Coway Air Purifier

Coway air purifier is a favorite among Malaysians, with over seven million users. The brand has been in Malaysia for 15 years, celebrating its 15th anniversary in March 2021. Coway focuses on clean air and water, launching the Coway Experience Centre to showcase their products.

The air purifier from Coway is known for its high efficiency. It can remove up to 99.999% of ultrafine dust and 99.9% of viruses, bacteria, and mold. Its advanced filtration and energy-saving design make it perfect for keeping homes air fresh.

Introduction to Coway Air Purifier

Coway is known for quality and innovation, making their air purifier a trusted choice in Malaysia. As air purifier demand rises, understanding their features, benefits, and prices is key. This article will explore how Coway's air purifier can enhance indoor air quality.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the Coway Air Purifier Brand

Coway is a well-known name in air purifiers, with over 30 years of innovation. It started in 1989 in South Korea and now reaches many countries, including Malaysia. In Malaysia, Coway offers a variety of air purifiers at good prices.

In Malaysia, Coway is a trusted name for air purifiers. It provides top-quality products that meet local needs. With a wide network and support, Coway helps people breathe clean air at home and work.

History and Brand Reputation

Coway has always focused on innovation and making customers happy. It's known for air purifiers that work well, look good, and are easy to use.

Global Market Presence

Now, Coway is in many countries like the USA, China, and Malaysia. This wide reach helps Coway understand different needs. It lets the brand make products for various markets.

Malaysian Market Position

In Malaysia, Coway is seen as a high-end brand. It offers air purifiers for all budgets and needs. With its good reputation and prices, Coway is a top choice for quality air purifiers in Malaysia.

How Air Purifiers Impact Indoor Air Quality

People spend about 80% of their lives indoors. This makes indoor air quality very important. A coway air purifier review can show how these devices help improve air quality. They can catch and remove 99.999% of tiny particles in the air.

Using an air purifier, like the Coway model, has many benefits. These include:

A coway air purifier review can help you choose the right one. The Coway Airmega can remove over 99.98% of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. This makes it a strong defense against airborne pathogens.

Key Features of Coway Air Purifiers

Coway air purifiers are popular in Malaysia for their innovative features. They have a multi-stage filtration system that removes up to 99.999% of particles as small as 0.01 microns. This includes dust and pollen, making them great for those with allergies or respiratory issues. The Coway air purifier harga varies based on the model and features.

Other key features include smart sensors and indicators. These detect air quality and adjust fan speed to save energy and ensure efficiency. Coway air purifiers are also energy-efficient, making them eco-friendly. Their Coway air purifier harga is competitive, making them a good value.

Multi-Stage Filtration System

The multi-stage filtration system in Coway air purifiers captures a wide range of particles. It includes a pre-filter, a HEPA filter, and an activated carbon filter. Together, they provide clean and fresh air.

Smart Sensors and Indicators

The smart sensors and indicators in Coway air purifiers detect air quality and adjust fan speed. This helps save energy and ensures the air purifier works efficiently.

Energy Efficiency Ratings

Coway air purifiers have energy efficiency ratings, making them eco-friendly. The ratings vary by model and features but aim to be energy-efficient and cost-effective.

In conclusion, Coway air purifiers are a top choice in Malaysia. They offer a multi-stage filtration system, smart sensors, and energy efficiency. The Coway air purifier harga is competitive, making them a great value for money.

Popular Coway Air Purifier Models

Coway has a variety of air purifiers to fit different needs. The Coway air purifier is well-liked for making indoor air better. Models like the Airmega and AP-1008 help keep the air clean and healthy.

Coway air purifiers are great at catching pollutants and allergens. They are also quiet and save energy. This makes them perfect for homes and offices.

Some top Coway air purifier models are:

When picking a Coway air purifier, think about the room size, air pollution, and your needs. Coway has a Coway air purifier that's just right for you.

Understanding Air Purification Technology

The air purifier coway uses a mix of technologies to clean and freshen the air. Let's explore how it works. It's designed to remove pollutants and allergens, making the air indoors better.

HEPA Filtration Explained

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are key in air purifiers, like the air purifier coway. They catch 99.97% of particles over 0.3 microns, including PM10 and PM2.5. This makes them great at fighting off many airborne pollutants.

Carbon Filter Benefits

Carbon filters are also vital in air purifiers, including the air purifier coway. They tackle gases, odors, and chemicals well. This makes them a great addition to any air cleaning system.

Ionization Process

The ionization process is used in some air purifiers, like the air purifier coway. It releases negative ions into the air. These ions attract and trap pollutants, making them easier to get rid of.

Here's a quick rundown of the main technologies in the air purifier coway:

Benefits of Using a Coway Air Purifier

Coway air purifiers offer clean and fresh air, making them a popular choice. They use advanced filters to remove pollutants and allergens. This improves indoor air quality and health. The coway air purifier price is also affordable, making it a great option for many.

Some key benefits of using a Coway air purifier include:

A Coway air purifier is a smart choice for better indoor air and health. Its advanced features and coway air purifier price make it a standout option.

Feature Benefit
Advanced Filtration System Removes 99.97% of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and pollen
Competitive Price Affordable option for improving indoor air quality

Installation and Maintenance Guide

Proper installation and maintenance are key for a Coway air purifier to work well. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. When looking at a coway air purifier review, maintenance ease is a big factor.

A well-kept Coway air purifier can greatly improve your indoor air. Here are some tips to remember:

By following these easy steps and looking at a coway air purifier review, you can keep your device running smoothly. This way, it will continue to provide clean air for many years.

Coway Air Purifier Price Range in Malaysia

The prices of Coway Air Purifiers in Malaysia change based on the model and its features. They usually cost between RM 1,000 to RM 2,500. For instance, the Captain AP-1717A model is about RM 1,500. On the other hand, the Breeze AP-1018F model costs around RM 2,500.

Some well-liked models and their prices are:

Prices can differ based on where you buy it and any special deals. It's wise to compare prices at various stores and online to get the best deal on a coway air purifier malaysia.

When picking a coway air purifier malaysia, remember to think about the cost of replacement filters and upkeep. Some models might cost more to maintain than others. So, it's key to consider this when making your choice.

Energy Consumption and Operating Costs

When you're thinking about buying a coway air purifier, remember to look at energy use and costs. The coway air purifier is made to use less energy. It uses between 57-82 watts, which is less than many other devices.

Looking at the long-term, the coway air purifier's energy use is like a laptop's. Running it for 12 hours a day costs between $2.5 and $3.5 a month. This is important if you want to save on energy and lower your bills.

Here's a comparison of energy use and costs for different air purifiers:

Model CADR Energy Usage (watts) Annual Electricity Cost
Coway Airmega AP-1512HH 298 CMH 77 $94
Levoit Core 300 229 CMH 45 $46
Colzer EPI-328 320 CMH 80 $98
Smart Air Sqair 315 CMH 38 $46

The table shows the coway air purifier has low energy use and costs. This makes it a good choice for saving energy and money.

Real User Experiences and Reviews

Choosing an air purifier can be tough. But, real user experiences and reviews help a lot. The Coway air purifier review shows many users like it. They say it's easy to use and makes the air cleaner.

Users love the Coway air purifier for many reasons. It catches up to 99.97% of tiny particles in the air. It's also light and affordable. Many people say it has made them feel much better, like a 90% drop in sinus pain.

Here are some key benefits of the Coway air purifier, as reported by users:

The Coway air purifier review from real users is very positive. Many users like its effectiveness, ease of use, and price. If you want better air or to ease allergy symptoms, the Coway air purifier is a good choice.

Comparing Coway with Other Brands

There are many air purifiers on the market. The coway air purifier is a favorite among many. It's known for removing over 99% of smoke in just 30 minutes on high setting.

The coway air purifier stands out with its special features. For example, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH can move up to 108 CFM of air. It also has a Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) of 246 for dust, 240 for pollen, and 233 for smoke. This makes it great for people with allergies.

What makes the coway air purifier different? It has high performance, unique features, and is energy-efficient. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH uses just 8.1 watts on medium setting.

In summary, the coway air purifier is a top choice. It offers great performance, special features, and saves energy. If you're looking for an air purifier for your home or office, the coway air purifier is a good option.

Health Benefits and Applications

Using a coway air purifier malaysia can make indoor air much cleaner. It removes harmful stuff like dust mites, pet dander, and VOCs. This is key in Malaysia, where indoor air can be worse than outside air, causing health problems.

Some big health wins from using a coway air purifier malaysia are:

Coway air purifier malaysia models catch 99.97% of particles over 0.3 microns. This includes allergens and some bacteria. So, they're great for people in Malaysia wanting better air and health.

Getting a coway air purifier malaysia means a healthier, more comfy home. It helps lead to a happier, more productive life.

Warranty and After-Sales Support

When you buy a Coway air purifier, think about the warranty and support. A good warranty gives you peace of mind. It means you're covered if something goes wrong. Coway's warranty varies based on the product and how you bought it.

The warranty for Coway air purifiers lasts two years from when you first bought it. It covers the internal parts, except for filters. This coway air purifier review shows why knowing the warranty details is key. It helps you avoid surprise repair costs.

Here are some important points about Coway's warranty and support:

Knowing about Coway's warranty and support helps you make a smart choice. It ensures you get the best service and support for your coway air purifier review needs.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Coway air purifiers are made with the environment in mind. They are a top pick for those who care about sustainability. The company wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. They've already made big steps in reducing waste and boosting energy efficiency.

The Coway Airmega air purifiers catch up to 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This makes them a smart and green way to clean indoor air.

Here are some reasons why Coway air purifiers are good for the planet:

Choosing a Coway air purifier helps make the future greener. It also makes your home's air cleaner. Coway leads the way in eco-friendly practices and reducing emissions. They're a great choice for those who love the planet.

Conclusion: Is a Coway Air Purifier Right for You?

The Coway air purifier is a top choice for better indoor air. It uses advanced technology, smart sensors, and saves energy. This makes it great for a healthier home for you and your family.

It's perfect for tackling allergens, pollutants, and bad smells. The Coway air purifier is a versatile option for many air quality problems.

If you're looking for an air purifier in Malaysia, Coway is a great pick. It's known for quality, has a big presence worldwide, and gets good reviews. Think about what you need, how big your space is, and your budget. See how a Coway air purifier can change the air you breathe.

FAQ

What is the Coway Air Purifier?

The Coway Air Purifier is a top choice for cleaning the air indoors. It removes harmful particles, allergens, and contaminants from the air.

What are the key features of Coway Air Purifiers?

Coway Air Purifiers have a multi-stage filter system. They also come with smart sensors and indicators. Plus, they are energy-efficient, making them a great pick for many.

What are the health benefits of using a Coway Air Purifier?

Using a Coway Air Purifier can greatly improve the air you breathe indoors. This can help reduce allergies and respiratory problems by removing harmful particles from the air.

How do Coway Air Purifiers compare to other brands?

Coway Air Purifiers stand out for their quality and value. They offer a range of features that make them a favorite among consumers, beating out other brands.

What is the price range of Coway Air Purifiers in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, Coway Air Purifiers come in various models. Each model has its own set of features and price, catering to different budgets and preferences.

How do Coway Air Purifiers perform in terms of energy consumption and operating costs?

Coway Air Purifiers are built to be energy-efficient. They have low operating costs, making them a smart choice for those looking to save money and the environment.

What kind of warranty and after-sales support does Coway offer for its air purifiers?

Coway offers a solid warranty and reliable after-sales support for its air purifiers. This gives consumers confidence in the brand's quality and commitment to customer satisfaction.

coway air purifier

Donna Dopazo Cavallo

 

Strada Pinciari: Going Home

Grandma Filomena

Grandma Filomena

Some say the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. While others claim it only takes a dollar and a dream. My journey began with a question, “Who am I?” While I already knew that my paternal grandfather, Jose Dopazo, was from Galicia, Spain and my paternal grandmother, Filomena DeRenzis, was born in White Plains, New York to parents from Foggia, Italy, I had no idea where exactly in Foggia they were from. The answer was given to me very unexpectedly one day, and took me completely by surprise. My dear aunt, who was gravely ill at the time, answered my question quite simply, “Sarah Gabriele,” she said. Sarah Gabriele? I never heard Aunt Sue ever mention it before, nor had anyone in my family. Could it be true? I asked myself: is it possible there is such a town in Italy called Sarah Gabriele? Almost immediately, I started researching the Internet and could not believe my eyes when I discovered that Serracapriola was indeed a town in Foggia, Italy. It was at this very moment I began dreaming about the town I knew nothing about, but absolutely knew I would one day visit.

Grandma & Aunt Sue

Grandma & Aunt Sue

My dear Aunt Sue passed away many years ago, never realizing that she had left me with one of the greatest gifts that I have ever received. Since that time, I began researching my family tree on and off during my spare time. Initially, it was her granddaughter, who got me hooked on genealogy. It was all so fascinating to me, discovering ship manifest lists from Ellis Island and Federal Census’ with my ancestors’ names listed on them. I even joined Ancestry.com with my cousin’s encouragement and created my own family tree. But it wasn’t until I accidentally found Janet House’s website, Chieuti & Serracapriola Pages, that my research jumped to a whole new level. There’s an actual website dedicated to this mysterious town? And a Facebook group page where I can communicate with other people like myself whose ancestors immigrated here from Serracapriola? I was shocked! This town can’t be so unknown, I thought to myself, because there are many members. Suddenly, I began to feel like I wasn’t alone in my journey.

Donna & Grandma Filomena

Donna & Grandma Filomena

Janet House was incredibly kind to me. She took the time to help me, and retrieved even more critical documents about my great grandparents, which fueled me with the determination to take my research one step further. I wrote a letter to the Commune in Serracapriola in English, which I then translated into Italian with the help of an online translation tool, asking them to send me birth certificates and marriage certificates of my great grandparents. I knew it was a shot in the dark, not fully believing that I would get a response, but I felt fearless knowing that I had Janet and my new Facebook group backing me. Not long after, I stood in the doorway of my house, opening the envelope and reading through the documents that arrived from the Commune. Not only did they send me the documents I requested, they also stated it would be their pleasure to welcome me and assist me further if I ever decided to visit Serracapriola. My dream was increasingly growing stronger. I began fantasizing about the town and its’ people, my people, my heritage and I wondered if anyone from my DeRenzis Family was still living there. Was it possible?

I planned to be in Italy for a wedding in August 2014 with my husband and father, and we already had a trip planned for Spain the week before the wedding. The three of us would be traveling together from Spain to Italy for the wedding, and unbeknownst to my father, we planned to surprise him with a drive down to Foggia and visit Serracapriola. My dream was about to become a reality and I could barely control my excitement the weeks before we left.

As we waved goodbye to Tuscany to begin our journey down to Puglia, my unsuspecting father promptly requested that we wake him up once we get to Rome. Hah! That’s what you think dad! Get ready for the surprise of your life! Every mile of the car ride my head swirled with questions; what will the town look like? Will the people be nice? Will we be able to communicate with them? For a split second I panicked when I thought, is dad going to have an emotional breakdown when he realizes where we are? Uh, because Dad has a pacemaker and I don’t want to give him a heart attack! Oh no, what have I done?! I should have told him!! The anticipation was getting the best of me and I literally had to force my mind to focus on the beautiful landscape to stop myself from blurting out the truth. It really wasn’t that difficult to do. The bluest water I have ever seen seemed to rise up beside our car as we traveled down the highway. The Adriatic Sea, which I had never seen before, gave me a feeling of calmness and seemed to clear the chaos in my head. We were getting closer now and I started to feel very proud and fortunate that my ancestors were from such a beautiful place.

This doesn't look like Rome!As we pulled up to the Masseria Casacapanna in Chieuti where we would be staying, my father, coincidentally, woke up from this third nap stating, “This doesn’t look like Rome?!” Our response to him was that we were on the outskirts of Rome and that we hoped he didn’t mind, but we would be staying here by the water for a few days since it was so beautiful. Hah! Just wait dad the surprise is coming!! After we greeted the lovely owners of the Masseria and unpacked our car, we suggested to dad that we take a ride. It was only four kilometers away when we came upon the sign. My husband stopped the car, we rolled down dad’s window and pointed up to the sign that read Serracapriola. Dad immediately burst out into tears; we all did.

Driving into the center of Serracapriola was not at all like I had imagined. It was very quiet, there was no one around and it felt almost deserted. With all the built-up excitement I had going on inside me, I had not realized what time it was. It was quiet because it was lunchtime, pranzo in Italian As we drove down the one-way street, I noticed there was another one-way street running parallel to us going in the opposite direction. In between the one-way streets, however, was a two-way street, which was centered in the middle of two large sized sidewalks that were lined with trees and benches. As we drove further down the street, I knew we had reached the center when we approached the fountain. I mean every town in Europe has one, don’t they? This one was not as ornate as most that I have seen, but beautiful in its simplicity nonetheless. There seemed to be a statue of some kind of small animal standing on what looked like to be a mound of rocks, and I wondered to myself what the significance of the animal was.

PoliziaAcross the street from the fountain, was a very old, ancient castle and as my eyes dazzled in amazement, I noticed an Italian flag and sign posted above the doorway that read, Polizia Municipale. I could feel the pull within my heart telling me to go inside. My husband is in law enforcement, so I thought this would be a great place for us to start, and I was right. We entered the municipal police station somewhat hesitantly, but with great hope. If there were any doubt about our going in, however, it quickly disappeared when Officer Paolo Colucci greeted us. We explained to him who we were and that we only spoke a little Italian. Paolo was extremely gracious to us from the very start and he let us know that he spoke a little English. He gave us a tour of the castle and explained its history to us. When I asked about the significance of the animal in the fountain, Paolo explained to us in his gentle, soft-spoken voice the legend of Serracapriola:

The Madonna and the Little Deer“A long, long time ago, when the mountain range (or serra in Italian) was covered thick in woods, a man was out hunting when he came upon the capriola (a small animal similar to a deer). He could not kill the animal, however, because he found it staring up at a vision of the Madonna.” Now my eyes, they never left Paolo’s eyes, and my ears, they listened so intently to every slowly-articulated English word that he spoke. I could not believe what I was hearing. My town had a legend about its name? I did not expect that at all, and little did I know that the next unexpected surprise would change my life forever.

I sincerely thanked Paolo for sharing such a beautiful story with us of the town and he handed me a DVD on the treasures of Serracapriola and surrounding areas, along with a book about the history of the town’s church Santa Maria. I so was moved by his kind and thoughtful gesture. I mean after all, we really were complete strangers to him! I let him know that I had with me photos, birth certificates and marriage certificates of my great grandparents, which included the names of the streets where they were born in Serracapriola, and he offered to take a look at them.

Giuseppe Liberato deRenzisThe first document I showed Paolo was my great grandfather’s birth certificate. His name was Giuseppe Liberato DeRenzis and it was documented that when he was born on March 17, 1869 (my birthday is March 19th!), his parent’s residence was Strada Pinciari” Before he spoke a word, he looked at me and I could tell from the expression on his face that he seemed confused. “There is no street in Serracapriola named Strada Pinciari,” he said. Could the informant on the birth certificate have given incorrect information? Anything is possible I thought, since it is a very old document, dating back to 1869. Paolo looked down again at the document and back again at us. I could see that his mind was working hard, trying to figure out how it was possible that the street residence was not listed on any map of Serracapriola.

If I were to close my eyes right now, I can still hear his sweet, calming voice clear as day, “You said that your family name was DeRenzis?” Yes, Paolo, that is correct. “And the residence is listed as Strada Pinciari?” Yes, it is. “What is the documented occupation of the father, Ferdinando DeRenzis?” It states, “muratore,” I said. With that a slow, steady smile spread across Paolo’s face and my heart started to race as he looked deep into my eyes and began to tell us this incredible story.

furnaceThe word pinciari is dialect, and it is very old. The word is so old, in fact, that it is not used anymore. It was the place where the pinc (pronounced “pinch”) were made. The pinc being the curved roof tiles that you see throughout the town. By pinching them, it gives them their distinctive curved shape. The pinciari was the place where they were made, and it was located just outside of the main center, in the countryside. In later years, the pinciari was replaced by the fornace, the “oven or furnace” in English, where the mattone (the “bricks”) were made. Historically, in the town of Serracapriola, there was only one family that owned the pinciari and the fornace. “DeRenzis,” he said, “was the name of the family!” Wait, what?! With that he added that the occupation of muratore in English means “bricklayer.” Wait, what? My head was swirling! He then asked me what my great grandfather’s occupation was in the United States and I answered him dumbfounded, “bricklayer.” Paolo was reasonably convinced at this point, that when my great grandfather was born, and the informant asked my 2nd great grandfather where do you live, he responded very simply “Strada Pinciari” because he was living and working at the pinciari located in the countryside, which would be the reason why no such street name exists in Serracapriola.

Paolo & AnthonyI could barely form any type of coherent sentence at this point. I was in total shock, as were all of us, and I could not stop the tears from streaming down my face. When I turned to look at my dad and my husband, they too had tears in their eyes and as I looked back into Paolo’s eyes in total disbelief, I could swear that I saw tears in his eyes as well! We all stood there quietly, just the four of us, each of us slowly digesting Paolo’s incredible story. Paolo looked almost in disbelief himself, but I sensed with a great deal of satisfaction and accomplishment in solving the Strada Pinciari mystery!

After a few more tears, some laughing and sniffling, and managing to pull ourselves together somewhat, Paolo proudly announced, “There is a DeRenzis family still living in Serracapriola. The elder being named Guglielmo DeRenzis, who happens to be a very well respected person here in our town and he is the maestro della fornace. He and his family happen to be friends of mine. Would you like to meet them?” Did I hear correctly?! DeRenzis family still living here?! And we can meet them right now?! It was as if all the genealogy research I had been tirelessly collecting over the years had culminated into this one very incredible moment. Yes, we would Dear Paolo!! Yes, We Would?!

We all left the police station with great excitement. It was only a very short drive before Paolo instructed us to pull over. There, on the very same tree-lined sidewalk that I had first noticed when we entered the town, were two gentlemen sitting on a bench, one was holding a leash with a dog on it. Paolo said that one of the men was his uncle and the other holding the leash was Guglielmo DeRenzis. As we approached them, they stood up and greeted us, and in Italian, in only a way that is unique to Paolo, explained to them our incredible story, which by the way, would be repeated many, many times throughout our stay! Guglielmo listened intently and looked curiously at each one of us as Paolo spoke. I showed him a photo of my great grandfather, which I had downloaded onto my laptop, and who by the way my father looks exactly like. There was an exchange of words that I did not understand, but that made Paolo burst out laughing. He turned to us and said, “Guglielmo says that you will open the DeRenzis fornace again!” Well, we all burst out into a great thunderous laughter, which definitely broke the awkwardness of the moment. He also told Paolo that when he was a little boy, his family often spoke about the members of their family who left Serracapriola and went to live in America.

I don’t know who was more excited, Guglielmo or us, but he insisted we leave immediately and go with him to his house to meet the entire DeRenzis family. Forgetting that Paolo was actually working that day, with all the excitement swirling around me, I was taken by surprise when he waved goodbye and said to us, “See you tomorrow” and strolled off down the street headed back to the police station. Although I was a bit hesitant to leave without our Dear Paolo, I could feel his reassurance that we were in good hands. He allowed us the privacy to experience the intimacy between an unfamiliar family, lost through many generations, who were meeting each other for the very first time!

Dad & Gugliemo

Dad & Gugliemo

I never imagined, in all my years of fantasizing about visiting Serracapriola, that we would meet such kind, beautiful people and to have them be our actual family was something only dreams are made of. Without any hesitation, they took us into their arms and welcomed us home, as if our ancestors had never left. The unconditional love that we felt with every breath we took in that ancient, beautiful town overflowed my heart with pure joy. It is a feeling that is difficult to express in words because the euphoric feeling it left took my soul to a place I never knew existed … I belong to this town … I belong to this family … I belong.

The next few days, which unfortunately seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, were filled with a historic walk led by Paolo through the ancient part of Serracapriola, including a tour of the house and streets where my ancestors lived; meeting a very talented artist, Mario Guerra, and the privilege of being invited into his private home to purchase beautiful sculptures made out of olive branches to take home with us, again led by the Magnificent Paolo; a stay at a beautiful agriturismo in Chieuti called Masseria Casacappana, with the most delightful family; an amazing unforgettable seafood feast by the sea in Chieuti with our cousins Guglielmo and Family; a day trip to a beautiful seaside town called Termoli; a weekend market in the center of the town that brought vendors selling everything from shoes to cheese to vegetables!; eating an incredible meal in a restaurant called Il Borgo; and last, but certainly not least, every single second spent with my DeRenzis family and meeting all of their friends and extended family!

Saying goodbye didn’t seem right to me since it was, after all, only four days before that we had just said hello for the very first time. The dream was fulfilled, the experience was larger than life and I was left with a feeling of pride and contentment. Our Dear Paolo, who without his kindness would most likely have never met our family, will always hold a very special place in my heart. “Other people have come to Serracapriola before you,” he said, “in search of their families just like you. But they were not as lucky as you. You have an incredible story.”

Our DeRenzis FamilyLike so many Italian families who immigrated here during the early 1900s, we American-Italian descendants lost valuable pieces of our heritage through the generations. Our ancestors only wanted their Italian children to be American. Even going so far as to call their children not by their given Italian birth names, but instead using America names; Grandma Filomena became Fanny. I remember how surprised I was to find out (when I became an adult) that my grandmother’s birth name was very Italian. Sure, there were moments throughout my life that I felt Italian, like eating macaroni and meatballs on Sunday or hearing Grandma Fanny ask for the mopeen. But the truth is, that after having traveled to Italy and visiting my ancestor’s home, I know that there is a huge difference. The food, the customs, the traditions, and the language — all are completely different than what I experienced growing up as an American-Italian. The journey that began with me asking those three little words, “Who am I?” had led me to a remarkable discovery, not only about my ancestors, but also about myself, and when we said goodbye to Serracapriola, I knew it was not the end. In my heart I knew it was only just the beginning.

Gugliemo deRensis
1934 – 2017

But once in a while the odd thing happens,
Once in a while the dream comes true,
And the whole pattern of life is altered,
Once in a while the moon turns blue.

W.H. Auden

 Posted by at 2:45 pm