Random Acts of Adornment: Positano

1. Arrive in Rome.
2. Wait 2 hours for luggage.
3. Drive from Rome to Positano.
4. Stash luggage in the hotel room.
5. Order mozzarella.
6. Witness Random Act of Adornment.

My travel companions and I were "fresh" off of a long trip from New York to Positano and we were in a hunger-induced state of cranky that only a 2 year old could rival when we witnessed something that I just had to share with all of you.

The gentleman on the right (we’ll call him American Tourist) noticed the red band of the watch that the gentleman on the left (we’ll call him Italian Gentleman) was wearing. What follows is what my dream conversation was between them, as I couldn’t hear.

American Tourist: Excuse me, I love the red band on your watch, could I trouble you to take a look at it?
Italian Gentleman: Of course, here.
AT: No, no, you don’t have to take it off.
IG: It’s no problem. (ed. note: In case you didn’t know, everything in Italy is "No problem.") 
AT: Oh, wow, ok. (now holding watch) This is really a wonderful piece, where did you get it? I’d love one.
IG: Do you like it?
AT: Yes, it’s amazing. Where did you …
IG: (gentlemanly, interrupting) If you like it so much, then it is yours.
AT: What? No, I couldn’t.
IG: No, I insist. If you like it that much, it should be yours.
AT: I can’t, it’s very kind of you …
IG: Stop, you embarrass me, keep it.

They shake hands and go on with their lives.

Now, that conversation is obviously fictitious, but what happened was real and a little too good to be true.

I asked American Tourist if he would mind showing me the watch  he was just given and he happily agreed.

Now, I know it’s blurry, but in person you could clearly see the Breitling logo. (AT’s other watch below.)

The fact that it turned out to be a pricey watch is wonderul, but come on, a great story either way.

Feel free to share your own Random Acts of Adornment in the comment box. 

I mean come on, who doesn’t love a story about free jewelry bestowed by a friendly stranger?