Project Description
October, 2016
My wife and I spent a wonderful and magical day with Mirella in Torano Nuovo, the hometown of my grandfather and great grandfather on my father’s side, and what we learned was where my great great grandfather and three times great grandfather lived!
First of all, it was a joy to spend time with Mirella, a charming and engaging person who became a friend from beautiful Abruzzo. She made us feel so special and planned the perfect day for us. We just had to relax, follow her, and enjoy.
Our remarkable experience started with a visit with the mayor of Torano Nuovo… who was expecting us! The mayor, as well as all other town’s people we met, were so welcoming and made us feel like long lost neighbors who had returned home. Mirella’s effortless translations allowed for pleasant conversation with all.
Below the mayor’s office we met with the town’s record keeper. Mirella laid out my family tree and among other documents, we saw the original record of my great great grandfather’s birth!
Then she arranged a tour with the town historian and former mayor, Gaetano. We strolled through the town, learning about its history and what it was like to live there. It was just what we asked for, but had not imagined such a tour would be with such an important person! We visited churches from the 1600’s and 1000’s that my ancestors would have attended, as well as the town museum, and had leisurely conversation over some espresso.
We also had time to take a quick trip to my grandmother’s hometown in nearby Nereto, where we saw her church and the neighborhood where she lived.
Finally, we visited the homestead of my ancestors and as it turned out, it was on the same street as the agriturismo at which we were staying. In fact, the balcony of our room overlooked the homestead!
Thank you Mirella for your pleasant company and providing such a wonderful service that I would recommend to anyone. I can’t wait until our next adventure together!
Chris Di Francesco
