Nostra storia. Our story.

May 23, 2015

I woke up late! 10:45 late!  I can’t believe it!!! I’m embarrassed I slept that late.

Erin was going to wake me earlier, but Gianni told her to let me sleep.  ON the plus side, maybe all of this sleep means I’ve fully switched my sleep schedule.

I rushed to get ready and we headed to Meana, about an hour’s drive from Turin to have lunch with Aldo, Nana’s first cousin and Gianni's Dad. This time, we rode in Gianni’s Fiat (the size I’m familiar with, not the larger cross-over like vehicle Gianni picked us up in yesterday).

For as long as I can remember, my Nana has kept in touch with her cousin Aldo.  He’s her pen pal and despite the distance and language barrier, they’ve always found translators to stay in touch.  I knew this was going to be a special day.   

We first drove to Aldo’s home, passing Albergo Bella Vista – a place I’d only heard about from my parents or other family members.  Little did I realize, that’s where our lunch destination was!

The restaurant was dark and vacant but all tables are set, ready and waiting for guests.  A large German Shepherd is laying at the door and barely acknowledges that we’ve walked in the door.  An old woman greeted us.  She reminds me of the fictitious children’s character from my children’s books, “Strega Nona.”  I find it difficult to describe this woman any other way.  (I may have stepped into a Strega Nona book for all I know!) Surprisingly, when Gianni & Aldo introduced us to the woman, she said she remembered my parents from their visit several years prior.   

The meal was large, with several courses, all of which “Strega Nona” has gone back to the kitchen to prepare herself.   Some dishes were familiar, others weren’t. I’m just glad I have the chance to eat the largest grissini I’ve ever seen and is something of legend.  While the restaurant in the hotel feels magical, just like Strega Nona, I almost feel that I’ve interrupted something precious by being there.

Afterward, we drove Aldo home.  He made sure to point out the surrounding houses, where our other relatives live.  We stopped to take a photo with Aldo in front of his house and commemorate the day and have a token to bring Nana. We finally met her cousin!   Aldo was emotional as we said goodbye. I found myself fighting the inevitable welling in my eyes too. This man, this long lost relative that I’d known but never met yet in life, was standing in front of me at 86 years old.  I don’t know when or if I’ll have the opportunity to see Aldo again, but I’m here. And for that, I’m grateful.

After we left Aldo, we took a short drive to the other side of the valley, where our family’s house, church, and cemetery sit.  As we parked on the narrow road and walked through a break in the half abandoned buildings, the church came into full view.  Gianni calmly said to us, “This is our history.”

This town that Nana’s family is from, is so beautiful and quaint and I feel as though I’ve stepped back in time.   This place will remain.

We move on.

Upon returning to Torino, Gianni took us for a walk in the park in Torino and the first thing we stumbled on was packet pick-up for a half marathon the next day.  Gianni asked if I wanted to run! Can’t say I didn’t contemplate it, but I knew we had a schedule to keep.  I resolved to make a return trip and run a future race in Italy instead.

I found myself getting anxious on our walk as we were keeping a walking speed I’ve never known.  We’re fast walkers in my family.   This feeling quickly left when we stumbled on a replica Renaissance building, where children were singing and giving a public concert in the middle of this replica square.  I noticed Erin’s excitement at this experience and Gianni is as calm as ever.  I decided to channel their outlook, forgetting the time (I mean, where else do we need to be?!).  I am in Italy & should live the Italian life. Enjoy each moment. There is no need to rush. Simply enjoy life and this beautiful day that we’ve been given.

We finished the day with dinner at Tartufi. Antonella’s children Marta & Luca joined us. I savored every last bite of my dinner – pasta with shaved truffles.  Hands down, the best truffles I’ve ever had.  The owner stopped sat at our table as we were finishing and much to my dismay, he matter-of-factly assured me this is now his only restaurant (he used to have one in the States). I will have no luck finding such a good truffle dish unless I return.  I’m ok with that idea.

*As I am typing my notes from this day I have shed a few tears.  My emotions from that day have come flooding back to me as I now know, our upcoming trip will be missing a piece.  Aldo passed away last month at 88.   I will miss the man I hardly knew and felt so connected to.  Just like the buildings that are my family’s history, Aldo is part of my story.

❤