Undiscovered Italy of Linda Metcalfe, Sing & Discover
What have we discovered over the last four days in ‘undiscovered Italy’? Well, above everything we have discovered that pride and hospitality reigns supreme in the region we have visited! Most of us had never heard of the area let alone thought to visit it, but I don’t think there is one single person on the trip who would not recommend it now to someone else! So I think we can honestly say ‘undiscovering’ Italy has been an absolute treat.
The passion of the locals and their desire to share the delights of their region with us has been a humbling experience for us all. It felt as though they had opened their heritage sites, towns, villages, religious and historical buildings just for our enjoyment. Not having to forge your way amongst other tourists has been a real privilege. They were passionate about sharing their culture with us and inviting us to entertain them with our music. They were even more passionate about introducing us to their locally produced food and wine! We have all come back laden with goodies from the region, and I am now looking into the possibility of importing their wine and produce, so going forward we can support their economy and enjoy their fair prices and great quality!
We started our tour in the beautiful Casamari Abbey singing in the mass. The rain hindered our outdoor exploring before mass, but the exterior gave no real hint of the splendour inside. The following day our wonderful guide Ricardo brought the sunshine with him as promised. We visited Arpino to see the ruins of the ancient Roman city and on to Isola del Liri for a panoramic stop to see an amazing waterfall in the middle of the town! From there to the natural reserve Posta Fibreno lake and on to Atina for an incredible lunch at a charming restaurant where wine was produced before it was a restaurant! Needless to say we didn’t disappoint the locals, we were happy to consume all they put in front of us, which just kept coming! Full to the brim we ‘staggered’ on a short guided tour of Atina before singing in Palazzo Ducale, where the famous mosaic on the wall was as old as the songs we were performing. Dinner at the hotel was followed with the unexpected entertainment from the British military who joined us in song around the piano in the hotel!
Our final day saw an even fuller itinerary with our first visit being to the historical Montecassino Abbey, the one place where we did encounter other tourists. Other tourists in abundance in fact, pilgrims who had been to the Vatican for the canonisation of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II, who were now taking part in a special service at Montecassino. What a privilege for us to sing in it, facing the tomb of St Benedict which the pilgrims had come to see. This was followed by a visit to the archaeological area of Cassino with recitals in the mausoleum and the Roman amphitheatre. Then it was back to the hotel for more wine and cheese tasting then dinner followed by a folk group show, with the most talented eleven year old piano accordion player you have ever seen! My dancing with Super Mario was a sight to behold!
My thanks go to everyone on the trip for embracing all that was on offer and being part a unique experience of tradition and heritage which we could share and celebrate in friendship and music. Alessia -you excelled in your negotiations with the people of this area and we thank you for bringing Ricardo into our lives and enabling all of us to enjoy a truly memorable tour.
Here we are pictured at Montecassino Abbey.
Linda Metcalfe
WE WELCOME ALL TO COME AND VISIT US!
“La Preta Nera” B&B
Via Cavour 9, Giuliano di Roma
03020 (FR) – ITALY
0039 328 572 0000
SKYPE: True Blue Italy