My home is northern California, but my heart is European. As much as I adore my native golden state, I feel an incredible pull from Europe, especially Italy. My paternal grandparents immigrated from Lombardia, the region of Italia north of Milano, in the early 1900’s. I always wondered why they left, what they left, who they left. I knew someday I would retrace their steps and find out.
After years of dreaming, in 1996 I finally made my first trip “over to the other side.”
I have had many incredible experiences on these amazing trips: exploring the Amalfi Coast on my 50th birthday, finding relatives in Italy that we knew had to be there somewhere, watching my dad embrace first cousins for the first time…and noticing they were dressed exactly alike! It’s been a wonderful dream.
Ten years and six trips later, in 2006 another first — the digital camera. Now, thanks to technology, I can share my memories with you. However, the real thanks goes to my Cosmic Twin, Marie (of Alexandria Daily Photo and Doorways Around the World), who cajoled and pestered me into creating Melinda Trips. I, who must be the last person on earth without a cell phone, was able to follow her impeccable instructions (all via email), and the result is now offered to you.
Put on your walking shoes (because we do a lot of that) and…ANDIAMO!
Melinda and husband Gino in Siena
Email me: m_brovelli at hotmail dot com
This is incredible. Great job.
Our family trip to Italy in May of 2005 was our last hurrah for such a lengthy trip. Our oldest son was engaged at that time and has subsequently married. Youngest son is pursuing a medical career……….expensive !! I am impressed with the professional way in which you have managed all the info, pictures, and text on your site. We able were to get several photos in our stay in Rome, Verona, Pisa, Florence and Venice but not the scope of professionalism exhibited by you. Did manage to shoot a decent photo of The Palazzo Uguccioni in Florence. Apparently some relatives had money in our past……….It skipped my generation. Looking forward to your next travel site.
Otto
Ciao Otto!
I’m so glad you are enjoying my pictures and verbal ramblings. I certainly appreciate the positive comments. I don’t recall the Palazzo Uguccioni in Florence, however now I am curious and will research it online (we call it “consulting the Oracle”!)
I’m working hard on my next pictures and text from our recent trip to Sicilia and Greece. Thanks for checking in.