From Bruno to Olmo

June 10, 2016

With Firenze (Florence) now in sight (from the terrace of the Dino Hotel in Olmo), we already are getting the sense that the walking soon will be over.  Tomorrow is a relatively short walk to Fiesole, then it's a stone's throw to Florence on Sunday.

Today started with a cool walk through wet and mist cloaked woods that soaked our boots clear through to the socks.  But it was our send off from the Hotel Felicina that perhaps set the tone for the day.  Because if Bruno Ducci (proprietor and chef of the Felicina) hosts the start of one's day, I think only happiness and optimism will follow.

Of all the lodging where we've enjoyed wine, washed clothes in the sink, and stumbled through our broken Italian to get information about where to drop bags and what time meals are served, none bested the hospitality at Bruno's Hotel Felicina.

Bruno was a delight and a character in every sense of the word.  He met us at the front door, and directed around to a quaint patio outfitted with a spigot and brushes to rinse and scrub the mud from our boots before proceeding to our rooms.  Bruno, Puma tennies flashing the way, smiled through gestures and accommodation with bright-eyed enthusiasm.

In the evening he produced one of the most delicious meals of our trip -- and at our urging after dinner showed us the one-man flying machines he builds, tests and sells.  Did I mention Bruno is almost certainly on the high side of 70, and operating his hotel as a fifth generation business venture? Easy to smile, ever helpful (he even repaired Mariane's glasses) and so creative, for me he defines joy and service.

So, yes, we walked through the rain on Friday.  We explored the Convent on Monte Senario and slogged through mud to get to Olmo at the end of an 18k day.  But with Bruno in our rear view mirror, we were boosted by the strength of family,  commitment to expression and optimism he both embraced and shared.