to dine in the kitchen such is the grandeur and particularity of the environment. I could go on and on with a technical description unending but it is far important to take stock and reflect on the lessons for the human spirit. The couple are not in the least bit pretentious, not wealthy, and not in search of fame nor fortune. They are simple town folk with no great source of income, he a little reticent and she extremely down to earth and yet with a certain elegance, both grateful for the family and home they have brought up. As we sat and chat, accompanied by soft music chosen and arranged by the lady of the house herself, it came to mind that here we have an outstanding example of human resilience and passion for the simple things in life – an opportunity to do, to celebrate, live the moment, and remain true to oneself and to one’s chosen values and partnership. The ‘house of stone’ says so very very much, don’t you think?”
When we bid farewell to the couple, feeling both a sense of joy and an inner humility, my first steps along the way were not so sure for in an hour inside the house of stone my thinking on all aspects of life and even business itself, and my whole humanity had been put to the test.
I wish you a merry Christmas and a tantalising new year, full of initiative and drive!
The author: Geoff Barclay spends much time in South Tyrol for business and pleasure and his ‚Brain International Ltd‘ assists individuals, companies and organisations in their internationalisation process – via market entry and business development support and a range of services embracing training, translations, and language immersion abroad – all intended to better equip the interested party looking to expand horizons.
