Tata says the mountains that surround us have been more of a blessing than a curse. They make it easy for us to know who we are and not forget the things that are really important like faith, family and tradition.

Life is hard, he says, but its also very simple.
Theres no crime here, no smog.
Its so quiet and peaceful.

Yes, it was quiet and peacefulfor as long as I could remember.
But then the war came.
First there were the African soldiers who came to support Mussolini.
They had dark skin.
I remember seeing their white teeth when they smiled.

Now its the Nazis.
They all look the same: tall and slim with light skin, light hair and light eyes.

Some came in jeeps and tanks.
Most came on foot.
But they all had one thing in common.

***
They all had guns.