La Famiglia

You’ve probably noticed I’m trying to keep this blog anonymous. Although I’ve invited friends and family to read my blog, blogs are out there for all the world to read. So, we’ll see how I do.

However, I have to share the names and relationships of my husband’s family here in Italy – because you’ve been asking –and- I love their names and chances are, linking our identities through their names in Italy won’t be easy.

Elda (second cousin) - is a major fan of Saint Padre Pio from Puglia, never married or had any children, used to go to church twice a day and is in her elder years. She lives with Salvatore and Ubaldina.

Salvatore (third cousin) – is married to Ubaldina (Oo-bal-deena), who we call Ubbi. Salvatore is Rita and Giulio’s brother. He has retired and loves to hunt cingiale (wild boar). He’s promised my son he will take him hunting as soon as he’s old enough and breaks out his arsenale of guns when we arrive. Ubbi always makes amazing meals for us when we visit.

Rita (third cousin) – is married to Gianni (Johnny) and sister to Salvaore and Guilio. Rita is a doting grandmother to the scamp Alessio and Cristian. She cries whenever we leave and serves the best tiramisu in Italy, or so my daughter swears.

Giulio (third cousin Joo-leo) – is married to Letizia (Le-teet-zia) is brother to Salvatore and Rita. They are fabulous cooks and love to entertain. Guilio goes to Africa each year to build water systems and homes for those in need.

Sara (fourth cousin) – is married to Mario and is mother to Francesca. Her parents are Salvatore and Ubbi. Sara is an amazing jewelry designer. She has created pieces for Prada and Dolce and Gabbana. Since having Francesca, she’s become a marathon runner. Mario’s pizza is my family’s all time favorite!

Valeria (fourth cousin) – is mother to Daniele. Her parents are also Salvatore and Ubbi. Valeria lost her fiancé, Valerio (a policeman), when the patrol plane he was in went down over the Adriatic. She was pregnant with Daniele. Valeria is an amazingly strong woman who I admire tremendously. She’s a wonderful mother and professionally, a nurse, always caring for others.

Roberto (fourth cousin) – is engaged to Simona – for 8 years and counting… Roberto’s parents are Rita and Gianni. He speaks English really well and is a very good uncle to Alessio and Cristian.

Vanessa (fourth cousin) – is married to Andrea and is mother to the dickens Alessio and the angel Cristian. Rita and Gianni are Vanessa’s parents as well.

Fabio (fourth cousin) – is working on his Masters in Engineering and is a total lady killer. His parents are Giulio and Letizia. Fabio is trilingual, able to pick up women in English and Spanish fluently.

Fabrizio (fourth cousin) – is a member of the Italian military and is in Afghanistan. His parents are Giulio and Letizia.

Federico (fourth cousin) – is a year older than my son and his parents are Giulio and Letizia. Federico and my son love to play PlayStation 2 together.

There you have it! The family who dote on us whenever we are in Italy and who we look forward to spending time with. Hopefully, I will be able to converse with them a bit better as the year progresses!