THE SOUTH COUNTRY: JOURNEYS IN CALABRIA.

The author's love affair with Calabria began over 45 years ago, with a first visit in 1967. He describes his journey through one of the most forgotten areas of Southern Italy, including landscapes, towns, and villages, as well as local history and traditions. He mostly traveled alone, preferring to walk away from surfaced roads, on the network of tracks linking villages and small towns. While he encountered some prejudice from adults, he was overall met with generosity by the people he met.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 572 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: Europe Books

More than 45 years ago, the author fell in love with Calabria after making his first visit in 1967. He embarked on a long and meandering journey, mostly on foot, exploring one of the most neglected regions of Southern Italy. Throughout his travels, he provides a captivating description of the landscapes, towns, and villages he encountered, accompanied by photographs that capture the essence of the region. He also shares insights into local history and traditions, as well as occasional involvement in local affairs.

The author's journey involved a diverse range of traveling companions. He had the company of an old donkey on an early trek, a young son on winter journeys, students on two summer walks, and occasionally, people he met by chance in lonely mountain locations. For a portion of the journey, primarily covered by train and bus, he had the companionship of his wife. However, the longest stretches of his journey were spent solitary walking, preferably away from surfaced roads, on the network of tracks connecting villages and small towns in the wilder and rougher parts of Calabria and Basilicata.

While the author acknowledges that there may still be some prejudice against individuals traveling rough, particularly those who appear older and should be enjoying the comforts of old age, he emphasizes that such incidents were isolated and far outweighed by the generosity of the majority of people he met on or off the road. Children, who often chased after him with cries of "È arrivato Babbo Natale" (Italian for "Here comes Santa Claus"), added a delightful element of Christmas cheer to his travels. However, the author did encounter instances of adult malice, with shouts of "Tedesco" (Italian for "German") and "barbone" (Italian for "bastard"), and stony-faced innkeepers who refused room at the inn simply because they did not like the look of him. These experiences were unpleasant, but they were overshadowed by the kindness and hospitality of most people he encountered.

In conclusion, the author's journey to Calabria was a love affair that began more than 45 years ago. His experiences of exploring the forgotten regions of Southern Italy, accompanied by his captivating descriptions, photographs, and insights into local history and traditions, showcase the beauty and charm of this region. Despite occasional challenges, the author's encounters with the people he met were overwhelmingly positive, leaving him with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for the warmth and generosity of the Calabrian people.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788830625891