Day 5 in Italy- Strona and Family

Well, we left the mountains and headed back down to the Biella area.  Then we had the most fabulous afternoon having our own personal tour of Strona/Aimone and vicinity by our most wonderful tour guide Irene Aimone.  She took us around to all the areas of Strona where David’s family is from including the church that was built in the 1600’s where probably David’s grandfather was probably baptized.

Catholic church in Strona

Other highlights included walking in the “frazione" (hamlet) of Aimone, taking pictures of the Aimone signs and then going to several very special frazione. One was the area of Monti (not positive of the name) where there were a few very ancient houses on a hilltop. The next was a place called Bonda- this was a very special place as the community homes all had art work on the outside of their homes- somewhat hard to describe but I know David will post pictures- he took so many of them.  But the art was both painting, sculpture and mixed media of many types.

Monti, a small ancient hilltop hamlet.

One wall at the small restored hilltop village of Bonda

Later back to Il Talucco for another great dinner by Nico.  We decided to just stay here tonight since it has become like home to us.  And we have an early start tomorrow to go to Tuscany.  Although I am excited to go to Tuscany I will really miss being here in Piemonte with all these wonderful friends and family we have made.  We have been so welcomed and nurtured by all the Aimone clan that we have met it is truly amazing.  We have made friends and connections where before there was none.  David has been able to connect with his father’s roots and be in places where his ancestors lived.  We will miss everyone here and hope to come back again as well as hope to have those from Italy visit us in the US.  Everyone is welcome to visit with us.  Special hugs go out to Irene and Valentina.  You will stay in our thoughts.

Till later in Tuscany.  Salut to all.

— Ellen

Ellen and Nico (Valentina Aimone's husband and chef at Il Talucco)