I just got an email that made me really happy. And I’ve got to share it. Last April, when I was filming in Padua, Italy, I posted a photo of Samuele, a crazy Italian student we worked with there who wanted to capitalize on his connection with me to get an American girl. He seemed nice enough — with great hair — so I thought I’d help him out. I posted his photo with this message: “If you’d like to meet a wild and crazy student from the north of Italy… there’s a good chance he’d like to meet you too. Contact Samuele via his Facebook page.”
Well, Samuele’s stunt worked and he found his girl. Check out this photo and note I received from Mandi Shaw-Koehler:
“Dear Rick,
I believe my mother was unable to contain her excitement and emailed you about my journey to Padua to visit Samuele Zanetti, whose photo you posted on facebook when you were filming with Padua’s Goliardia!!
I’ve been watching Rick Steves travel videos since I was a little kid. I’ve always had a strong sense of wanderlust, and I’m currently on week 9 of my epic 2014 “EuroTrip!!” I’m a senior at Rutgers University and just finished a summer semester in Berlin and now, armed with my Eurail pass, I’m visiting as many countries as possible before I fly home in August.
Anyway, when you posted Samuele’s photo I thought it was absolutely hilarious (and oh so Italian) and sent him a friend request. Lo and behold, we quickly became quite chatty and he invited me to stay at his apartment and offered to “be my tour guide” when I came to Italy. Well, he’s been nothing short of a perfect gentleman – he’s shown me around the entire city of Padua, day-tripped with me to Verona and Venice, and he’s an excellent cook! And of course, like you pointed out, he has great hair. This week has been the best week of my entire trip, and I gotta owe it all to you. When Sam’s friends ask “how did you guys meet?” he launches into the story in enthusiastic Italian, hand gestures and all. I really do think it’s quite a unique story.
The photo I’m sending was Samuele’s idea – we took it in the exact same location as the photo with you. So, thanks Rick — Samuele found his American girl!
Cheers from Padua!
Mandi Shaw-Koehler”