All About La Famiglia

We had the pleasure to meet even more of my family on Saturday night! We went out to dinner with Paolo, Alice, Riccardo, Paolo’s parents (aka another cousin of mine), Mara and her husband, and Alice’s sister, Martina. Everyone was just so nice, and Mara was such a sweetheart! She brought pictures of past relatives, explained our family history, and told funny stories about my great grandparents/cousins. A lot of learning and laughs were shared at the table!

Family!

Ancestors!

After dinner, we went back to Finalborgo to the Medieval Festival to walk around and watch some more performances. Riccardo couldn’t get enough of the “tamburo”!

Yesterday, Paolo drove us up to Boragni (plural for Boragno), which is where the “Boragno” part of my family is from. Mara, her husband, and their friends also accompanied us. We also had the opportunity to meet two distant cousins, who helped show us around. Some notable places we got to see are where my great grandfather was born, and the Boragno church!

Church

Only Boragno's live in Boragni. And only Boragno's can purchase a house in Boragni

Where my great-grandfather was born

Distant relative

Inside the church

What was funny was watching my cousins figure out how we were all related. Paolo, Adam, and I just had to laugh and shake our heads after about every 15 minutes when the conversation of our lineage popped up over and over again. Each time got more and more "Italian" with the raised voices and hand gestures. We understood how everyone was related perfectly, but it took the elders a little more time.

First attempt

Second attempt

Third attempt. Wait...how is everyone related?!

Francesca, a distant cousin, was very sweet and accommodating. She even gave me a book on the history of the church! She is wanting to put together a family tree, and asked me to put together the Boragno family lineage in the San Francisco area so that I can give to her. Challenge accepted! Should be easy, right? If you’re a Boragno and are reading this, help a cousin out!

After the trip to Boragni, Paolo almost took us out on his boat. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t good, so instead we walked around a nearby town and ate some delicious gelato before going back to his apartment to hang out for a little bit.

The past couple of days have been truly special to me. I feel very fortunate to be able to spend time with family that I have only kept in touch with online before coming here. Being able to meet them, learn more about my ancestors, see the small village where my family is from, and hear funny stories from the past will always hold a special place in my heart. I’m already looking forward to the next time we can come back to visit!