For both people who are reconnecting with long lost family members as well as for the occasional visitor, a visit to Casale and the wonderful area of Abruzzo is frequently a very emotional experience.  The large majority of these emotions will be joyful.  Some will be ecstatic. 

You must be warned, however, that our travels can at times bring on unexpected sadness as well.  This usually happens in one of two sets of circumstances.  The first typically occurs when it becomes time for people to leave Valle San Giovanni and return to their home of residence.  The best cure for this is not Prozac but rather a trip to the nearest travel agent and advice on how once again to become Italy and Abruzzo bound.  The second emotion, typically more intense and experienced by young and old, rich ....




.....and poor alike, occurs when the cautious traveler hesitates too long before making needed plans only to be told that the cherished weeks that he or she desires are already taken.  Prozac does help a bit more in this situation although the best remedy is usually to think ahead for next year and make one's reservations while the opportunity exits.  Our nonno Giovanni would say, "Chi dorme no piglia pesci" = If you sleep too late you aren't gonna catch too many fish.  Our father, Pietro, on the other hand, might just say, "Non destare il cane che dorme" = Let sleeping dogs lie.  Then he might just roll over and get an extra hour of sleep