A solo travel adventure in Florence

Traveling by yourself can be fun, lonely, exciting, challenging, but if you're open to it, you get a chance to really chat with the people who host you in their city.

Luciano is the owner of Buca Lapi's, a Florentine staple for over 58 years. I had tried for 3 days to get a reservation and it is usually booked, so I requested that the hotel call (pro travel tip…this is why you always want to stay at a great hotel with a great Concierge!) and mention that I would sit under the stairs or by the toilets and come at any time if it meant I could get a table. Once I arrived, Luciano greeted me like an old friend. I told him that I was so happy he could give me their last table that evening. I offered to eat quickly and he insisted I enjoy and take my time.

When it came time to order, he told me about the specials and asked what I wanted. I had arrived very early, and the place was almost empty, so we talked a lot. I said it was my last night in Florence and he knew better than I did, so just bring me whatever he would like. I never opened the menu and I never looked at the prices. Luciano asked if I wanted wine, and a bottle appeared on the table and my glass was never empty. A fava bean and artichoke starter, artichoke and potato gnocchi and veal ragu second course, and veal meatballs and slow-braised beef and onions later, I was basking in the glow of a perfectly home-cooked meal.

Meanwhile, I watched him turn about 11 groups at the door that did not have reservations, so I was feeling pretty smug that I got in! Thinking I couldn't possibly eat another bite, he brought me a chocolate cake that he bragged "even the vegans can eat" because it only had chocolate, water, and fruit. Luciano said it was his gift to me, so I knew I had to finish it. It was so rich but so divine.

When it came time to finish my meal and the bottle that had miraculously drained itself, I asked for the check. Luciano just laughed and said, "you are my guest". I asked "are you sure?" and he smiled and said, "after 58 years, I know who I want to invite as my guests and you are my guest".

Being open to adventure, being open to the experience, and being open to the hospitality that sometimes only solo travel can provide is definitely one of the things I love about traveling by myself.

And this is how I ended my last night in Florence.