It began almost a year ago. A man was visiting a mutual friend of mine in Orvieto and took a picture of an elegant, solitary gentleman sitting on the bench across from the Duomo. Several months later the photographer wrote to ask if I knew the gentleman’s name or how to contact him. He thought the man and his family might like to have a copy of the portrait.
Although I’d passed him many times on the street, I didn’t know him personally. Naturally, I turned to social media for help, posting the above photo on my Facebook page with the following caption:
“This is a beautiful photo shot by a friend while visiting Orvieto last spring. I have seen this man around town but I’ve never formally met him. Does anyone know him? If so, perhaps he might like to see his portrait – it’s stunning.”
Responses poured in.
Signor Lollo (affectionately known simply as “Lollo”) was a beloved mathematics professor at the high school. They say he is sweet and gentle and that I might find him walking along la confaloniera (the promenade on the edge of town) in the mornings. In any other circumstance I might have staked out the confaloniera at dawn, bounding up to him in my overly perky American style, but in this instance I thought better of it. Something told me he was a private person and maybe a bit shy as well.
It wasn’t long before fate stepped-in and I found myself alone on the street with Lollo walking towards me. I politely stopped him and asked if I could show him something? He said yes, so I pulled up the photo on my iPhone. “Carina, la foto”, he said and told me he had remembered the day it was taken. I asked if he had email, but of course he doesn’t. Then he said “Grazie, Cara”, turned and went on his way.
I’d been carrying around the 5 x 7 print in my purse for weeks, waiting to see Lollo again. Finally I spotted him down on the Corso and after greetings were exchanged, I handed him the beautiful photograph and said it was his to keep. He seemed pleased and touched by the gift.
Nowadays, whenever Lollo and I run into each other on our walks, we always stop and have a little chat. We’ve even developed a “secret handshake”.
A picture may be worth a thousand words, but the connection it formed with a stranger that turned into an unlikely friendship is priceless.
Photograph by Win Sargent
Una bellissima cosa……
Grazie, C! xxo
Hi,
I was really touched by this photo and story. The image is special, and the man looks so dignified and wise, dressed casually and carefully with polished boots and nifty classic mustache. I love Orvieto and think you’re so lucky to live there. What a beautiful spot. Grazie’ for sharing!
Ciao, Anne
Sent from my iPad
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Anne, How nice of you to reach out and share your thoughts about the story. I agree with you completely: Lollo is the epitome of dignity and wisdom. How lucky I am to have met him (and to live in Orvieto – you’re right about that too). 🙂 Thank you so much for writing. Hugs. Toni
Nice story Toni!
Thanks Lucy! Nice man. xxo Toni
Great photo, and even greater life experience. Toni, it’s too long between your posts which we always enjoy so much. Orvieto and Porano bring super memories.
Hi Roger, Thanks for your kind words. I’ve been really busy with work lately, so I haven’t been posting as often as I’d like. But also, I sometimes have to wait for a (in your words) a “great life experience” to happen so I can write about it. Meeting Lollo was certainly “post worthy” and Win Sargent’s photograph…remarkable. It really captures the essence of who Lollo is – inside and out! Thanks for dropping by. Hugs. toni
Lovely story, Toni! It’s great that you reached out to this gentleman. I’m sure he appreciated it. Connections in life are so important. Hope we connect up the next time you come to SF.:)
Carol. Definitely I will make it a priority. It just always seems like I never have enough time to see my friends because I really try to spend as much of my visit with my Mom as possible. November I’m planning to come home and hopefully stay a little bit longer. Thanks for reading Lollo’s story. People like him are one in a million, I think. Hugs.
Fab foto and story
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Thanks Margaret. How’s life in Sicily treating you? hugs. T
Toni, such a great story on how a photograph brought 2 strangers together. The portrait is quite powerful and I am thrilled you were able to give Lollo a copy.
On another note, I am so sorry to be missing a visit to Orvieto in May and images like Lollo’s portrait as well as getting to see you or just a few of the reasons I so sad about missing the trip.
Ciao’
Denise
Dee! How are you. Yes, I’m sorry too that you can’t make it in May, but I hope you’ll make the trip to Orvieto possibly next year? Hugs. Toni
Great image, wonderful story!
Thanks, Jim! hugs.t
What an absolutely delightful photo! I visited Orvieto last summer and loved it!
Hi Cheryl, Really, the photographer should be very proud of his work. He really captured the essence of this lovely man. Hope to see you next time you visit. Hugs. Toni
great shot and the story is even better! la vita è così bella 🙂
Yes, Mrs. Bingles, life is full of little surprises….xxo. t
Exquisite. Looks like an oil painting.
Beth, It really is one of the most extraordinary portraits I’ve seen. Bravo Win Sargent! hugs. t
Great photo and such a nice story.
Thanks Lisa. See you soon, amica! xxxo t
Toni, this is such a lovely story and now brought to life because I could cull up the promenade, one of my favorite spots in Orvieto. The photo is a masterpiece and so happy you found the subject and presented him with the photo as well as developing a sweet rapport with him.
Maggie, when you return and go for a walk there, you will meet a new friend…Lollo. hugs. t
Oh Toni. This post has moved me to tears. The shy gentle man and the exuberant beautiful Americana….. Keepsakes and secret handshakes…. What’s not to LOVE. xxx
Janine, He is so sweet. He seems a bit more fragile these last months, but he always happy to greet you. xxo t
Such a lovely story…I’m teary eyed 😦