When Bernstein met the guide, the first order of business was to locate the estate at which he was stationed. He remembered that it was close to the village of Tricesimo , but could not identify the exact location. Fortunately, he had a photograph of an army formation taken in front the impressive steps of Villa Gallici Desiani. The photograph was part of a picture book issued by the 350th Infantry Battalion describing the 88th Blue Devil Division occupation of northern Italy beginning with the end of World War II in 1945 to 1948. The guide, Giovana Di Robilant immediately recognized the steps and was familiar with the villa. She attempted to contact the owner but learned that he was not at home. Unfortunately, Bernstein could only view the villa from an iron gate outside the property.

After Bernstein returned home, he received a surprising email — from Count Luigi Deciani, the owner of the villa . Ms. Di Robilant had delivered to him a copy of the picture of the army formation in front of the steps of the villa along with Bernstein’s email address. He was pleased to locate someone who stayed at his villa as a soldier so long ago and he was interested in Bernstein’s recollections. Count Deciani invited Bernstein to meet with him in Italy .

A year later in December 2005, Bernstein traveled to Italy with his daughter Wren and stayed at the beautifully restored Villa Gallici Deciani as guest of the owner, Count Luigi Deciani. It was a remarkable experience.

Count Luigi Deciani and guests, Sidney Bernstein and his daughter Wren
Villa Gallici Deciani today as lovingly restored by Luigi and Pisana Deciani
In 1946, a 17-year-old soldier, Sidney Bernstein, came to Italy as a medic in the American army. He was stationed at Villa Gallici Deciani, at that time occupied by the army. His job along with others of the 88th Blue Devil Division, was to prevent Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia from occupying Venezia Giulia, which he claimed was Yugoslav territory. Over a period of almost 60 years following his discharge from the army, Bernstein recalled the natural scenic beauty of the villa and the surrounding villages of Montegnacco, Tricesimo, and Tarcento. He longed to return. Finally, in November 2004, he engaged a local guide, traveled to northern Italy with two of his children, Reed and Wren, and attempted to connect with the source of his pleasant memories of so many years ago.
A Return Visit After 60 Years
A Return Visit After 60 Years
Villa Gallici Deciani
Sidney Bernstein, December 2005
Dances In The Ballroom

Two brothers, who were musicians at the time of the American occupation, live in Tricesimo. A meeting was arranged between them and Bernstein at a local café. During that meeting, Bernstein requested that the musicians recall some of the songs that they played at that time for the American soldiers. They were happy to oblige, and mentioned such songs of that era as “Three Coins in a Fountain, “To Each His Own,” and “Sentimental Journey.” Bernstein and the brother musicians joined in and sang some of these songs over their delicious Italian cappuccino.

During 1946 and 1947, the American army arranged dances in the ballroom of the Villa for the benefit of the soldiers stationed there. Girls from the surrounding villages were invited to attend and local musicians formed an orchestra and played. Bernstein hardly recognized the ballroom as it has been beautifully restored since then.
The Musicians with Bernstein and the Count
Dinner at the Villa and the Five Levels of Pleasure
Count Luigi invited selected friends and arranged a dinner in honor of his guests.  Even Bernstein’s special kosher diet requirements  were fulfilled.  During the course of his visit, Bernstein had  an opportunity to relate to the Count the Five Levels of  Pleasure as taught to him by Rabbi Noah Weinberg of the Aish HaTorah College of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem.  To Bernstein’s amazement Count Luigi remembered them well, and told them to all assembled in Italian!
The old kitchen where dinner was held
When dinner ended, Bernstein was asked by one of the Jewish participants to recite the closing prayer or benediction after a meal. He obliged in the traditional manner using Hebrew. When Count Luigi expressed appreciation for the blessing, Bernstein remarked that it must have been the first time a Hebrew prayer was heard in his historic villa. The Count replied, “Not necessarily!” One wonders what he had in mind.
The Unforgettable Buon Giorno
One of Bernstein’s earliest impressions of Montegnacco was a memorable walk from the villa to the village of Tricesimo . While walking along the quiet country road on that crisp winter day Bernstein and his soldier friend saw a woman with her two children coming in the opposite direction. As they passed the rosy faced woman burst into a smile and virtually sang the greeting “buon giorno.” He was struck by the friendliness of the people of Montegnacco.

 

The people of Montegnacco try to identify the woman with the two children and examine the 1946 pictures