A highlight of this trip was having the opportunity to connect with our Italian cousins, the Sanguinetis, in Isolona. The remote village resides in the Fontanabuona Valley near Genoa. Having already spent a fortnight in Germany, Austria and Italy, we remained uncertain we could meet. But two days before departure, we finally connected, thanks to the wonders of social media and Google translate, and a meeting was scheduled.
The Fontanabuona Valley is an inland drainage northeast of Genoa. The area, well known for slate quarries that have been worked since medieval times, provided livelihoods for many residents of Commune of Orero. In nearby Cicagna, the town has become something of a home improvement hub, providing roofing tiles, floor and wall tile, countertops, tablets and pool table tops for consumers as far away as Rome.
In addition to assessing the motherlode of slate, the Fontanabuena Valley is famous for its hazelnuts, much like the Willamette Valley in Oregon. The valley, characterized by its lush greenery, streams and a variety of natural landscapes, features Vermentino and Dolcetto vineyards, olive groves and expensive chestnut and oak woods. Historically, Fontanabuena was an ancient fief of the Fieschi family.
Although our visits have been brief when we travel to Italy, they have been most enjoyable. It's been great connecting with family; we could feel the genuine love despite the language barriers in communicating. On our first trip to Isolona, the Sanguinetis gifted us numerous photos of my family, including the picture below of, from left, my uncle, grandfather, grandmother and mother that I had never seen before.
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