Today’s Cittadinza Affettiva ceremony in San Romano was a truly special occasion for me—one that was filled with warmth, community, and a profound sense of belonging. The whole event felt deeply personal, a celebration not just of an award, but of the strong bond I have formed with the people and the place I now call home.
The ceremony, held in front of the beautiful San Romano church, brought together nearly the entire village, as well as friends from nearby communities. It was humbling to see so many familiar faces—Pauline, Leo, Lucy, Mirco, Moreno and his wife, and others—all there to share in the moment. Sindaco Raffaella Mariani’s introduction speech was heartfelt, speaking to the connection I’ve developed with this beautiful region over the years.
When I had the chance to speak, with the help of my dear friend Gabriele, who kindly translated from English, I felt nothing but gratitude. Since arriving in 2012, San Romano has embraced me wholeheartedly, and it has been a privilege to contribute to the life and spirit of this community. My regular runs to Fortezza Verrucole and Madonna Bosco, the launch of the RB book in Italian last week, and my participation in local life are all part of what has anchored me here.
Wearing my Christian Lacroix suit, a rare choice for me these days, felt appropriate for the occasion, though the real joy came from the heartfelt responses of the people around me. Italy, as ever, appreciates style, and the comments from friends and locals alike reminded me of the deep appreciation this country has for elegance and craftsmanship.
Receiving the award was a true honor, and the gifts of a special running t-shirt and the books—a Dizionario Garfagnino and a guide to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines—meant so much. They symbolized my ongoing connection to the region, one that I hope will continue to deepen in the years to come.
After the ceremony, we gathered at Rewind Bar in Piazza Pelliccioni, where we reminisced about my life here—my adventures in Argentina, India, and the milestones that have shaped me over the years. As we talked, with the majestic mountains as our backdrop, I was reminded once again of how fortunate I am to be part of such a welcoming and supportive community.
Later, I took a quiet moment to visit the resting place of my dear George and DJ, my loyal companions who have been with me in spirit all along. I thanked them for continuing to give me strength, especially on days like this.
Looking back on this evening, it’s clear that this was more than just an award—it was a celebration of friendship, community, and the deep roots I’ve put down in San Romano. As I said in my speech, it was truly “one of the best days of my life,” a moment of humility, joy, and gratitude that I will never forget.
