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THE VISIT IN MY FATHER'S LAND
di Ralph Iannotti
«vai alla galleria fotografica» |
«Testo in italiano»
- We received - and we
willingly publish – Ralph Iannotti’s report on his recent visit
in San Prisco. And since we know he follows SanPrisco.net from
USA, we use the occasion to thank and say him hello. Ciao, Ralph:
we’re waiting for your next trip to San Prisco! -
 In
June I had the pleasure of visiting San Prisco Italy. I had
planned the trip a year in advance. My purpose of the trip was
to find the street and house of my father's birth.
My family, including my sister and brother-in-law, set out on a
beautiful Sunday morning and traveled to San Prisco where our
Sanprischesi hosts greeted us.
But first a little background. Approximately three years ago I
contacted the Universita di San Prisco. The Historical Society
was interested in knowing about past San Prisco residents. I
told them about my father and my wish to visit San Prisco and
find his birth home. The research started, and P.S.
was my contact and kept me informed of everything that was
happening. He enlisted many people in this research.
Finally the day came. We traveled from Sorrento to San Prisco
and met with our hosts. First we were given a tour of the
fabulous Royal Palace at Caserta . Then on to a luncheon that
was hosted by a local restaurateur. We ate for three and a half
hours and sampled the foods of San Prisco and the Campania
region, mozzarella bufala, pasta fagioli, frutta di mare,
prosciutto, salami, and cheeses. We sampled the wines of
Campania and found them to be wonderful.
The time had now arrived and we were ready to walk the streets
of San Prisco, in particular Via Pontesano, the street where my
father was born. As we began our walk, the local people greeted
us. We shook hands and greeted everyone who came up to us. We
waved and said hello to those in the windows above who were
watching the procession. I met those along the streets who
helped in the research and thanked them all for any help they
had given. They were all polite and humble. We felt the same
way.
I had the honor of meeting the Mayor of San Prisco, Antonio
Siero. He presented me with a plaque honoring my visit to San
Prisco and the land of my father.
I believe at this point my family and me were considered
Sanprischesi. We were welcomed like family and felt like family.
We became overwhelmed with emotion we could not hold back. We
were touched down to our hearts.
As we approached Via Pontesano, the first thing we saw was a
welcome banner strung across the street. We were excited. We
proceeded down the street where a local historian pointed out
the house, Via Pontesano 15. My family and myself were moved.
This is the house where my family began. My grandmother and
grandfather chose this house to birth my father. My family and
me stood in front of the house and took many photos. We were a
proud Italian family at this moment.
We then went to visit the homes of our hosts Prisco Sbordone and
his wife Michelina and Mimo Pagano and his wife Marilena. We ate
and sang Italian songs and had a wonderful day and evening. We
were sorry the evening had to end.
It is at this time I wish to thank my hosts P.S., M.U., G.S.,
M.P., M.D.M., C.A., P.M., A.M., Mayor Antonio Siero, and all the
researchers and townspeople who participated in the three year
long search, and all the Iannotta's who came out to see us. This
was a wonderful experience for my family, my sister and
brother-in-law. Everyone has a greater understanding of our
family history and roots.
We will return to San Prisco on subsequent visits to Italy and
look up our friends and say hello. Next time lunch is on me!!
Thank You. Thank You. Grazie Mille. From the entire Iannotti and
Gelsomino family.
Ralph Iannotti
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