martedì 15 gennaio 2008

My connection with Seattle...

Today I changed the wallpaper image of my computer desktop at the office...putting on an image of downtown Seattle...with the beautiful Space Needle right in the middle of the "scene"...


Despite the fact that I love modern and contemporary architecture and that Seattle skyline is one of my favourites, I must admit that I have a special connection with this city and, in general, with Washington State.

From left, Batista, Clemente and Silvio Boldrini.

In fact, the american northwest has been the place where my ancestors decided to settle after their incredible adventures started with the emigration from Italy (but at that time that was Austria, because it was before World War 1) in 1884 and followed by their great experiences when they were "stampeders" in the Klondike Gold Rush of 1897-98.
At that time it was my great-great grandfather Clemente and his brother Silvio who had the need and the courage to undertake a long and streanous trip, in order to give their families a better life. In fact when they decided to leave their families and endure the hardships of the Yokon, there was a worldwide financial depression called the "Panic of '93", which made jobs hard to find and gold was more valuable then than now. In 1898, one ounce of gold was worth $16. But $16 was typical pay for 80 hours of work.

Getting to the goldfields was difficult. Silvio and Clemente traveled by train from Solvay (near Syracuse, NY) to Vancouver, BC; traveled by ship, from Vancouver (Canada) to Skagway (Alaska). Each transported one ton of supplies by foot 40 miles over the White Pass trail to lake Bennett. Then navigated the Yukon River rapids 500 miles down-stream in their hand built boats. About 40,000 people set out on what has been called "the last grand adventure of the 19th century". Silvio and Clemente were among the exclusive 20% of those who set out , who actually reached the gold fields near Dawson and prospected. From Dawson they made their way by raft, dog sled and foot to the gold fields of Nome, Alaska, over 850 miles away.

Silvio and Clemente were more successful than most. Their hardships were rewarded with a modest fortune in gold. But Silvio's health was broken by his Yukon adventure. After Gold Rush, they settled in Seattle. Shortly thereafter Silvio bought a farm in central Washington near Soap Lake where he had been "taking the waters" for his health. In 1907 they brought their wives and children to Seattle from Creto (Italy now, Austria in 1907!). In 1909 Silvio and Clemente built their permanent homes at 8226 and 8202 Ashworth Ave. in Seattle.

Ely and I at the doorsteps of my great-great grandparents home in Seattle, Aug,2004.

My great grandmother Domenica, doughter of Clemente, after reaching her father in Seattle in 1907 at age 19, she returned to Creto in 1912 to marry her love Bortolo. She was the only one to come back to Italy. All the others remained in the U.S. and made their families there.

My great grandmother Domenica. Taken about 1898.

In few word, this is the story that connects me with Seattle and with all the relatives who still live there. I think that this story of our ancestors is an important heritage that shouldn't be forgotten.

Ely and I in Seattle, Aug, 2004.

venerdì 11 gennaio 2008

Week report

It's Friday night, and Ely won't finish working until 10.30 pm, because she's at the theatre working at the info point for a new upcoming show called "The new Harem"...she told me it's quite an interesting new way of making a show, where the spectators are involved and the main topic is around "the meaning of being woman nowadays".

I am off work every Fridays, so it's a pity when Ely has to work and I am at home. But that's the perfect moment to make a new post, write emails and keep in touch with all the friends around the world.

This week I started working again after a loooong Christmas break, that started on Dec, 21st and ended last Wednesday. To say all the thruth I had to be on holiday until next Monday, but then I decided to return to work earlier and save those remaining holiday days for future purposes, maybe around Carnival.

Carnival this year is early. That of Venice, which we usually go to see every year, is on from Jan, 25th until Feb, 8th. This year I don't think we'll be able to go to Venice for the Carnival, because Ely is very busy at work and with one of her last exams at Law School. But never say never! (^_^)
Here is a picture we made a couple of years ago. It was fun!

This week it has finally snowed well. Now all the city and sourrundings are white and I like it much more. Here are a couple of pictures taken from our apt.

And the snowman made by our 2 little cousins Eleonora and Davide...isn't is nice? (^_^)

The highlight of this week was that we started the wedding course at the parrish of San Pietro, here in Trento. I don't know if in the rest of the world it's the same, but here in Italy, if a couple wants to marry in a Roman Catholic Church, it's compulsory to attend a wedding course, where some "soon-to-be-married" couples meet other "soon-to-be-married" couples and some married couples that, with the direction of the parrish priest, exchange feelings, expectations, emotions, fears and so on about the marriage and there are moments of reflection and prayer. The course will be every Wednesday until the end of February and every time there will be a particular topic to talk about. It was interesting, because it gave us the opportunity to discuss about some issues that will help to know more about each other, even though ,after almost 7 years together, I can say I know Ely very well and so she does with me.
A nice thing was to write and explain to the others why we want to get married, and, just in case, what fears we have about it.
Our answer about "Why do you want to get married?" was - as far as I am concerned - the simpliest ever, but isn't simplicity the best beginning? (^_^). For me and Ely it was quite a natural answer to say that we will get married "...because we love each other, because we complete each other and together we feel sooooooo well". I think we must be thankful for these great feelings that keeps us together and ever will!
I'm interested in knowing the next topics that we'll face on this course...and I'll keep this blog updated!
Feel free to comment and answer the question, if you don't think it's too personal! "Why did you get married or are you getting married? Ely and I are curious to hear other experiences and ideas! (^_^)
By the way, we are getting married in 2009!! Still far, but we are planning! :)

At work it was a total bore this week. I am working on the same project I was working before Christmas, and I really can't wait to finish it.

This weekend weather forecasts aren't good. Snow, rain and cold! So Ely and I would probably spend time at home and maybe tomorrow take a chance to go out for seasonal sales. I need some new jeans and Ely some new winter shoes! We'll see.

Have a good weekend.

venerdì 4 gennaio 2008

Happy New Year!

Here we share some of the best photos we have taken during New Year's eve! Enjoy...

Mario @ Gardaland, one of our favourite Theme Park (with roller coasters!)

Ely @ Gardaland

The sunset over the park and the near Garda Lake

New Year's Eve dinner with friends

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Welcome 2008!!!

Let's party!!