I don't think there would be an Italian consulate in Italy. Aren't consulates the country's branches of its state department abroad? But, yes, he would have gone to the Italian Consulate in San Francisco, and the reporter from the Italian television station had already looked up the name of the consul general from that date and found that he was deceased (I didn't write down the name). Bern's letter from the consulate indicated that the consulate would not have records from 30 years ago and even if they did, they would not release them because of privacy issues.
Ohhhhhhhhhhh ......... that great new!
Raf, I am so grateful for your help in all this. I think it would be very helpful if you allowed the television station to interview you because you have all the facts at hand and you can personalize Anna's story on a local level. It might be difficult for Italian viewers to relate to a story whose beginnings took place so far away. The very fact that you are interested and are helping in the search gives credence to why Italy might be a reasonable place to search.
It's a good idea, Bern, but I wouldn't want to invite anything like competitive programming (stirring up CBS), and also I need to take this one small step at a time. The 48 hours ordeal was second only to losing Anna in the stress it generated. I am going to need some of those positive vibes of yours to get through this with any grace and dignity.
