Leaving Vasto was difficult for all of us. In less than 3 full days, everyone had become attached to the loving and caring family they’d only just met. Lucky for us, we were off to see even more family, this time from my Grandfather’s side.
Our time in Ascoli Piceno was even shorter than Vasto, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying our time to the fullest. Our stomachs weren’t done stretching as the home cooked meals we were treated to rivaled even the wedding in Vasto. Everyone wasdoing great, just as when I left two years ago, and we received some welcome news that another cousin (Marino) would be getting married next year, so a return trip may be in order (I hope!).
A trip up to San Gregorio, the mountain village where my Great Grandmother grew up, and a couple aperitivos in Piazza del Popolo made for a quintessential day in Ascoli. Watching my family soak up the experience brought me back to the same feelings I’d had during my first trip, and I’m grateful to be able to share those feelings with them from now on. All that was missing was Papa, although Croce and Italo were sure to take care of that as the note in the photo shows.
“RUDY WITH US”
“From Italo, Croce, & Sylvanna”
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Papa è con tutti noi. Per sempre.
A presto Ascoli!