It wAs always a dream of mine to visit italy. My mother and her family are all born in Rende Cosenza..

My grandparents would always speak about italy and helped raise me in the Italian culture. This is one of the things that I am most proud of and I feel has shaped my identity as a person and now as a father and husband.

Unfortunately both my Grandparents passed before we has a chance to go to italy together. One day I decided that I had waited long enough and felt almost a responsibility to my self and my grandparents to make the trip.

Finally in 2005 I went to italy for the first time. After visiting all the typical tourist spots first I made my way to Rende. I had never met any of my relatives before and did not speak the language.

I went to the main piazza and had dinner. I met some local people and called my great uncles house and made arrangement to meet them there the next day.

What followed was an amazing relationship with a family that I had never known until then. In a way I was transported back in time sitting at my grandparents table.

Since my first visit in 2005 I have returned six times. I have just purchased a home in Zambrone overlooking the ocean. My hope is to have many memmories there with my Canadian family and my new calabrese family who I love dearly. The house is scheduled to be ready to move in July 1 2012. I plan to make up for lost time with my calabrese family. I feel as though I was robbed from the relationship I could have had with my cousins had I been able to spend our summers in Calabria as a child. I would like to do for my own children what my mother and grandparents missed doing for me.

My wife thinks that I romanticize the Italian life but has supported my decision to visit often and now build a home there. This is a big leap of faith as we are not wealthy people. I am quite greatful to her although as she says I would do it anyway. She is a school teacher and I am self employed so spending several weeks in our home in the summer is possible.

I am the only one in my family to return to italy although I, like you, am not a native. I feel that italy is part of my DNA and has some how drawn me there by fate.

It is stories like yours that inspired me to follow my heart even though it makes no logical sense at all. I have never met you and I am sorry to bore you with details, however I feel gratitude to pilgrims like yourself and one day It would be an honor to feel included in the exclusive group that followed their passion all the way to italy.

I understand that these posts are old and there is a chance that you will never read this message, but I would invite you to send me an email. Who knows we may bump into one another in Tropea.

I am a little scared of course. Excitement trumps the “am i freakin nuts” moments that do creap up om me from time to time I don’t have the best grasp of the language although it is getting better. Buying a second home is crazy especially when that home is overseas. Any advice or words of encouragemt would be greatly appreciated.

I will be making a short trip to See my family and shop for furniture and household items we will need this summer.

If I don’t hear from you I hope you have an amazing life in Calabria.

Warm regards,

Michael Topper

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnxorhsKhM0

that showcases the beauty of this place so many love but as you mentioned, perhaps they only return to once a year in August…please watch it as I know you will enjoy it and share it with those that would like another “taste” of Calabria and it’s beauty! Thank you!

I’m also so happy you found me; I will share your video on the blog shortly…will keep you posted! Love your work!!!!

I haven’t been able to pinpoint houses yet, but I really should get on that; I think I have to look at old tax records and stuff…hmm….

Thanks for sharing!

Yes Tina! Come!