Seeing Through Someone Else's Eyes

A few weeks ago, I was at a military base in Doha, accompanying colleagues from Rome for some work activities. As is often the case in such situations, we found ourselves in a waiting room, making small talk before a meeting with an highest rank. Joining us was an officer from the armed forces, and our conversation quickly turned to impressions of Doha and comparisons between Italy and Qatar. At one point, the officer made a remark that struck me deeply. With remarkable simplicity and sincerity, he said: "You Italians, and perhaps others too, often don’t realize how fortunate you are. Sure, everything here in Qatar is shiny, efficient, and well-organized, but many of us who live and work here save for years just to visit places like Rome—places you walk through every day without a second thought."

His words weren’t revolutionary, but their impact on me was profound. In the weeks since, especially during these holiday season that I'm spending with my family in Rome, they’ve often come to mind. Walking through the crowded, chaotic streets of the city center, I’ve tried to see Rome through the eyes of someone visiting for the first time—someone struck by its charisma, beauty, and deep historical resonance.

Living abroad, I’ve learned how enriching it is to encounter different perspectives. Moments like this remind me how valuable it is to pause and see the world through someone else’s eyes. It’s one of the most rewarding aspects of working internationally: the ability to exchange thoughts and experiences that challenge and expand your worldview. This holiday season, I’ve been gifted a new lens to appreciate my own surroundings—a fresh perspective that came from a chance conversation in a waiting room.