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Born and raised in Ottawa, Canada, by my parents who immigrated to Canada in 1959. My mom and dad were both born and raised in Pretoro Chieti. Canada offered a bright future and that was enough for our parents to want to settle here. In 1974, we took a 2 month long vacation to Italy. I was only 8 years old. Our grandparents still lived there at the time and for my parents it was an opportunity to visit family and friends and stay connected to their roots, but for me and my 3 siblings, it was just a vacation. I was very young, and although I was excited to be in another country, I was too young to recognize the ancestral meaning of the trip. As years passed, I wondered more and more about our family ways and the more I aged, the more important it became for me to discover my roots. It became a dream of mine to one day go back to Italy and see for myself what made us who we are today. Years pass and priority change and never realizing my life time dream to go back and visit Pretoro, Chieti. I am convinced there is something there that would define me. I felt this need to discover my culture / heritage that would give me a true perception of my Italian history but even more important, experience a bit of my own families history. The more years that pass, the more important it becomes for me to take my trip to Italy. I know that one day I will eventually get there. This Summer 2009, I finally got there, My parents were involved in a terrible car accident while vacationing in Pretoro Chieti. That is a story within itself that one day I hope I will have the courage to write and about and share as it is truly is a remarkable one. . This tragic accident brought me and my siblings to my parents side in the very place that I longed to be. For now, I want to share my travel experience to Pretoro Chieti. This beautiful village has captured my heart forever. While not under pleasant circumstances, I was finally able to realize my dream of re-visiting the town that my parents grew up in. Leaving our families in despair, the four us departed Ottawa, all on different flights and managed to arrive within hours of each other. My emotional journey begins, Upon arriving in Pretoro, I was captured by the beauty of it all. I immediately felt that I was in my element and my “curiosity” of my cultural heritage and parents upbringing was almost immediately satisfied. We arrived in the evening, and the drive up to the village was just as I remembered it in 1974. The twisty / cliff side roads driving into the mountains that everyone always remembers about their travels to Europe. Pretoro was beautifully lit up, soft yellow lighting, with medieval type latterns throughout. As soon as I arrived I was compelled to take a walk throughout the village, immediately feeling very familiar with my surroundings, admiring the cobble stone pathways, the narrow staircases and serene street alleys, the prominent churches and the old buildings, the homes of many family and friends. I was stunned by the beauty and the tranquility of this village. We were invited to stay at the B & B called Casa Mila, which is owned and operated by a very dear friends of our family, and which I had only met when I was a small child back in 1974. The B &B, Casa Mila is situated in the historical center of Pretoro a few kilometers from the ski hills of Passolanciano Majelletta and only 20 km from the sea. It is owned and operated by Patriza Perseo with the help of her sister and Partner Angela Perseo. This beautiful building has been restored by the owners, it is said to have the actual stones of the Majella Mountain, the wrought iron produced from the local craftsmen and the wooden doors and frames are custom made to blend in with the authenticity of the building. Once again, I was taken aback by the beauty of this 18th century building that has been completely restored while still maintaining its heritage. Not knowing what to expect of a B &B nestled away in the middle of mountain, I was happily surprised that it had all the commodities of a 5 star hotel and more. We were offered to sleep in any one of the six comfortable rooms, each characterized with various names and all equipped with private bathroom facilities, and all furnished with impeccable taste. I truly felt that I had gone back in time….. this master piece surely does take you back to the “old days”. I awoke to a beautiful panoramic view. This was breath taking to say the least. This was a most overwhelming experience. Again I had this feeling of being brought back into time and I felt I was among my ancestors. I stood at the balcony, I took a few deep breaths and literally took it all in. The view is somewhat simple but spectacular, a glimpse of the Adriatic Sea, the Majella Mountain which appears to be just at arms length, the green forests, the farm lands, the olive trees, the winding roads that leads to the other villages and to the major cities, the roof tops of the houses close by, just below me is the very house that my mother and her family grew up in. The church bells chiming, the light sounds of morning chatter and for the grand finale the aroma of fresh brewed espresso coffee. I truly felt like I was in my element. I felt right at home, and a sense of truly belonging. The most remarkable feeling for me is when I was taken to the Inn (Locanda Mila) of the B & B. This is situated in the old wine cellar of the building and I learned that it was completely dug by hand by our ancestors. Here it is where it happened for me where I felt that I truly connected to my roots. The emotion that came over me was something I had never experienced before. The B & B boasts this amazing kitchen with state of the art equipment but always maintaining the genuine simplicity and authenticity of the “local cuisine” The menu and the exquisite plates are all prepared by the owner’s Mother, Maria who is an expert in the culinary traditions and cultural meals. I can’t help but mention the National Park of the Majella. The Majella is a natural wonder that also boasts a cultural heritage that gives us a wide perspective to the entire Italian history. Casa Mila will arrange for excursions and make all necessary arrangements so that any visitor can take full advantage of this natural beauty. The residents of this village are all so friendly, happy and hospitable. Although I did not get much of an opportunity to tour the surrounding areas, I learned that the beaches are within 20 minutes and most tourist attractions are all in close vicinity. This village accommodates all your needs from grocery store, pharmacy, deli, Café’s Bars, restaurants and pizzeria’s. There is even the benefit of a vendor who drives into the piazza with fresh fruit, eggs and vegetables on a regular basis. My trip was a short one and my parents are back at home with us safely now, although I did not get to realize my dream of vacationing in Italy, it was enough for me to satisfy my curiosity of my heritage roots. It has defined me and has changed me forever. It also confirmed for me that although my parents left behind a part of their history, a piece will always remain with us. It also confirmed for me that it is a necessary trip for my children. It is truly an extraordinary experience to feel that nostalgia that connects you to the past, connecting you to your ancestors. I plan to visit again, and I plan to take my children. Our parents left their country and immigrated to Canada to give us all a better future. Fortunately for us, they brought with them a way of Italian life and accompanying beliefs and values that was laid down by their ancestors and passed on to us and making us who we are today . I am very grateful to the entire Pretorese community. From Ottawa to Pretoro the support and prayers for our parents was overhwelming. It was integral in their successful return to Ottawa. I am especially grateful to Patrizia Perseo who made our stay at her B & B, Casa Mila, feel like we were in our own home. Patrizia and her family have worked very hard in preserving the ways of the old times, not only in the structure but in the ambience and the excellent service. Any visitor will no doubt feel that they have gone back in time. I am so grateful to them for creating this establishment with forgotten flavours of the past. A true jem that must be seen by all. I continue to visit the Casa Mila Web site to keep those memories alive with me forever and I look so forward to my next stay there. More information on B & B can be found at http://www.bebmila.it/ More information on Mediterranean PAN Park. http://www.parcomajella.it/home.asp More information on Pretoro Chieti can be found at http://www.comune.pretoro.ch.it/
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