Sessa Aurunca, Caserta

Whooops! We skipped one of the most adventurous stops of all ... Sessa Aurunca! This is the town that my dad's mother's parents were from. We went on the hunt for some of my great grandma Leonilda De Luca's relatives. Below is a picture of a gentleman butting in on a conversation I was having with a man on the street from his window! Priceless ....

Unfortunately, we were only able to stay for a brief visit since we had to meet up with my cousins in Agropoli before it got too late and it is about a 2 hour drive from Sessa to Agropoli. 

Donna and I literally had to duck into this doorway to let the car that was coming by pass. Yes, the streets really are that narrow. 

Those are the only three photos I could find from our visit in Sessa. Next, Torre Del Grecco, the home dad of grandpa Santo!

And finally .... Agropoli! (e finalmente ... Agropoli!)

When we arrived around 9 in the evening, we were treated to Pizza made by Peppe and Teresa. It was delicious to say the least. Pictured above: Ciro, Santo, Peppe, Luigi and Mary.

In southern Italy, eating is serious business. It's not merely a meal but an event! There's no rushing it. It's a time for enjoying good food, many laughs and most of all, each other. Most of the Spinalbese family is in the photo above.

Peppe and Teresa. The master chefs hard at work. We made not have always understood their Italian, but we understood this universal language of love very well - Mangiare!!!

This picture does not do the beauty of the coast of Agropoli justice! It was some of the bluest, clearest, cleanest water we have ever been in. Below is a typical sunset on the coast in Agropoli.

One of the major highlights of our time was being honored guests at my cousin Daniela's wedding. Donna and I kept looking at each other and saying, 'We're in Italy! This is surreal.' And to be honest, it really was. And it was a special joy to me that Donna was almost as overwhelmed by the whole experience as I was.

Donna and Tom with the beautiful bride!

My beautiful bride with my beautiful cousins.

My dad's first cousin Al Pacino ....um, I mean Antonio and his beautiful bride Giustina. Bella, bella! And I was honored to sing one of my own songs dedicated to the bride and groom. TVB!

As tender of a moment as that was, it was Tom who stole the show! His crazy dancing had the attention of all the guests as this tall American ripped up the dance floor!

Ischia

On to the beautiful island of Ischia. 

Volcanic in origin - thermal spas

23 miles of coastline

3 ports

Epomeo last erupted in 1301, however its underground molten matter heats the island's thermal springs to this day.  The springs are a big attraction and big tourist draw.  

 They made us wear hair nets!

The water was beautiful - and we enjoyed our time at the spa.

The largest port, Ischia Porto, was once a landlocked lake in a volcanic crater. 

Beautiful Sunset

 A fantastic dinner ... complete with strolling musicians
The dessert - ricotta pear tarte - unbelievable!!!

 The streets were quaint.

Window Shopping

Open Air Market

Fresh morning catch ... 

... the clams were even squirting water ...

Beautiful Church

Back to the ferry ... and on to the next adventure ...