On April 2, 2015, I got the official letter from US Customs and Immigration stating that my great-grandfather, Luigi Gallo, never became an American citizen. I couldn’t believe I held, in my hands, the document that could be my ticket to getting my very own Italian passport! “Why might one want an Italian passport?” you…
Month: October 2022
Becoming Italian Part 2: The Qualification Round
Not everybody can become an Italian citizen. Lots of Americans have parents, grandparents, great-grandparents who were born in Italy. But it is not by birth alone that one qualifies. You are only eligible if the relative from Italy was not an American citizen at the time of the birth (in America) of the next descendent….
In Memoriam: Barbara Winter
My original blog post, Sept. 4, 2011: It was a full page ad. The woman wore funky glasses and an angled, blunt haircut. Her posture, her smile, the sparkle in her eyes emanated a happiness, a confidence, and a freedom I wanted. But none of that is what drew me in. As I flipped through…
A Day Trip
Not to brag. . . but yes, I’m going to brag: Michael and I and a friend are considering taking a road trip to Barcelona on Sunday. How amazing is it that I can even say that? A day trip! To a major European destination! It would be a long day trip. It’s a three…
A Slice of Tuscany
Michael and I sat at a corner table overlooking the hills of Tuscany. We were in a town I’d never heard of until that very morning when a Facebook posting directed us to not just the town but “the restaurant on the curve as you’re driving up there.” No name was mentioned. But in an…
To Mom and Dad: On Your Anniversary
My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary a couple weeks ago. As I was lying in bed one night back in March, this post came to me. . . and I knew if I didn’t get out of bed to write it down, I’d forget it. I thought I’d wait and read it to them on…
No Pasa Nada: American Airlines version
Dear American Airlines, I thought perhaps you’d like some feedback about my recent trip with you. If you don’t, then kindly delete this message and go on with your day. No hard feelings. I hope it’s a great one. If you’re still reading, cool. Here’s the thing: no one died on this flight, so, you…
RenaissanceRebecca 