Cari friends,
I once read that the difference between a 'vacation' and 'travel' is that when on vacation, we expect to be comfortable and pampered, while when traveling, we don't mind putting up with inconveniences in our quest for new discoveries. Happily, the recent October Food and Wine tour truly combined the best of both experiences: a small group tour with such personal attention to every detail, along with numerous opportunities to explore the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes of Abruzzo, Italy's hidden treasure.
Those who seek this type of tour are not only on vacation or traveling, they are also on a journey to reconnect with their heritage. And while Theresa and I are probably not your typical customers - having been born in Abruzzo and having emigrated as children, we know our roots are firmly planted in Abruzzo soil - we were both searching as well: for the village where we were born while there was still someone left there who would remember us; for the Abruzzo we've heard about in our parents' stories before it becomes homogenized and Americanized beyond recognition; for a chance to hear the Abruzzese dialect spoken before it disappears completely. We were not disappointed -- this trip highly exceeded our expectations.
Theresa and I enjoyed ourselves immensely, from our first visit to the mercato in L'Aquila's Piazza Maggiore, to our final evening passeggiata along the Corso. Everything in between was absolutely 'indimenticabile'. The beautifully appointed Hotel San Michele was centrally located, with a courteous and helpful staff -- even the morning caffè latte was served with a smile! The mini-bus drives to our various destinations were filled with laughter and singing, and the stunning mountain scenery of the Maiella and the Gran Sasso. We visited an incredible variety of places: medieval villages clinging to their mountain perches, agriturismo centers showcasing the outstanding locally produced cheeses, wines and olive oils, religious sanctuaries, the beach at Pescara, the canyons of Atri. 'Abruzzo day' in Assisi during the feast of St. Francis, and the Cooks' Festival in Villa Santa Maria were extra-special treats. And the meals! It was like sitting down to a "festa" dinner every day. The entire tour was truly a feast for the senses as well as the soul.
Most of its success was due, of course, to your passion for showing tourists this little-known region of Italy, and at the same time offering them the concrete means for rediscovering their ancestry through your expert genealogy research service. What a tremendous experience for anyone interested in seeing an unspoiled region of Italy away from the traditional tourist routes. We would recommend your tours to anyone whether they are of Abruzzese descent or not. We can't wait to return for the 'reunion' tour!
Con tanti cari saluti a tutti,