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meters arrives in Rome. The “Via Amerina” that from Assisi (one of the holy sites
in Italy for Saint Francis of Assisi shrine)
and in 11 stops gets to Rome after 200
kilometers. Or Saint Benedict’s path that
from Norcia in Umbria follows the saint’s
journey till Montecassino in the Lazio Region. The “Coast to Coast” path takes the
pilgrim from Conero in the Adriatic sea
# 81 juLY 18 , 2016
to the Argentario Peninsula in Tuscany
(in the Tyrrhenian sea) after 400 kilometers and 18 stops.
Normally, along the path taken, the tourists/modern pilgrims would stop in religious locations or a private B&B to replenish and than continue along the journey
that allows them to enjoy the beauties of
our country through different lenses.
tourists would understand, value and treasure most, and probably better the treasures in our land, if they start looking at alternatives to visit, different ways of travelling in our country or just listening to the hidden voices of those uses and traditions
that make our Italian culture so distinct and profound. And thus, the “spiritual paths”
would be one possible option. Buon Viaggio!
Thus the question is why should we consider such different ways? It would not
only be for spiritual, cultural or “alternative ways” reasons, but rather the choice of discovering the hidden and more
secular values, traditions, small medieval
towns and their unchanged “flavors” that
make the identity of our country so peculiar and relevant. The journey would indeed be through the flavors of those traditions that keep being passed to future
generations: the local baker that makes
the typical loaf of bread with a cross that
ancient bakers would prepare centuries
ago; or the honey that is the main ingredient in biscuits made following the ancient Etruscan way. Or that white wine,
cheese, meat or game dishes that are
prepared according to the ancient ways.
What I am talking about is another way
to address the typical Italian stereotypes
while talking about the tourist side of
Italy: we do not need to have expensive trips to the most popular attractions
in our country or “check the list” for things done that are so common in Italy. The
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