The Story of Two Fridge Magnets

 Fridge magnets can be more than just decorations; they can hold memories. The tale of a night in Turin, filled with twists and discoveries, is encapsulated in two small magnets.

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 There’s a tour guide whose motto is, “Collect experiences, not things!” Though I never heard her say it during our meeting, her presentations made me realize the value of taking home memories instead of trinkets. Ironically, she could always tell you the best places to buy souvenirs.

One of my most cherished souvenirs is a fridge magnet from a spontaneous night in Turin. In the summer of 2022, I worked in the Alps, near the Italian border. On a free weekend, I planned a trip to Aosta. But a storm caused the bus company to reroute, leaving me stranded with no way back.

With few options, I boarded the next train—to Turin, a city in the opposite direction. During the ride, I discovered there was a bus leaving at 2 a.m. that could get me back in time for work.

I arrived in Turin at night and decided to explore. The city was alive: classic architecture, bustling streets, and a large square hosting a St. John’s Eve bonfire. People danced, cheered, and celebrated under the massive flames.

Later, I spotted two fridge magnets in a 24-hour shop. One depicted the city’s grand cathedral under moonlight, the other read, “Keep calm and follow me!” I bought them as tokens of this unexpected adventure.

Despite just three hours of sleep, I made it to the bus on time, and the optimistic Italian drivers assured us everything would be fine.

This night taught me to embrace the unexpected. Sometimes, getting lost leads to the best memories.

Les Baux, November 23, 2023