It's a Small World

Well, Australia sure as heck isn't.  But Italy apparently is.

I met a man named Nick recently.  He's a real estate agent, a very nice guy, and an excellent driver.  He moved to Australia from Italy with his parents when he was 7 years old shortly after the war, and four years ago he paid a long-overdue visit to his birthplace.  Nick told me this amazing story that happened to him on his trip.

At a  local cafe, the woman behind the counter asked him which part of America he was from (making a safe assumption, since he was obviously an English-speaking tourist and rather under-tall for his weight).

Nick:  No, actually I'm from Australia.

Woman:  Is that so?  Which part?

Nick: Western Australia.

Woman:  Really?  Which part of Western Australia?

Nick (unsure of how well she knows Western Australian geography): Um, sort of around the Perth area.

Woman:  Oh.  Is that anywhere near Hamilton Hill?

Nick (very surprised): Hamilton Hill is a suburb of Perth, one of about 200 or so, but also happens to be where I live!

Woman:  Interesting.  See, I have a brother-in-law who lives in Hamilton Hill.  His name is Vincenzo T----.

Nick (falling out of his chair):  That's . . .  that's my Uncle Vinnie!

Woman (looking closer at him): . . . Niccola? Is that you?  Mio nipote!