When I first started my research in Italy I looked up the last name in the phone book for the town on line. I wrote to 4 people and got 3 replies-all relatives. Next I wrote to the City Hall or Town Government and ask for information on my husband's grandfather--they wrote back giving me 14 names of parents and grandparents. I have also searched the LDS films of the parish records as the family had worshiped for 300+ years in the same church. When I started working on John's grandmother's family(Pene)I sent for her CA death certificate and it showed her parents and where they were from--Bosconero. I made contact with a Pene in CA who has a web page and he sent me the Pene family tree back to 1700 there; so I have had to do very little work. I found cousins who had been to Italy twice and went back again this year to meet with John's family at an anniversary celebration. I would check the phone book and take what information you have to the town clerk and the local priest-take US$$ in cash to pay for their efforts and lots of film for photos; wonderful cemeteries with photos on the headstones of many. I you will e-mail me I will pull up the common surname we share and see if links up--enjoy your trip. [azaeox3@cybermesa.com]