Back in Ascoli Piceno

 Almost two years ago we moved back to Ascoli Piceno after living in Trivigno (PZ) for more than 10 years. We still own our house in Basilicata but have relocated for various reasons as sometimes changes in your life make decisions like this a necessity. Trivigno has been good to us and is still a part of our lives but the Ascoli area provides more of the things we need in this chapter of our lives.

We enjoyed living here before and still have friends from all those years ago and the city and are still feel familiar :)

Moving to Italy E-book

2 Italy: Moving from the US to Italy 

This is a short ebook with the portions of this blog specifically relating to how we moved from the United States to Italy in May 2006.

Available on Amazon

Italian Ancestral Journeys - A DIY Guide To Visiting Your Ancestors’ Towns

I have recently published a book designed to assist those with Italian ancestry who wish to visit their ancestral town. This is a Do-It-Yourself guide to help them to prepare for their trip with basic Italian genealogy principles and pointers to prepare for their visit. It also covers ideas on what to do once they are in their ancestral town to get the most out of the experience. 

This book is based on years of experience in helping hundreds of clients to make this memorable journey into their ancestral past. There is something very special, almost mystical, in being there, in seeing the places their ancestors saw and knew so well, in walking the streets they trod daily, and being inside the churches where they were baptized, married and where they may have worshiped weekly with their family members and townsfolk.

Get your copy in paperback or e-book at your favorite online retailer.

Italian Ancestral Journeys, A DIY Guide To Visiting Your Ancestors’ Towns

Vending Machine

 

In recent years I have noticed more vending machines appear here in Italy, usually in cities. These will frequently be in a small alcove on a main street open to the public 24/7. You can get a coffee, snacks or cold beverages.

In this particular machine with beverages, there are sodas and fruit drinks and... beer on the top row and a couple options for mixed cocktails. This is available to everyone, even minors?!

Lucano

 Lucano was given to us as a gift soon after we moved into our house. He was with us for ten years before passing away unexpectedly one year ago today. We still remember his affection and great personality everyday. 😻

We miss you Lucano. 😢

Traveling Barber

 

I previously wrote about my experience with Italian barbers soon after we moved to Italy. I still enjoy the experience here of getting a haircut and a shave but the pandemic had created issues with access and it has been a few years since I have been able to get a shave.

I did however recently find something unique - a barber who makes house calls. Giuseppe is from the nearby town of Laurenzana and comes to Trivigno about every six weeks to give haircuts to the men at the local casa di riposo. While here he also does haircuts for several others and I am on his list.

I sit on our terrace and in less than 20 minutes I get a decent cut - all for 5 euro! I give him a tip and he is on his way until his next visit to town. Price, quality and convenience!