knoxvillecouple

I have a story that is just a bit different - in the sense that our benefactor did make money from his "kindness," but it was, nonetheless, obvious that he cared enough about us and our safety and our comfort to help.

When we toured the Amalfi Coast and Pompeii last year with a private driver (Francesco M.) we told him that our next stop (after spending a couple of nights in Positano) was to stay on Capri for two nights and then by train from Naples to Rome. We had already been told, by Francesco and other locals, that the Naples train station was not in the best part of town (and in fact we'd had a negative experience there with a porter when we'd arrived). Francesco said that he'd arrange his schedule to pick us up when our ferry docked and take us to the train station. We called him from Capri when we knew which ferry we were taking. When we got there, there he was, ready to help us with our luggage and to get us to the station. When we got there, he took us inside the station, showed us the passenger waiting room (a bit of privacy and comfort) and made sure we knew which track our train would be on.

Francesco did charge us a normal fee - I think maybe 20 Euros for 4 adults and bags. But I was so impressed with his demeanor, and his caring, that I've arranged for a duplicate tour with him this June when we're on our cruise with my daughter and my sister.

Is it good business, good economics, or just good nature that comes into play. Maybe all three - or maybe just one. But in any case, the kindness of strangers - even the kindness of people you pay - goes a long way toward a memorable vacation.

KC

Beatchick

The bar service at L'Hotel was just extraordinary no matter which bar tender was there. I had a much nicer time there than at the Ritz Hemingway Bar! After drinking 4 glasses of rose champagne, he poured the last of the bottle saying it must be finished & then refused to charge me for it! When I went back another night to meet up with a long-lost cousin of mine, 'round about midnight she got hungry. I knew most of the restos in the 6th would be closed so we asked if we could have something from the kitchen. The kitchen was closed but they'd ask. Came back, the chef was willing to cook for us so we had scrambled eggs & bacon for late-night dinner. Just a really nice place. I'll definitely go back.

Henri at the other Ritz bar (I forget the name) made my day when I visited there. After a long conversation, I teased him about taking the beautiful globe glass pitcher home then said I was just kidding. He excused himself then returned with all sorts of Ritz items: ashtray, swizzle sticks, napkins, pen, doilies. I was embarrassed I'd made such a joke & told him I was afraid I'd be arrested at the door! "You tell them HENRI gave it to you!"

And Nicole at Les Degres de Notre Dame in Paris; both she & Monsieur Tahir are the reasons I love returning to that hotel.