In the early months of 2000, Disneyland Paris wasn’t only a leading European tourist destination, but also host to an international collection of aspiring hospitality-industry enthusiasts. Recruited from all over the globe and placed in company housing, hundreds of 20-somethings gathered to learn, speak, work, and play together in none other than the City of Lights.
And so it began.
Cherrye, a wide-eyed, somewhat naive Texan, and Peppe, a tall, dark, mysterious Italian. Of course, life being what it was the handsome Italian didn’t speak a word of English, and her French was “pas great,” so whatever love light might have shone was dimmed from lack of reasonable communication. They developed a strained but genuine friendship even though deep conversations were limited.
He moved back to Italy to care for his ailing mother, and she returned to the States with an expired visa. One day on a whim, Cherrye sent an email, and that is how the relationship started. For the next two years they were in constant communication, exchanging letters, postcards, and small gifts as Peppe gradually learned English. Although thousands of miles apart, they seemed to be living parallel lives. His mother had Parkinson’s, her father had suffered a stroke. They both had left jobs in Paris and were looking for employment closer to home. They supported each other, both secretly wishing for the day they could be “together,” but neither daring to believe it could happen.
Before Peppe’s mother passed away, she encouraged him to visit America to see if what they had together was “real.” He accepted the challenge, hopped a plane, and headed for Houston. Two days later they had “the talk” and agreed the feelings were mutual. They knew developing a deeper relationship would be hard, but wanted to try.
After almost four years of racking up frequent flyer miles, Cherrye made the move of a lifetime. In April 2006, she quit her job, sold most of her belongings, packed four very full and very heavy suitcases (mostly with clothes, shoes, and handbags) and headed across the ocean. One month later, they began construction on Il Cedro, and two months after that, they were engaged.
Il Cedro wants to be your first choice for accommodations in the Catanzaro area. We promise to exceed your expectations with tourism and travel planning assistance, clean, comfortable lodging, and outstanding customer service and hospitality. Please contact us today to check availability, ask us about Calabria or just to chat. We’d love to hear from you!
