Part I
A Journey of Friendships
This post is dedicated to my friends in Florence and all of Italy as they have struggled, like most or our world, with the Coronavirus (COVID 19) illness. With people forced to be confined to their homes and “social distancing” becoming the new daily reality, we need as much optimism and strength as possible. At this time, various places are gradually reopening but it will take time to return to some type of normalcy within our environments. I hope my latest post brings a little light into our currently surreal but always beautiful world.
One of my most rewarding experiences of solo traveling has always been to meet new people, many of which have turned into lasting friendships. Florence seems to hypnotize me with all of its rich history and culture. Also, it is my preferred place to learn the language. Every time I visit there is never enough time to experience all of the beauty, including the people, who make the city even more appealing.
During my first solo trip to Florence, I met Martina, a lovely receptionist who worked at the front desk of the Antica Torre Via Tournabouni. This lovely historical tower seated in the central part of the city is a wonderful treat for anyone who wants to experience a gorgeous room for an overnight stay or longer. It is also available for hosting business conventions, and other special events. Martina’s kind and friendly personality made it easy for me to connect with her . Her excellent command of the English language, patience with my stumbling Italian words, and contagious smile made my first visit relaxed and memorable. When I returned in August 2019, Matina greeted me with open arms and her coworker offered to take quite a few photos of us together. To this day we continue to communicate through Instagram! I plan to visit her again this year.
Luca, one of the receptionists of the San Giorgio hotel, located near the Santa Novella train station, is another joyous, dedicated employee who I enjoy visiting. During my most recent trip, I was able to learn that Luca worked in this hotel for close to 20 years and has several children. This hotel is family owned and for a reasonable cost guests enjoy all types of clean rooms with a tasty breakfast. Luca greeted me with a warm welcome complete with a cup of espresso! I reminded him about how much he had helped me during my first solo trip when I had trouble with air conditioning at another hotel. I recall being desperate and not wanting to sleep in a hot room. So, I decided to call the San Giorgio hotel (I had stayed there the previous day while on a quest to review different hotels.). Luca had such a kind voice and told me he would do his best to find an available room immediately. And that he did! In the same day for the cost of 50 euros I was able to return to a comfortable room complete with AC! Thank you Luca!:)
As I returned home from my trip during the second week of August 2019, I felt disappointed in not being able to locate a note with contact information for a amicable young lady I met one day on my way back from the San Minato Al Monte church, which is located near the Piazzale Michelangelo. How I met Lucia was quite coincidental. As I trekked in the hot sun through many streets I noticed a quaint souvenir shop that looked a bit different from the others. While eyeing various temptations in the store (Tough for me to control those shopping urges when traveling!) I heard a friendly voice emerge from the back of the store. Seated with her head barely peaking above the sales counter was a petite, pretty young lady with a contagious smile. I quickly introduced myself in Italian and her face lit up. Finding out where I was from sparked a conversation about her previous visits to the United States to see a friend. She proudly told me that her name, Lucia, meant “the light” and invited me to stay with her family the following year. I was amazed at such a gesture of friendly hospitality! However, when I returned to the U.S., I gave up hope of ever seeing her again – until one night while I was perusing my Facebook travel page.
I glanced through the “likes” for one of my posts and noticed one profile that resembled Lucia, with of course, the same name. Seriously? What are the odds? I immediately recognized her facial features and I became so excited! (Like a detective finding a missing person!) I knew that infectious smile anywhere! I messaged her and received a quick response. It was indeed the Lucia I had met in Florence! Our conversation on Facebook messenger gave me such a warm feeling. At this time, Lucia does not know if the store she worked in will reopen. However, she is studying art history in college and will continue to complete her studies once schools reopen in Italy. I can’t wait to see her again, hopefully, this August 2020!
ValVentures 