Week 2 Starting the Trek - Capestrano bus pick up

Saying good by to Kevin and Heather

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Week 1 The Reunion - Abruzzo Homecoming Weekend in Villa Santa Lucia, Carrufo and Ofena

The Reunion was held over three days in three neighbouring villages – Villa Santa Lucia, Carrufo and Ofena, with each location offering something different. Unfortunately we missed the first day’s event in Ofena because our bus arrived a half hour prior to the event starting. It had rained all day and when we arrived it was a torrential down-pore and we got soaked looking for someone to give us a ride to Ofena. Ofena has a wine industry and therefore visitors experienced a taste of their local wines and a history of the region.  Day 2 was in Villa and the official picnic day. Unfortunately it started to rain at noon and the event moved into the Municipal Hall where we were given a history of the region and a video presentation of Villa’s history. There were also tours of the cemetery for those looking for their ancestral graves. The day’s event was concluded with a hosted reception with a variety of pastries prepared by the local community. The last day was hosted by Carrufo, which started with a guided walk around the village, which included a visit to Michael Buble’s grandmother’s house. This was followed with an outdoor mass at La Croce. Carrufo hosted a fantastic party with local foods that included a roast pig and local wines, and sangria prepared by Gianni Mariani (our B&B host). The party concluded at approximately 9pm, but a few remaining people made their way to a local resident’s house where the party continued, with a spaghetti dinner and more wine. Overall, regardless of the rain, the Abruzzo Homecoming Weekend was a success and I’m sure most in attendance learned more about their heritage. 

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There were some new information I learned during this visit. A key reason for returning to Villa Santa Lucia was to connect with relatives and learn a little more about my heritage. Much to my regret I did not pursue this objective earlier in life – always too busy with work and family, and putting it off until I had more time. Unfortunately my mother passed away quickly in 2009 hence my key information source disappeared. Therefore the visit to Villa was essential to conclude my search for information and to put closure to my curiosity. I also wanted to learn more about those other Aburzzesi who left Villa and about those who returned.

I’d like to start by discussing our family house in Villa Santa Lucia. Julie and I had dinner with Saverio, the current owner of our family house and he was able to provide a description of the process and challenges he indured acquiring various properties.  He purchased a total of three properties; all attached, and joined them to create one larger home. Our home was the main building structure, with the remaining two attachments. One attached property was destroyed by neglect by the prior owner – with the roof and wall collapsed. Saverio began his project in 1992, and 20 years later he is close to completion, and it is an amazing transformation. He also bought land in Carrufo where he planted grape vines and began the renovation of the cellars in his Villa home to accommodate the equipment needed to process his own wine. Again, he has done an amazing job, which included the purchase of stainless steel wine press and tanks, and built a wine cellar to house the wine from various years. We got to taste his 2011 wine that was still in the barrel and ready for bottling. It was delicious!

Saverio described that in the early to mid 1900s there were approximately 3000 residents, with multiple families living in a single dwelling, and therefore the wave of immigrants that went to Canada and other parts of the world was beneficial to Villa because it thinned out the population, and when they returned they could afford their own home. There were two waves of immigrants – one around 1900, which was when Papa Luigi came to Canada to work and when he returned he was able to purchase his home.  It is unclear when the house was purchased, but Saverio did find carvings on wood beams with “LM 08/31/1928”) that probably belong to my grandfather Luigi Mazziotti. This is the house where my mother and dad lived after getting married and where we lived prior to immigrating to Canada in 1956. The second wave of immigration took place after WII. Except this time very few returned. Hence the population was devastated, and today there are between 100-200 residents. In the second wave there was very little to come back to, and many immigrants had established communities in their new country. This was the case in Vancouver and I’m sure in other communities.  However, those that immigrated to European countries had an advantage because of the proximity to Villa. My own cousins Victoria and Evenia, who live in Paris and Pescara are able to come back to Villa every year during July and August.

Check out Picasa Week 1 photos Abruzzo Homecoming Events (CTRL+Link to open in a new tab)

Week 1 The Reunion - L’Aquila

We arrived in Rome and headed straight to L’Aquila for a few days before going to Villa Santa Lucia for the reunion activities. I was born in L’Aquila, and yes it is true, my twin brother(Luigi) was born nine hours earlier in Villa. Unfortunately L’Aquila has lost most its historical beauty following the earthquake on April 6, 2009. There has been much restoration work, however it is ongoing and will probably continue for the next few decades. Some locations look like a war zone, with many buildings boarded up, support beams holding major retaining walls and houses held together by steel cables. It was very sad to see the amount of destruction; however I didn’t realize that Julie would become so emotional. Over 300 people died during the earthquake and most families in the heart of L’Aquila had to leave their homes. One of the areas restored is the Fontana delle 99 Cannelle, which at one time was the local area where women went to wash their cloths. The fountain is rectangular, with three of the walls having the 99 fountain spouts – each with a human face sculpture.  

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Week 11-12 April 1-10 Bucerias – Final Days – Final Thoughts

It’s hard to believe we have been living in Bucerias for three months – sun and fun every day, and the time went by so quickly. We missed our family and friends, but it would have been depressing being at home for the three months dealing with the cold and damp winter in the BC lower mainland. Many of our friends also escaped to warmer climates and we stayed in touch with Skype and emails, as we also did with our grandchildren. And of course we made many new friends while in Bucerias, which has been the highlight of our trip. We shared many moments together at daily happy hours, potluck dinners and visits to local restaurants. There have been many unforgettable moments and highlights to remember, such as:

• Sisters Julie and Shirley spending two weeks together
• The release of sky lanterns that filled the sky during a wedding ceremony
• Long walks on the beach and stopping to join a volleyball game
• Swimming in the ocean
• Watching fishers and divers each day in front of the condo
• Watching hundreds of pelicans for a week in front of our condo feasting on fish
• Watching kite surfers and sail boats fill the bay
• Watching sunsets every day
• Observing the blessing of the boats, which included a festival, carnival and dancing horses
• Bar-top dancing at the Drunken Duck (seniors gone wild)
• Visits to Puerto Vallarta, La Cruz and Sayulita
• Valentine’s Day celebration in PV old town
• Going to the local Sunday markets
• Bartering with the locals
• Helping a street dog find a suitable home – thanks Leslie and Kosta for adopting Libra
• Feeding and making friends with the street cats 

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Week 11 Bucerias – Who let the dogs out!

The Mexicans love their special breeds, such as pit bulls, boxers and chihuahuas, but don’t care for mutts, which end up on the street living off the generosity of humans. It seems like the non-Mexicans (gringos) have an affinity for abandoned dogs, which we experienced while in Bucerias. There are three dogs highlighted that were all adopted by Kosta and Leslie:

Mamma was a street dog taken in by Leslie and Kosta to keep their new boxer (Coqueta) company. The name ”Mamma” was given her because Coqueta was still a teenager and Mamma provided the development for her. Mamma belonged to a local resident, but was spending more time with Coqueta, and eventually adopted by Leslie and Kosta. As it turned out Coqueta got pregnant and gave birth to 11 puppies, which Mamma helped to nurture. When old enough, Coqueta’s pups were given away, but, during an outing Mamma, Coqueta, and one of her pups got lost but only Mamma returned home.

Cleo was found in a ditch, possibly hit by a car. Leslie and Kosta took care of Cleo, bringing her back to health.. This is one cute, but crazy dog. Cleo was very young when found; hence Mamma was able to take her under her wing.

Libra was the latest dog adopted by Leslie and Kosta. She first appeared at Vista Bahia and became very friendly with the residents, who fed her. Libra (so named by Kosta and Leslie) was very skinny, and only when a resident had her spaded did they discover 11 puppies, which were aborted. Libra and the puppies would never have survived the birth. As it turned out Libra became the premier guard dog for Kosta and Leslie.

Now there are four females in Kosta’s life – Leslie (the best of them all), Mamma, Cleo and Libra. Thank you so much for your generosity and adopting the three dogs.

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Week 10-11 March 16-31 Bucerias – Dining Out

Dining out in Bucerias is great experience, with many restaurants to choose from. Below are our favorites or highly recommended by friends. I’ve also listed a few restaurants in Puerto Vallarta worth visiting.

Bucerias casual dining

Saiya – Asian cuisine – try it if you are tired of Mexican food – great Thai

Los Pericos – breakfast, lunch and dinner

Luna Luna – popular breakfast and lunch, with musicians on the weekend

The Fat Boy Seafood – on the beach, great for lunch and lounge chairs

Sweet Things – popular for breakfast and lunch

Yo Yo Mo's Pizza and Sports Bar – great pizza

Drunken Duck – great for their music and dancing (Sunday at 6pm)

Flaky's Fish and Chips – try it if you are tired of Mexican tacos

Fine dining

Sandrina's – very romantic setting for dinner

Karen's Place – popular for breakfast, lunch and dinner

El Brujo – romantic setting, local cuisine at a reasonable price

Check out other Bucerias restaurants at TripAdvisor

Check out other restaurants close to Bucerias: TripAdvisor

Check out http://www.bestofbucerias.com/ for other information about Bucerias.

La Cruz (Close to Vista Bahia)

Philo’s – casual dining – pizza and ribs, with great music

Mariscos El Coleguita – a very popular traditional Mexican restaurant – big portions and inexpensive

Puerto Vallarta Restaurants – Day trip to PV

We’ve not stayed in PV for over 7 years, but we take day trips in from Bucerias 2-3 times month. The walk along the Malecon and old town is beautiful. However there are far too many people in PV and the reason we no longer stay in town, however we do love a few restaurants when we visit.

Fusion Gourmet

Across from Hotel Tropicana (old town), one block from the beach in a beautiful garden setting

#1 choice, fine Mexican cuisine at a reasonable price

La Pena Andaluza

Close to the bridge overlooking the river and markets below

Traditional Spanish tapas and cuisine at a reasonable price

Zoirahuen Café

Pino Suarez No. 217 (old town)

Fine Mexican cuisine at a reasonable price, however only open after 5pm

Cheeky Monkey

On the Malecon, with great views of the ocean

The food is okay

Dollar margaritas are the draw, but forget it, stick with the beer (also a dollar) or try the restaurant across the street Paradise Burger

Week 9 March 9-15 Bucerias About the Coconut Tree

Did you know that the word “coconut” is derived from the Portuguese and Spanish term “Cocos”, meaning “ginning face”. Take a look next time you get a coconut and observe the three small holes on the coconut shell that resemble human facial features. The coconut is delicious. When green the milk is delicious, but when ripe it is the nut “meat” that is used for cooking or eaten raw. Without a machete the nut husk is difficult to crack, but it can be done – with a large screw driver puncture the skin and pry a small piece and continue to do this for the entire husk. Take the seed and smash it against the concrete to crack the shell, and then scoop out the meat with a sharp knife.

The coconut tree is a large palm growing up to 30 meters tall and the tree can yield about 75 fruits per year. As the tree grows, old leaves break away, leaving the trunk smooth. The tree is a natural resting spot for birds, but also for iguanas, which is the case at Vista Bahia. An iguana is seen climbing the tree on a regular basis.

The coconut tree creates a beautiful setting that is photographed by many tourists. The tree is seen in the background of many family photos and is especially beautiful during sunsets. However the tree can be dangerous as the nuts can fall without warning, hence many resorts and property owners have the nuts removed to avoid damage to property. This is the problem at Vista Bahia, when the nuts fall on the palapa roof and break the tiles. Therefore the gardeners come to prune the tree, which is interesting to watch. The gardener, who is barefoot, climbs the tree like a monkey and while perched at the top cuts away the nuts and older leaves. There is no safety harness, but the gardener seems to be agile and able to easily maneuver amoungst the branches. What was interesting about the visit to Vista Bahia was the surprise of the gardener when the iguana jumped from the top of the tree to the palapa roof. The iguana survived, but two more tiles where broken.

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