By Rosario Mariani, http://www.europebychoice.com
Photo Source: http://www.alizagreen.com
Mikhail Gorbachev e’ di origine Pugliese!
After the Crimean War (1853 to 1856), the local economy was devastated and since Crimea was a peninsula surrounded by the Black Sea, fishing was encouraged and exploited. Thus, the authorities invited over 100 fishermen from Puglia to start the fishing industry on the Peninsula.
The Pugliesi had a great reputation for being the best fishermen and were sought throughout the world. As expected, the Pugliesi did very well and prospered. Over the next few generations, the Pugliesi were fully integrated in to their host country, just as they did in all other parts of the world.
Over the next 130 years, these great fishermen inter-married with the locals and one of the descendants became the leader of the Soviet Union and his name is Mickhail Gorbachev.
Mr. Gorbachov, General Secretary of the Soviet Union from 1985 to 1991, was born in Stavropol on March 2, 1931 to a peasant Ukrainian-Russian family. Now we know why on many of Mr, Gorbachev visits to Italy, he preferred eating pasta at every meal. I guess it’s in the DNA.
Did you Know?
Florence was the first city to mint its own gold coins in 1252.
Rosario Mariani is the owner/CEO of Europe By Choice, which promotes travel to Italy and other select European countries. He has more than 40 years of experience in the travel industry, previously serving as Director of Italy Product for Italiatour and Club ABC Tours, and also in other positions with EuroFly, Alitalia and Air France.
Benvenuti to the NIAF Pensieri Blog 