In Memory of Luigi

Over the years I've written of so many happy times in Guardia, however today it is with great sadness that I write this post to honor the passing of one of the great icons of Guardia ..beloved husband, father, grandfather, and dearest friend.. Luigi Orso.

Luigi Orso

Let me just start off by saying that Luigi was larger than life, He always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye that somehow managed to say a lot even though he was a man of few words. His kindness and humor was legendary and you would have a hard time finding anyone in town that did not have a delightful story of Luigi to tell. As a consequence of a life well lived, there are many many wonderful memories that will last forever for so many.  Here are a few of mine.

Luigi playing at a festival in Guardia

It was so incredibly fortunate in that Luigi and his family were the first people we met in Guardia. We were some of the first people to arrive in Guardia following the 1st House Hunters episode some ten  years ago. From our very first day there, Luigi took us under his wing .. and while we spent long days house hunting with various people, our nights were spent with Luigi and his family and full of delicious food, Luigi's famous wine, laughter and music. As with many fun nights to come, the night wasn't over until Luigi pulled out his harmonica and played his now famous rendition of  "Old Susana". By the time the week was over, we weren't sure if we had found a house, (or even sure what language we were speaking!!)  but somehow we knew we had found a place to call home and that "uva" meant "grapes" and that's all we needed to know as far as Luigi was concerned. 

Luigi with the love of his life, his adoring wife Anna

Luigi was well known throughout the community for his unorthodox tours of the places he loved the most.. usually Campania and Naples. Having been on several of these tours, I can assure you that anyone fortunate enough to experience the "Luigi tour" will never forget the journey that usually started and ended with no clear beginning or end. The tours would take you through the sites, smells, and flavors of the land he loved so much!! On any one of his tours you could possibly wind you through the countryside and neighboring vineyards where he might be buying or selling grapes that week. Inevitably you would stop at several neighboring cafe/bars where he would say hello to a few friends (he knew everyone!) and have a beer. On one adventure through the most interesting markets in Naples, he purchased some very fresh fish, took it to his friend's restaurant, and asked him to cook it for us. Sometimes you found yourself at a church or unique trattoria at the top of a mountain or some place you would have never found on your own. Each tour was a unique treasure and provided a little window into the magnificent life of Luigi Orso.

One of Luigi's biggest passions was his wine. He loved wine! and every year he made his own special Falanghina wine that would be served at the Tana del Orso bar to be enjoyed by all the patrons throughout the year. Starting in the spring, there would a lot of talk about whether this year's crop of grapes would be a good one, and how good this years' batch would turn out. I loved his wines!  On one of my very first trips to Guardia, Luigi was very concerned that I would not be able to get his wines once I returned to Texas.  As I was preparing my bags for the return trip home, Luigi surprised me with a case of his special bottled wines for me to bring back home.  I wasn't sure how I was going to carry all of this back with me.. much less get it through customs (these were handcorked, unlabeled bottles!!) . but with a little bit of Guardia Magica I was able to get most of it home, and was able to enjoy my little bit of Italy on the road and a bit in Texas for a short while. 

Toasting the good life with Anna & Luigi

One of my favorites

Every tine I think of Luigi, I am left with good memory and a smile. My most important memory of Luigi will always be the bottomless kindness that he had for me and my family that will never be forgotten.

My mom's visit with the Orsos: Luigi, Anna and Pasquale

He is dearly missed, and Guardia will not be the same without him. 

Salute mio caro fratelo .. alla prossima