Ever since I spit in a tube, sent it off to Ancestry DNA, and discovered I was predominantly Italian, I decided I must see ITALY. This discovery was a shock. For thirty years, I researched my genealogy. Seven of the eight families I traced were French. So while awaiting my DNA results, I was busy planning my trip to France.

Now I know that I must explore Italy, the land of my heritage. In particular, I must see Port Arruzzo on the island of Elba in Tuscany. Port Arruzzo is a charming seaside town on the southeast coast of Elba. It has 3700 inhabitants within a five square-mile area. It boasts beautiful beaches surrounded by clear, blue seas. It tantalizes with the smells and tastes of pizza, pasta, and bread.

My great great grandfather Luigi Pietro Emanuelle Giovanni Nini set sail from Port Arruzzo to America in 1840. He crossed the Ligurian Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Gulf of Mexico. He landed at Cheniere Caminada Louisiana coast-- a small coastal fishing village much like the one he left.