The End of a Journey

As I finish my last official post for my blogging assignment, I would be remiss if I did not thank two important individuals who have constantly reminded me of the importance of family heritage. Mr. Sam Patti, a lifelong friend, has inspired me to read literature relating to the Italian experience. His conversations about the importance of family and heritage have been inspiring. Sam is the owner of La Prima Espresso in the Strip District of Pittsburgh, Pa. (http://www.laprima.com/) and I would encourage everyone to stop in and say hello. I would also like to thank my brother-in-law, Mr. Jim DeMark, from Orlando, Fla. for showing me the true meaning of family.

A Reflection

My brief visit to Mistretta, Sicily was an absolutely unique experience that I will forever cherish. My own self-criticism is the fact that I was too stubborn to attempt, at a minimum, an elementary understanding of the language. I now realize that the visit would have been even more memorable had I taken the time to enable myself to communicate with the citizenry. However, although initially wary, the hospitality shown towards two wayward visitors was truly heartwarming. So, to anyone planning a visit to share their heritage, I suggest that before your visit, you learn as much as you can about your family background from family members in preperation for the journey. An elementary understanding of basic language will also make your visit more meaningful. However, given the opportunity to visit your homeland, by all means, please take the opportunity to do so. You will never regret it.

Mistretta Web Sites

The following is a list of helpful Web Sites about Mistretta, Sicily.

http://www.sansebastianomistretta.it/foto.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g858372-Mistretta_Sicily-Vacations.html

http://events.frommers.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event.detail&event_id=58870

http://www.whatsonwhen.com/sisp/index.htm?fx=event&event_id=58870

A Rememberance

Many immigrants from Sicily migrated to the coal mining communities in America. Working under harsh and dangerous conditions, coal was a way of life for many immigrants. Upon arriving in the U.S.A., my grandfather worked in various mines in Indiana County, Pennsylvania. He vowed that none of his sons would make their living by working in these conditions. Soon after leaving the mines, he began selling fruits and vegetables, door to door, to the families residing in these mining communities.

For anyone interested in this time period, there is a wonderful exhibit at the John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. dedicated to the immigrant coal miners.

http://www.pghhistory.org/

A Lunar Eclipse Viewed from Mistretta

This short video is a view of a lunar eclipse filmed from the mountainous area of Mistretta, Sicily.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KtykMBR4ss

Mistretta Facts

The original name of Mistretta during the Midieval period was Amestratus. During Midieval times, the town was conquered by the Romans and later ruled by the Normans until 1637. The population of Mistretta is currently 5,939 inhabitants and the town resides on a mountain top, about 931 meters above sea level.

The main economic activities are agriculture, cattle, sheep and horse breeding and handiworks. The most cultivated products are olives, grains, citrus fruits, and grapes. Typical handiworks are made from wrought iron and ebony.

The most important monuments are: the Cathedral church whose ancient origin was restored in 1630, the remains of the Midieval Castle, and the Church of St. Caterina of Rinascimento. Among the most important persons from Mistretta include: Antonio Pagliaro, the President of the Upper Council of Public Education and the editor of the Italian Encyclopedia, and the folklorist Giuseppe Cocchiara, professor of Literature of Popular Traditions at the University of Palermo.

More Images of Mistretta

Images of Mistretta

Quite a Meal!

As we descended the steps of the hotel, it appeared that everyone in town had joined the original procession. There was total silence until one young Italian boy stepped up to us and began talking in Italian. When he realized that we could not converse in Italian and that no one in town spoke English, we were certainly at a stalemate. I don't know if it was fear or desperation that made me reach for my passport and show it to him. After closely perusing the passport, a wide smile spread across his face as he lifted the document above his head and yelled "Mistretta" to the crowd. A huge roar arose from the townspeople as they converged upon us to offer hugs and handshakes all around.
We were whisked off to someone's house and made to sit in the kitchen where immediately large quantities of wine appeared on the table. As we began to indulge in the wine, a number of women began to cook, what seemed enough food, to feed the entire town. There were meats and cheeses, pasta, lasagna, salads, and even more wine. We were introduced to dozens of people, who they were, I had no idea. All that I remember is that we were treated as long lost relatives who had come home to visit. I don't know if I ever ate or drank as much as I did that day in Mistretta.

First Impressions

To say that we were nervous as we checked into the hotel is an understatement. Once we were settled into our room, we glanced out the window to see if anyone was still gathered in front of the hotel. To our astonishment, the crowd had grown even larger with others joining them each time we peered from the window. Now we were really confused and not quite certain as to how to proceed. It was late afternoon and we were starving, but did we dare leave our room? Who did they think we were? Were they hostile or just curious? Finally, the basic urge of hunger got the best of us and we decided to face the music. Mustering up some courage, we decided to leave the hotel in search of food.