Meet Lucia & Marco! I have been friends with Lucia for quite a few years! Met her boyfriend, Marco, and both of their families about two years ago. I first saw Lucia when I was trekking on foot from Michelangelo Square. She was working in a small souvenir shop and extremely friendly! We exchanged contact information and she wanted me to return to Florence the following year to meet her family. Sadly, I lost the information. Then about a year passed and I decided to search for her on Facebook. I never forgot how friendly she was! Incredibly, I found her account! That is how a lasting friendship continued. We send each other holiday cards and always talk on Instagram or WhatsApp.
In the summer of 2025, Lucia, Marco, and I got together for a lovely dinner and ride to Michelangelo Square at night.
Enjoying dinner and a lovely evening trip to Michelangelo Square with Lucia & Marco!
Lucia was kind enough to take this photo of me in the Piazza della Signoria with the gold statue of “Time Unfolding,” created by British contemporary artist, Thomas J Price
Traveling has always been in my blood since I was very young. My family moved frequently to different locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the United States due to my mother's teaching jobs. As a young girl, I would accompany my mother on bus trips to visit her relatives in different parts of the United States. Throughout my younger years, I could only dream of traveling to Italy and being fluent in the language. My father was Sicilian but rarely spoke in Italian.
In 2013, my mother took me on my first international trip to Italy. I felt so fortunate to see Rome, Venice, Florence, and other regions of Tuscany. At that time, I became determined to return to Italy. I was obsessed with discovering the most economical way to solo travel. Eventually, I took a chance and learned along the way to solo travel. I was able to return to one of my favorite cities in Italy, Florence. In this area, I have enjoyed studying the Italian language and familiarizing myself with the art and culture. Furthermore, I have gained a new inner strength and the ability to expand my life.
Every year, I try to explore and write about my travel experiences. I have made many wonderful friends and found endless new places to explore.
It is my pleasure to inspire other travelers to unhook the inner fears of trying something that seems impossible. The results are incredible!
You may contact me at vmcarson@aol.com with any solo traveling questions!
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