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When Kindness Needs No Translation: An Unexpected Encounter in Mendoza
What began as a search for great Italian food in Mendoza became something much more memorable. Over a delicious meal at La Marchigiana, an unexpected encounter with a warm and engaging stranger reminded us that smiles, laughter, kindness, and a hug can cross cultures and languages—no translation required.
SOUTH AMERICA CRUISE SERIES
Tamara Driver
8/21/20263 min read
Just when you thought Mendoza only had steak and wine to offer…then it happened. Wayne came across an Italian restaurant called La Marchigiana, and anyone who knows me knows that Italian food is my absolute favorite. I enjoy plenty of other cuisines, but Italian? It will always have my heart. So, when Wayne found this little gem in Mendoza, I could not wait to go.
A Little Taste of Italy in Mendoza
We arrived and were seated at a beautifully decorated table. The restaurant had the same light, airy atmosphere we had enjoyed at many of the restaurants throughout Mendoza, and the people were warm, kind, and engaging. Then our waiter arrived with the menus.
Now came the challenge: Do not order too many appetizers! I tried my best to show some restraint because I actually wanted to have room for my main course. We ordered our appetizers, settled in, and began enjoying another wonderful meal in Mendoza. But then something happened that had absolutely nothing to do with the food.
👀Then Our Eyes Met
Wayne and I had finished our water pretty quickly, and I started looking around for our waiter so we could get more. As I turned around, I happened to lock eyes with an older woman sitting some distance away in the restaurant.
She smiled.
I smiled.
And that was it—or so I thought.
I went back to looking for our waiter, apparently turning around one too many times, because the next thing I knew, that same older woman was out of her seat and walking in our direction. I said to Wayne, “She must be going to the restroom.” Surely, she wasn't coming over to us.
Well…I was wrong.
No Translation Needed
Before I knew it, she was standing beside me. She gently placed her hand on my shoulder, smiled, and began saying something to me. Was it Spanish? Italian? A little of both? I honestly have no idea because I don't speak either language well enough to know! But oh, how we smiled. I tried my best to ask if she spoke English. She understood that one word.
“No.” But that didn't stop her. She continued talking to me in her native tongue, smiling and laughing as though somehow I would understand every word. And strangely enough, maybe I did. Not the words—but the meaning. Then she hugged me. I was completely overwhelmed by the sweetness of the moment.
When the Unspoken Words Say Everything
There was something so warm, engaging, and kind about this woman. I could feel affection and admiration coming from her even though I couldn't understand a single sentence she said. Here we were—two women from different parts of the world, probably from different generations, certainly speaking different languages—and none of it seemed to matter.
For those few moments, the loudest words spoken were the ones that were never actually said.
A smile.
A touch on the shoulder.
Laughter.
A hug.
Sometimes kindness doesn't need a translator. And maybe that's one of the greatest gifts of travel. You discover that despite all the things that can separate us—language, nationality, race, gender, age, culture—there are some things we understand simply because we are human.
Yes, the Food Was Good…But
The food at La Marchigiana was really good. But do you know what I remember most? Her.
I would return again and again if I knew that sweet woman would be there to greet me. The encounter made me think about how beautiful our world could be if we greeted one another this way more often—with curiosity instead of suspicion, kindness instead of judgment, and a smile before worrying about all the things that make us different.
She didn't know me. I didn't know her. We couldn't even speak to each other. And yet, somehow, we connected.
Mendoza, We'll Be Back
Eventually, our Mendoza adventures had to come to an end. But one thing is certain: we will return. Mendoza gave us incredible wine, wonderful food, beautiful scenery, and memorable experiences. But it also gave us something we weren't expecting—a reminder that sometimes the most meaningful travel moments aren't found on an itinerary. Sometimes they are sitting across from you in a restaurant.
And sometimes, they get up from their table and walk right over to you.
Next time, we would love to experience Mendoza through slow travel—staying longer, settling in, and discovering even more of what this beautiful part of Argentina has to offer.
🤔 Have You Ever Had a Moment Like This?
Have you ever traveled somewhere and had an unexpected encounter with a stranger that stayed with you long after the trip ended?
Or have you visited Mendoza and discovered that there's much more to this wonderful destination than steak and wine?
We'd love to hear your story.
Onward!
Our journey now takes us back to the United States, where we'll revisit some familiar places and discover a few states we've never explored before.
First stop: Arizona.
Come along with us—the journey continues!