Root reconnection journeys with Dimensione Sicilia: the dream of Diane unveiling her Sicilian origins
Once Upon a Time in Sicily…: this could be the beginning of this tale. A true story, the one of Diane Perrera Anderson, who set foot in Sicily for the first time to trace the footsteps of her ancestors. A hope brought her to the island from the United States: that of rediscovering her family. Her grandparents, originally from Castrogiovanni (now Enna), migrated to the U.S.A. in the early 20th century, spending their lives in Baltimore, Maryland. Diane’s father passed away when she was just 9 months old, leaving many of her questions unanswered. However, the desire to rediscover her roots and perhaps hug her Sicilian relatives has always remained alive. Together with her husband, Mark Anderson, she embarked on her journey to Sicily, and for the organization, she contacted Dimensione Sicilia. Leading Diane since the very beginning was the Travel Specialist Valeria Caniglia, who doesn’t hesitate to confess how emotionally enriching this experience has been for her as well. Sicilian Secrets interviewed her.
I’m delighted to have organized this journey, that I’m certain will remain etched in Diane’s memory forever, as well as in mine.
– Valeria Caniglia
Q: How does the organization of a root-reconnection journey typically begin? What is the initial contact with the client like?
A: A root reconnection journey always starts with a strong desire to rediscover one’s family origins and visit places only heard of in the stories of one’s relatives. Often, the client remembers the name of a village, perhaps mentioned and repeated by a nostalgic grandmother or a proud uncle of their birthplace, and asks us to include that location as an essential stop on their journey in Sicily. From there, we begin crafting a tailor-made itinerary and searching for relatives overseas.
Q: You recently guided Diane’s journey. How did it all begin? What struck you about her story?
A: The first time Diane contacted me via email, she immediately shared that she had Sicilian roots and possibly distant relatives in Trapani or Enna. What truly struck me were her words when she expressed the longing to know a part of the family she had always felt was missing. Her father, whose parents were both Sicilian, passed away when she was just a few months old, and with him, she lost all connection to Sicily.
Q: In which part of Italy did the journey take place? How did you select the itinerary stops?
A: The journey took place in Sicily. I crafted an itinerary for her from Palermo to Catania, exploring the most extraordinary places on our island, such as the Palatine Chapel in Palermo, the Cathedral and Cloister of Monreale, as well as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina, the Greek Theater in Taormina, or the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse, just to name a few. Since Diane mentioned the provinces of Trapani and Enna and expressed a desire to search for relatives, I arranged multiple-night stays in these two locations.
Q: What emotions were ‘the key’ in interpreting the client’s requests?
A: Her enthusiasm and curiosity evident in the several emails when she spoke about Sicily propelled me to create a program rich in guided tours. Diane herself confessed at the end of the journey that without the local guides, she wouldn’t have been able to grasp the essence of the various sites visited. Her concern about the mobility made me realize that the right type of travel for her and her husband was a tour with a private driver. This way, they wouldn’t have to worry about various transfers and would feel secure. Lastly, her desire to get to know the soul of Sicily led me to choose authentic hotel accommodations that reflected the architectural essence and Sicilian lifestyle. In Ragusa, for example, the clients stayed in a villa that was once an ancient historic residence, now completely renovated; in Piazza Armerina, they were welcomed in a beautiful Agriresort composed of 18th-century farmhouses surrounded by nature; while in Agrigento, they stayed in the heart of the Valley of the Temples, among centuries-old olive trees and a fragrant citrus grove.
Q: What were the most touching and interesting moments experienced during the tour?
A: The most touching moment was the meeting with her cousins in Enna. Diane knew that a special day was organized for her ‘return to Sicily’, but she wasn’t aware of the presence of some direct relatives. I’ll never forget her expression of absolute astonishment and happiness when, as soon as she crossed the threshold, she found people waiting for her with joy, realizing they were indeed the family she had always sought. Another very touching moment was when her cousin Gaetano (their grandmothers were sisters) handed Diane an album of photos. He went through each photo, pointing out faces, revealing names, and recounting the stories of their shared family. Lastly, I’d like to mention the symbolic gesture made by the Enna councilor on that occasion. He gifted Diane with a certificate, naming her ‘Ambassador of Enna to the world’.
Q: What’s the secret to organize a successful root reconnection journey?
A: It’s a combination of several factors, with the first being a deep knowledge of the territory, allowing for the creation of an itinerary that meets and exceeds travelers’ expectations. Following that, it’s about selecting the right partners. It’s crucial to choose competent drivers and local guides who love their job, so they can fully convey their love for their land. Lastly, it’s about the commitment to find all the necessary documentation for the actual rediscovery of living or deceased relatives to reconstruct part of the travelers’ family tree. For this reason, having an excellent partner like Italy Rooting is essential for us.
Q: What was Diane’s feedback?
A: Extremely positive! She thanked me numerous times for organizing a trip she described as ‘perfect’ in every aspect: from the professionalism of the driver to the skills of the local guides, from the balance of the itinerary created for them to the beauty of the places visited, and finally from the email support received to the assistance provided over the phone.
Q: And for you, as the travel specialist who organized the itinerary, how involved did you feel in this tour?
A: When I work on an itinerary, I always see myself as the architect of a creation. Organizing this tour was intense; Diane emotionally involved me so much that I, too, hoped she could finally rediscover her own origins. I truly wished that this journey, dreamed of for so many years, could leave her with an unforgettable memory of Sicily.
