Molise IS

A Conversation with Michela Cerbaso

Scott — Wed, 27 May 2026 16:57:25 +0000

Each month we will share perspectives on Molise from those who live it and love it, and our interviews will often also be a chance for language practice. This month we chatted with Michela Cerbaso.

Michela is the Regulatory & Public Affairs Director for ReFuel Solutions, based in Modena. She was recently elected regional secretary of the Young Democrats of Molise and serves as a municipal councilor in her hometown of Agnone.

Il MolisÈ; che cos’è il Molise per te?

Il Molise è il posto in cui sono nata, ma soprattutto è il luogo che mi ha insegnato chi sono. Nascere qui significa avere la fortuna di crescere in una comunità fatta di tradizioni profonde, di legami autentici e indissolubili, di rispetto per la terra e per il tempo. Qui le montagne, i boschi, le feste popolari e le tradizioni culinarie non sono semplici elementi del paesaggio: sono parte della nostra identità quotidiana.

Il Molise è una terra silenziosa ma intensa, che non ha bisogno di ostentare la propria bellezza perché la custodisce nelle persone, nelle storie e nei piccoli gesti. È un luogo che ti insegna il valore delle radici e il significato dell’appartenenza.

Molise IS; what IS Molise to you?

Molise is where I was born, but above all, it’s the place that taught me who I am. Being born here means being fortunate to grow up in a community built on deep traditions, authentic and unbreakable bonds, and respect for the land and time. Here, the mountains, forests, folk festivals, and culinary traditions aren’t just elements of the landscape; they’re part of our daily identity.

Molise is a quiet yet intense land, one that doesn’t need to flaunt its beauty because it preserves it in its people, stories, and small gestures. It’s a place that teaches you the value of roots and the meaning of belonging.

Qual è l’aspetto che ami di più del Molise?

La cosa che amo di più del Molise è il senso di casa che riesce a trasmettere. Qui le giornate hanno ancora una dimensione umana: puoi viverle dedicando tempo a ciò che ami davvero, senza essere travolto dalla frenesia continua delle grandi città.

Spesso si racconta il Molise solo attraverso il cibo o la natura, che sono straordinari, ma c’è molto di più. C’è cultura, sport, cinema, musica, associazionismo, partecipazione. C’è una comunità viva, dove ciò che fai ha un peso reale e dove puoi ancora lasciare un’impronta concreta.

Quello che amo è proprio questo: la possibilità di contribuire alla crescita del luogo in cui vivi, sentendoti parte di qualcosa di più grande e più umano.

What is your favorite thing about Molise?

What I love most about Molise is the sense of home it conveys. Here, days still have a human dimension: you can spend them dedicating time to what you truly love, without being overwhelmed by the constant hustle and bustle of big cities.

Molise is often described solely through its extraordinary food or nature, but there’s so much more. There’s culture, sports, cinema, music, associations, and participation. There’s a vibrant community, where what you do matters and where you can still leave a tangible mark.

This is exactly what I love: the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the place you live in, feeling part of something bigger and more human.

Qual è una delle sfide che il Molise si trova ad affrontare?

Il Molise oggi affronta sfide enormi, e la più evidente è sicuramente lo spopolamento. Sempre più giovani sono costretti a partire, mentre chi resta spesso deve fare i conti con servizi ridotti e opportunità limitate.

Eppure prendersi cura di queste aree interne, di questi paesi e delle loro comunità è un atto d’amore e anche una responsabilità collettiva. Perché difendere questi territori significa difendere una parte preziosa dell’identità italiana.

Per invertire questa tendenza servono infrastrutture moderne, strade sicure e percorribili, collegamenti efficienti e una sanità capace di garantire dignità e sicurezza a chi vive lontano dai grandi centri urbani. Senza questi diritti fondamentali diventa difficile attrarre lavoro, investimenti e nuove famiglie.

La vera sfida non è soltanto evitare che il Molise si svuoti, ma creare le condizioni perché le persone possano scegliere di restare.

What is a challenge facing Molise?

Molise today faces enormous challenges, the most obvious of which is certainly depopulation. More and more young people are being forced to leave, while those who remain often face reduced services and limited opportunities.

Yet caring for these inland areas, these towns and their communities, is an act of love and also a collective responsibility. Because defending these territories means defending a precious part of the Italian identity.

Reversing this trend requires modern infrastructure, safe and passable roads, efficient transport links, and a healthcare system capable of ensuring dignity and safety for those living far from major urban centers. Without these fundamental rights, it becomes difficult to attract jobs, investment, and new families.

The real challenge is not only to prevent Molise from emptying, but to create the conditions for people to choose to stay.

Racconta ai lettori il tuo contesto specifico e la tua vita in Molise.

Lavoro per una startup con sede a Modena e alcune volte a settimana devo essere a Roma, ma ho scelto di vivere ad Agnone, la mia città natale. È una scelta che racconta bene il tempo in cui viviamo: oggi si può essere connessi con il mondo senza rinunciare alle proprie radici.

Vivere qui mi permette di lavorare in un contesto internazionale senza dover subire ogni giorno lo stress e la disumanità delle grandi città. Ma soprattutto mi permette di continuare a costruire la mia vita nel luogo che sento davvero mio.

Ad Agnone posso coltivare le mie passioni per la pallavolo, per il cinema e anche per la politica, intesa nel senso più bello del termine: prendersi cura della propria comunità e impegnarsi concretamente per il territorio in cui si vive.

Credo che il futuro delle aree interne passi anche da questo: dimostrare che si può vivere in piccoli centri senza rinunciare alle ambizioni, alle opportunità e all’apertura verso il mondo.

Tell readers about your specific context/life in Molise.

I work for a startup based in Modena and have to be in Rome a few times a week, but I’ve chosen to live in Agnone, my hometown. It’s a choice that perfectly reflects the times we live in: today, you can stay connected to the world without abandoning your roots.

Living here allows me to work in an international context without having to endure the daily stress and inhumanity of big cities. But above all, it allows me to continue building my life in the place I truly feel is my own.

In Agnone, I can pursue my passions for volleyball, cinema, and even politics, understood in the best sense of the word: caring for one’s community and making a concrete commitment to the area in which one lives.

I believe the future of inland areas also depends on this: demonstrating that one can live in small towns without sacrificing ambition, opportunity, and openness to the world.

Sei coinvolta nelle elezioni comunali di Agnone. Qual è, a tuo avviso, la questione cruciale che gli agnonesi si trovano ad affrontare in questo momento?

Quando mi chiedono “Di dove sei?”, rispondo sempre che vengo dalla città più bella del Sud Italia. So bene che Agnone non ha le dimensioni di una grande città e che il nostro Sud è pieno di luoghi straordinari, ma nel mio cuore non esiste un posto più bello e significativo di questo.

Proprio per questo credo che oggi Agnone si trovi davanti a una sfida decisiva: difendere il diritto delle persone a continuare a vivere qui con dignità, sicurezza e prospettive per il futuro.

La questione sanitaria è diventata un’urgenza enorme. L’ospedale di Agnone rischia di perdere il riconoscimento di “ospedale di area disagiata”, un presidio fondamentale che garantisce servizi essenziali anche in territori lontani dai grandi centri. Ma chi vive nelle aree interne non può essere trattato come un numero dentro una statistica: sono vite, famiglie, comunità intere.

Accanto alla sanità, c’è poi il tema dei collegamenti. Agnone ha bisogno di strade efficienti e sicure che la colleghino ai poli industriali, al vicino Abruzzo e al resto della regione. Perché senza connessioni non esiste sviluppo.

Da queste basi può nascere tutto il resto: una nuova cultura d’impresa, opportunità per i giovani, il ritorno di chi è partito, l’arrivo di nuove famiglie e di persone capaci di innamorarsi di questo territorio. Significa costruire una comunità più aperta, inclusiva e viva, capace di creare integrazione, partecipazione e aggregazione sociale.

La vera sfida è fare in modo che Agnone non diventi un luogo da ricordare con nostalgia, ma un luogo in cui scegliere di vivere il proprio futuro.

You are involved in the municipal elections in Agnone. What would you say is the key issue facing the Agnonese right now?

When people ask me, “Where are you from?” I always reply that I’m from the most beautiful city in Southern Italy. I know that Agnone isn’t the size of a large city, and that our South is full of extraordinary places, but in my heart there’s no place more beautiful and meaningful than this one.

Precisely for this reason, I believe Agnone faces a decisive challenge today: defending people’s right to continue living here with dignity, security, and prospects for the future.

Healthcare has become a major emergency. Agnone hospital risks losing its status as a “disadvantaged area hospital,” a vital facility that provides essential services even in areas far from major centers. But those living in inland areas cannot be treated like numbers in a statistic: they are lives, families, entire communities.

Alongside healthcare, there’s also the issue of transportation. Agnone needs efficient and safe roads connecting it to industrial hubs, neighboring Abruzzo, and the rest of the region. Because without connections, there can be no development.

From these foundations, everything else can grow: a new business culture, opportunities for young people, the return of those who have left, the arrival of new families and people capable of falling in love with this area. It means building a more open, inclusive, and vibrant community, capable of fostering integration, participation, and social aggregation.

The real challenge is to ensure that Agnone doesn’t become a place to be remembered with nostalgia, but a place where people choose to live their future.

Qual è la tua principale raccomandazione su cosa visitare in Molise?

Che state aspettando? Il molise è un gioiello, un tesoro che aspetta solo di essere scoperto. Vi restituirà tanto.

What is your top recommendation to visit in Molise?

What are you waiting for? Molise is a jewel, a treasure just waiting to be discovered. It will give you so much back.

C’è un insegnamento che il Molise ti ha trasmesso o che incarna per te?

L’insegnamento più grande che il Molise mi ha dato è che non siamo mai semplici spettatori dei luoghi che abitiamo, ma ne diventiamo sempre parte. Ogni contesto in cui viviamo — una città, un ambiente di lavoro, una comunità, un gruppo di persone — cambia anche attraverso la nostra presenza, il nostro impegno e il modo in cui scegliamo di stare al mondo.

Crescere in Molise mi ha insegnato proprio questo: sentirsi responsabili dei luoghi che si abitano. Qui impari presto che una comunità vive grazie ai gesti quotidiani delle persone, alla partecipazione, alla cura reciproca e al desiderio di lasciare qualcosa di migliore rispetto a ciò che si è trovato.

È una lezione che porto con me ovunque vada: essere presenti davvero, contribuire, costruire legami e non vivere mai i luoghi con indifferenza.

Is there one piece of advice Molise has taught you or embodied for you?

The greatest lesson Molise has taught me is that we are never mere spectators of the places we inhabit, but always become part of them. Every context we live in—a city, a workplace, a community, a group of people—changes through our presence, our commitment, and the way we choose to be in the world.

Growing up in Molise taught me just that: to feel responsible for the places you live in. Here, you quickly learn that a community thrives thanks to the daily gestures of people, their participation, mutual care, and the desire to leave something better than what you found.

It’s a lesson I carry with me wherever I go: be truly present, contribute, build connections, and never experience places with indifference.

The Thrill of Flying Free: Paragliding over Paradise

Scott — Fri, 15 May 2026 00:40:43 +0000

Translated and adapted with permission from an article on Guideslow

Commonly considered an extreme sport suitable for only a few, free paragliding, when performed with adequate technical preparation and in the right weather conditions, is actually a sport accessible to all, practiced, as the word itself suggests, along the slopes of hills and mountains.

It is without a doubt the lightest and most economical device available for flying, as a bag weighing around 10 kilos can accommodate everything needed to observe the world from above: wing, harness, instruments, helmet, and emergency parachute.

For takeoff, all that’s needed is a small, unobstructed space, and after a short run, perhaps aided by a light breeze, the flight begins. To maneuver and direct the paraglider in the desired direction, two handles called “brakes” are used. This particular means of flight is derived from the more well-known parachute used for airplane launches and was conceived by French paratroopers who felt the need to reduce the cost of their training and no longer depend on airplanes. To complete a paragliding flight, a difference in altitude of a few hundred meters is sufficient, and by exploiting thermals, one can cover long distances and reach very high altitudes, even several thousand meters.

The sail is constructed from a particularly robust ripstop nylon, while the lines are made of Kevlar or Dyneema, two highly resistant and inelastic materials. Given the ease of learning the piloting techniques and the simplicity of using the craft, it can be said that this sport is accessible to everyone and requires no particular physical ability. However, it is still a flying discipline and therefore requires a series of skills, such as immersing oneself in a three-dimensional space (the air) and the ability to correctly execute maneuvers and correlate them with a precise flight plan. The practice of this fascinating sport is dependent on the presence of a difference in altitude and a light “headwind,” which is why mountains are the ideal starting point.

In Molise, a region particularly suited to this sport, the Mainarde and Matese mountain ranges, along with the mountains near the towns of Frosolone and Montefalcone nel Sannio, represent the perfect setting for teaching and practicing this discipline. Throughout the year, instructors certified by Aero Club Italia organize personalized flight courses tailored to the abilities and aptitude of each student. For those who want to experience the thrill of the air, tandem flying with a certified pilot is undoubtedly the simplest and most enjoyable way to enjoy a unique experience, letting the wind caress you and observing the world from a new perspective while sitting comfortably in a harness. Once in the air, the passenger can try piloting, experiencing firsthand how easy it is to control the craft.

Among the most popular locations for tandem flights is Montefalcone nel Sannio, on the border between Abruzzo and Molise, a stunning 1,000-meter slope offering 360-degree views of the sea, mountains, and lakes. Here, by contacting the Aero Club “I Picchi” association, you can experience the thrill of flight in complete safety, guided by experienced and experienced pilots.

The “I Picchi” club was founded in 1980, initially for hang gliding, and then for paragliding in 1988. In 2001, the club became the ASD Aero Club “i Picchi” with its own flight school certified by the Aero Club d’Italia.

Rafting & Canoeing in Molise: Cruising the Sangro & Biferno Rivers

Scott — Thu, 14 May 2026 23:09:53 +0000

Translated and adapted with permission from an article by Letizia De Crosta on Guideslow

In addition to its fascinating wealth of villages, traditions, and excellent cuisine, Molise has long been a sought-after destination for those who enjoy thrill-filled sports. The Sangro and Biferno rivers are ideal for discovering the region’s most dynamic and adrenaline-filled side, popular with both experts and beginners, thanks in large part to the presence and assistance of qualified associations and guides. Descending the rivers in a canoe or raft is an experience not to be missed because, in addition to being able to enjoy it in the company of other “adventurers,” it also offers intense moments of direct contact with nature.

Along the Sangro River

The crystal-clear waters of the Sangro River meander through a picturesque landscape, between mountains and dense woodlands, inviting you to raft or canoe. The rafting route is approximately 5 kilometers long and offers a splendid “walk on the water” among ancient trees and lush vegetation rich in biodiversity.

For most of the year, the Sangro offers a variety of sensations and experiences, thanks to a varying water level through the seasons and the presence of torrential stretches alternating with calmer or gently sloping sections. The large flow of water in spring makes for highly engaging and exciting excursions. In summer and autumn, however, you can enjoy more gentle descents, particularly popular with beginners and families. In midsummer, while cruising the river, you can admire the surrounding nature in its full explosion of colors and shapes, and you can also take the opportunity to take fun dips and swim in the cool waters. The Sangro is certainly one of the most inspiring Italian rivers to explore, and the team at Sangro Outdoor Experience is ready to help you learn more about this world, both from a sporting and naturalistic perspective.

Along the Biferno River

This waterway originates from several springs near the municipality of Bojano and is reinvigorated by the numerous streams and tributaries it crosses along its approximately 83-kilometer course before reaching its mouth in the Adriatic Sea. In recent years, an increasing number of enthusiasts have begun navigating the river, especially aboard canoes.

The team at Molise Avventura explains that the most popular type is the Canadian (with two stations), where each canoeist uses a single-bladed paddle. There are two preferred routes for canoeing along the Biferno, starting from the Calderari tributary and the Pietre Cadut spring. Those seeking an even more thrilling experience can swap the Canadian canoes for a rafting dinghy and paddle the stretch of river from Colle D’Anchise to Busso. In the height of spring, this route offers adventurous “strolls” and guarantees a fun experience that is often unexpected in this area.

NAU Global Citizens Project Scholars

Scott — Thu, 14 May 2026 17:47:50 +0000

This month, Colli a Volturno also becomes a classroom without walls.

We welcome a cohort of students from Northern Arizona University’s Honors College as part of the Global Citizens Project Scholars program, an immersive faculty-led experience designed to connect academic learning with lived global engagement. Over seven nights, students will move from the vibrant intensity of Naples to the slower rhythms of Colli a Volturno, where relationship-centered learning takes root through shared meals, school partnerships, environmental exploration, and everyday community life. The program concludes with a day in the Eternal City of Rome.

Program

Students will spend time in Colli collaborating with local schoolchildren through sports, music, bread-making, and creative exchange. They will meet the remarkable Uncinettine, whose crocheting traditions carry generations of artistry and local memory, and create alongside them. They will step into the landscapes of the central Apennines with the team at Rewilding Apennines, exploring conservation efforts tied to the Marsican brown bear and the broader ecological story of this region. They will sit with local citizens over cards, conversation, and folklore, discovering that some of the richest intercultural learning happens in the unscripted spaces between formal activities.

Partners

This experience is made possible through extraordinary local partnerships: Pierdomenico Amodei and the team at TrippinMolise, whose regional expertise and commitment to authentic Molise experiences help bring these programs to life; Andrea Rossi, our on-site support coordinator who ensures smooth logistics and develops a personal connection with each student; and Dr. Jess Strom, now in her third year leading this program and a model of Intercultural Citizenship anchored in historical expertise.

Colli a Volturno may look like a postcard village perched quietly above the valley, but contemporary global learning is alive here. Through intentional partnerships and reciprocal design, places like Colli become sites of exchange, reflection, and lived global citizenship.

Reviews from Previous Years

“This program was overall fabulous, well organized, well planned, and well executed! I loved everything we did!”
“The guides (Andrea, Pierdomenico, Martina, etc)…really made the trip so special!”

Procession of San Pardo in Larino

Scott — Thu, 14 May 2026 16:43:53 +0000

Every spring, the city of Larino bursts into motion for one of the region’s most beloved and visually striking traditions: the Procession of San Pardo, celebrated from May 25–27 in honor of the town’s patron saint. At the heart of the festival is the Carrese, a moving procession of more than one hundred hand-decorated ox-drawn carts covered in flowers, ribbons, greenery, and handcrafted details, each representing families, neighborhoods, or generations of local participation. The carts travel slowly through the streets accompanied by music, horses, traditional dress, church bells, and thousands of spectators, transforming the town into a living tapestry of devotion, memory, and community.

History

The celebration traces its roots back to the year 842, when the relics of Saint Pardo were transferred from Lucera to Larino during a period of instability and coastal Saracen raids. Under Lombard rule after the fall of the Roman Empire, Larino had become an important county within the Duchy of Benevento, and the arrival of the saint’s relics marked both a spiritual and geographic turning point for the town. The population shifted from the vulnerable Roman settlement on the hill to the more protected valley below, where Larino’s historic center developed on a rocky spur. Over centuries, the annual procession evolved into both a sacred commemoration and a profound expression of local identity.

Community

What makes San Pardo especially moving is the way faith, agriculture, artistry, and family history remain inseparable. Many of the carts are still prepared by hand in the days leading up to the procession, with entire families gathering to decorate them together. The oxen themselves are lovingly groomed and adorned, while children often participate dressed in white or riding alongside relatives, learning traditions that have been carried forward for generations. For visitors, the festival offers more than spectacle. It reveals the rhythm of a community that still understands celebration as something collective, inherited, and deeply rooted in place.

Schedule of Events (courtesy of Italea):

May 25^th: The procession sets out from the historic center, stopping at the cemetery to retrieve the statue of Saint Primiano, the city’s co-patron saint, as a symbolic invitation to the festivities honoring Saint Pardo. That night, the floats return to the historic center.
May 26^th: The parade takes place exclusively within the historic center. It concludes with a procession featuring thirteen saints.
May 27^th: The parade departs from the historic center and returns once again to the cemetery to bring back the statue of Saint Primiano. A stop is made here for a communal picnic and feast. Afterward, the procession heads back to the historic center to bring the three-day celebration to a close with its arrival at the Cathedral.

References

Comune di Larino. (n.d.). Festa di San Pardo. https://www.comune.larino.cb.it/vivere_il_comune/eventi/evento_1.html
(n.d.). The procession of San Pardo, Larino. https://www.dooid.it/en/the-procession-of-san-pardo-larino/
e-borghi. (n.d.). Festa di San Pardo (Larino). https://www.e-borghi.com/eventi/larino/festa-di-san-pardo/
e-borghi. (n.d.). Larino. https://www.e-borghi.com/borgo/larino/
(n.d.). San Pardo and the Carrese of Larino. https://italea.com/en/eventi/san-pardo-and-the-carrese-of-larino/

Colli a Volturno: Where Water, Stone, and Story Meet

Scott — Wed, 13 May 2026 20:45:36 +0000

Molise has 136 municipalities (comuni). This month Mootilda maps Colli a Volturno, where water, stone, and story meet.

Tucked into the western edge of Molise, near the headwaters of the Volturno River and beneath the watch of the Mainarde mountains, Colli a Volturno is the kind of place that rewards curiosity. It is a comune of layered histories: Samnite echoes, medieval stone streets, mountain air, and a pace of life that still makes room for long conversations over coffee. For travelers seeking a quieter Molise, one rooted in landscape, heritage, and genuine local hospitality, Colli offers both a compelling base and a destination in its own right.

Location & Physical Geography

Colli a Volturno sits in the province of Isernia in western Molise, close to the borders of Lazio and Abruzzo. Its location makes it a strategic gateway between regions while still feeling distinctly tucked away from Italy’s more traveled routes.

The town rises approximately 550 meters (1,800 feet) above sea level in the Volturno Valley, shaped by three distinct hills: Monte Cervaro, a beautiful hiking area; Monte La Falconara, home to the historic center; and Monte San Paolo, where the hills still preserve traces of ancient Samnite polygonal fortifications, reminders of the Italic peoples who inhabited and defended this territory before Roman expansion.

The landscape here is dramatic without feeling severe, creating one of Molise’s most compelling combinations of mountain, water, and panoramic views that shift with the seasons. The nearby Mainarde mountain range, part of the central Apennines, frames the horizon, while the Volturno River, Italy’s longest river south of Rome, has its origins nearby. This geography has shaped everything from agriculture and seasonal migration to recreation and community identity.

Historical Overview

Like much of this corner of Molise, Colli a Volturno carries the imprint of multiple civilizations.

The broader region was once part of Samnite territory, home to the ancient Italic peoples who resisted Roman expansion. Later, Roman influence spread through the valley, though the settlement that became modern Colli took shape more clearly during the medieval period, thanks largely to the Benedictine monks of the monastery of San Vincenzo al Volturno at the end of the 10th century, who formed what was then known as Collis Sancti Angeli.

Its elevated position was practical as much as picturesque, offering visibility and defense in uncertain centuries. The historic center still reflects that legacy, with narrow stone lanes and architectural traces that hint at its long evolution.

Part of the province of Terra di Lavoro (with its capital at Caserta) after the Napoleonic reforms, it officially took the name Colli a Volturno in 1863 and a year later became part of the region of Abruzzi e Molise. It remained so until the separation of Molise from Abruzzo in 1963, becoming part of the province of Isernia in 1970.

Colli also played a notable role during the Second World War. Owing to its strategic position near the Mainarde and the Gustav Line, the town became the headquarters of the American Eighth Army during operations against German forces entrenched in the surrounding mountains. It was visited by General Dwight D. Eisenhower and King Vittorio Emanuele III of Italy. On March 26, 1944, Colli hosted a historic meeting between French General Charles de Gaulle and Italian General Umberto Utili, marking the transfer of the northern sector of the Gustav Line from the French Expeditionary Corps to the Italian Liberation Corps, which had its headquarters in Colli’s historic center.

Like many Molisan communities, Colli also carries the story of migration. Generations left in search of work and opportunity, especially in the late 19th and 20th centuries, creating family ties that now stretch across continents.

What to See & Do

Wander the Historic Center
- Locals have affectionately referred to Colli as the “Paris of Molise,” a nickname that speaks to village pride and is probably related to the high fashion shops that were located there in past years. Colli’s historic center invites the kind of wandering that rewards slowness. Stone facades, quiet lanes, and unexpected viewpoints create a sense of discovery around each corner.
Church of Santa Maria Assunta
- The Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta stands as Colli’s most significant religious landmark. Built atop one of the town’s central hills and dating back to the early 11^th century, the church reflects centuries of community devotion and architectural evolution. Its elevated placement reinforces the spiritual and visual prominence it has long held in village life.
River Adventures & Outdoor Exploration
For nature lovers and active travelers, Colli offers remarkable access to Molise’s outdoor landscapes.
- The Volturno River corridor creates opportunities for riverside walking, nature immersion, and water-based recreation, while the surrounding mountains invite hiking, cycling, and panoramic exploration.
- For adventure seekers, Molisè Rafting offers rafting, kayaking, and guided outdoor experiences that showcase this region’s wilder side in a way many international visitors never expect from Molise.
- The area is also home to the Colli a Volturno Fishing Sports Association, which manages all fishing activities and works to protect the brown trout.
- Explore the Wider Volturno Valley
  Colli makes an excellent base for discovering nearby treasures, from the abbey of San Vincenzo al Volturno to neighboring mountain villages and natural areas.

Traditions

Colli’s most important annual event is the Fair of San Leonardo on November 6, a longstanding celebration of the town’s patron saint and history of regional exchange that continues to reflect the social rhythms that once defined village life across inland southern Italy.

Tastes

The cuisine of Colli reflects inland Molise’s pastoral identity: hearty, resourceful, and deeply regional.

Notable specialties include:

Frittata Collese, one of the town’s signature dishes, traditionally made during the Easter period with at least 100 eggs (or even 250 eggs)!
Abbuòti, rolls of lamb or goat offal
Pallotte cacio e ova, balls of egg & cheese

Restaurant Recommendations

Pizzeria La Canonica
A reliable local favorite for casual dining and fantastic pizza.
Café de Paris
A charming café and pastry shop located in Colli a Volturno’s Piazza Municipio, renowned for its exquisite cannoli and delightful pastries.
Il Dollaro
A cozy local bar and a good spot for burgers, community, and music.

Mootilda’s Take 🐄

Colli feels like one of those places that quietly rearranges your nervous system. Mountain air, moving water, stone underfoot, and just enough stillness to remember what unhurried life can feel like.

References

Turismo in Molise. (n.d.). Colli a Volturno.
https://turismoinmolise.com/colli-a-volturno/
GuideSlow (n.d.). Colli a Volturno.
https://molise.guideslow.it/colli-a-volturno/
Visit Molise. (n.d.). Colli a Volturno.
https://www.visitmolise.eu/
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Colli a Volturno.
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colli_a_Volturno

Meet Mootilda & Visit the Morge

Scott — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 22:46:30 +0000

Molise Italian Studies is proud to announce we have adopted a cow—ciao, Mootilda! Miss Moooo is a collaborative project from Azienda Agricola d’Alessandro and Il Parco delle Morge to help support both the farm’s cows and the park’s tourism and maintenance.

The Morge—literally, “large stones”—are a series of rocky formations jutting from the Earth throughout central Molise, especially between Salcito, Trivento, and Pietracupa. About 65 million years old and covered with the fossil remains of marine mollusks, the Cenozoic rocks have served as homes and refuges since at least the Middle Ages, and many towns in Molise developed on or around them.

^{Photos by Paolo Pasquale}

History

The most famous of the morge is the Morgia of Pietravalle (better known as the Morgia dei Briganti) in the territory of Salcito. The use of the toponym “Petramvaldam” dates the settlement of Pietravalle to the late 12^th century, though a nearby rural church was already in ruins by 1677 and the fiefdom was later reported as uninhabited. Records from 1780 reveal the presence of “three guardians” who watched over the fields, and it is possible to assume that they at least occasionally occupied the cavities of the morge, as was likely of brigands in the mid-19^th century.

It is unclear why the settlement was abandoned while others nearby transformed into villages, but one answer could be the migration of the occupants towards Salcito due to the presence of the Celano-Foggia tratturo (an ancient transhumance route for shepherds and their sheep) that crossed the town.

Characteristics

The rocky spur, about 55 meters (180 feet) high, has 18 artificial cavities distributed over 4 levels. To the west, a vertical surface, specially cut into the rock bank, shows holes to accommodate the beams of a roof. Over time, the cavities were used as shelters, stables, lookout points, and for the and collection of water. On some walls are traces left by tools such as hammers and chisels, the result of more detailed workmanship compared to earlier iterations.

_{Photo by Paolo Pasquale}

_{Photo by Luigi Cinquina}

Recovery

The Morgia dei Briganti, after being abandoned, was recovered thanks to the work of the Ciccarella family, part of a 2007-2013 regional project aimed at the protection and redevelopment of rural heritage. The interventions ensured the conservation and improvement of the landscape while minimizing the insertion of modern architectural elements, with the goal of reconnecting an ancient peasant civilization with the agricultural landscape of Salcito, as well as increasing the visibility and enjoyment of an underappreciated site utterly representative of Molise’s territory. You can now visit the park the next time you are in Molise!

Adopt a Cow!

Azienda Agricola d’Alessandro is a family-run business, operating for three generations in Torella del Sannio, where their cows graze along the Lucera-Castel di Sangro tratturo. The company focuses on the production of quality milk through careful breeding and by managing their fields and crops to guarantee a healthy diet for the cows. Their mission is to offer a 360-degree experience in nature—eating genuine food and spending moments of tranquility in contact with the greenery and animals at on their land.

^{Photos courtesy of Azienda Agricola d’Alessandro}

If you are interested in adopting a Molisani cow of your own and supporting Il Parco delle Morge, all you need is a bank transfer of 60 euros, 45 of which will go towards the maintenance and nutrition of “your” cow, while 15 will go to the tourism project of the Morge Park. By adopting a cow, you will also be entitled to receive 45 euros worth of dairy products (including fresh and aged cheeses, ricotta, and more) if you visit your cow in person.

This article was adapted, in part, from an article on Turismo in Molise by our good friend and partner, Paolo Pasquale—engineer, amateur astronomer, travel designer, and expert on his beloved Molise.

Also thanks to Guida Turistica del Molise.

_{Photo by Paolo Pasquale}

_{Photo courtesy of Il Parco delle Morge}

Molise IS Adult Study Abroad and Community-Based Global Learning, a full slate of educational travel programs—including Adult Study Abroad, Italian Language Training, Digital Nomads, University Semesters, Summer Internships, and Faculty-Led Programs—guided by the principles of Global Intercultural Citizenship and based in the small and authentic Italian region of Molise.

Whether you long for a more sustainable lifestyle full of real connections and experiences, or to learn from a welcoming and hard-working people whose artisan techniques go back countless generations, or to immerse yourself in a land of magical hillside villages and stunning vistas–Molise IS where your adventure begins.

Enroll now in an Adult Study Abroad program or a Full Semester or Summer Internship +!

Thriving in a Globalized World

Scott — Wed, 18 May 2022 20:37:10 +0000

We would each like to be our best self as much of the time as possible. But it’s tough, right? In the increasingly globalized—and polarized—world we have created, the two inevitable questions of our lifetime are how to share our planet, and, by extension, how to share a common dignity.

We don’t have all the answers, but the tiny ripples each of us makes by acting on an exploration of those complex questions can lead to giant waves of positive change. Indeed, we can all learn how not only to survive, but to thrive, through the development of our Global Intercultural Citizenship. Changing the world starts with each one of us, so grab a cup of coffee and discover how to bridge the difference to make a difference.

The following is excerpted from My Journey From Within: A Reflective Workbook, which has been created by Molise Italian Studies and the Center for Intercultural Citizenship as an introduction to the IC Revolution and to shine a light onto your role as an Intercultural Citizen, allowing you to dig deep, learn about yourself & others, allow yourself space for growth, and begin bridging across difference more effectively.

Imagine…

A person is walking along a beach. The sun is shining and it is a beautiful day. Off in the distance, they can see another person going back and forth between the surf’s edge and the beach. As the first person approaches, they can see that there are hundreds of starfish stranded on the sand as a result of the natural action of the tide. The other person is picking up starfish one by one and throwing them into the surf.

The first person is struck by the apparent futility of the task. There are far too many starfish. Many of them are sure to perish.

They say to the person throwing the starfish: “You must be crazy. There are hundreds of miles of beach covered with starfish. You can’t possibly make a difference.” The second person looks at the first, stoops down, picks up one more starfish, and throws it back into the ocean. Turning back, they say: “It sure made a difference to that one!”

—author unknown¹

An IC Revolution

The world we humans have created is full of both wonders and complex contradictions. Each advancement brings with it new problems. We are, as a whole, living longer and healthier lives, but our population growth is becoming unsustainable. Humanity has become globalized and interconnected like never before, and yet polarization and inequality are also growing. Wealth is at an all-time high, but unsustainable development threatens future prosperity and extreme poverty remains a widespread problem.

We are able to communicate and travel worldwide, but often feel isolated behind our screens. Our access to almost instant information would have been unimaginable even 30 years ago and fuels exponential progress and expansion of knowledge, but the non-stop availability of customized news often leads to apathy, detachment, and uncritical groupthink. Wars and conflicts have become more efficient and less deadly, but more widespread, and at once both contract and expand the idea of “us.”

Technological innovation both saves time and leaves us with less of it. With more entertainment options than ever, we are less easily entertained. Indeed, with more choices in almost every facet of our lives, from leaders to jobs to lovers and friends, many end up paralyzed into inert numbness. And as our quality of life and access to an incredible variety of goods, foods, and services has risen, so has the negative impact on our physical well-being, mental stability, and, most especially, our planet.

Humanity has made incredible, revolutionary progress and we have created a world so complex and full of equally complex problems that we struggle to wrap our heads around it all. In order to survive in that world, we must do just that. Thankfully, research has shown that ongoing psychological development in adults is, in fact, possible; that, with facilitation, individuals can broaden by leaps and bounds the mental complexity with which they experience the world.² The time to act is now.

An Ambitious Vision

Working on a scale of such scope—that of global survival—requires an ambitious, and ultimately achievable, vision. What is your vision for yourself and the world? For our part, we believe that humanity can not only survive, but thrive. We envision a world based on freedom and self-determination, until and unless it interferes with the freedom and self-determination of others. We envision a world in which the basic needs of every individual are met and progress is measured in terms of human well-being instead of capital. We envision a world in which humanity exists in balance with itself and the environment. In short, our vision is a world in which all individuals can lead safe, fulfilling, and purposeful lives in mindful harmony and cooperation with those of diverse backgrounds and experiences.

But there is a problem with our vision. Throughout most of human history, humanity has worked to protect its communities against differences, against the “other.” Writer and activist Audre Lorde said:

We have all been programmed to respond to the human differences between us with fear and loathing and to handle that difference in one of three ways: ignore it, and if that is not possible, copy it if we think it is dominant, or destroy it if we think it is subordinate. But we have no patterns for relating across our human differences as equals.³

That is, as a species, we are still just emerging from survival mode. Leading intercultural scholar Dr. Milton Bennett agrees, saying, “These millennia of clashes with otherness are still reverberating today in our ethnocentrism and fear of others. The pandemic and recent political events have made this continuing condition painfully clear.”⁴

Many decry the prevalence of ignorance and hate in those with whom they disagree, but can grasp neither the cause nor the solution. To paraphrase Yoda, fear—fear of the other and fear of loss—for one’s self or one’s group, however narrowly or widely that group is defined, leads to anger, polarization, and hate. Indeed, Ibram X. Kendi has demonstrated that discrimination—racial and otherwise—stems not from ignorance and hate, but instead from “economic, political, and cultural self-interests” and, in fact, is a cause of ignorance and hate.⁵ Kendi implores us “to fight for an equitable society for our beloved humanity, knowing, intelligently, that when we fight for humanity, we are fighting for ourselves.”⁶ Dr. Bennett agrees, going on to say:

The goal…is to expand the idea of “us” to include all humanity, and to do so without losing the uniqueness of our different expressions of that humanity. We can only celebrate our differences in the context of common humanity, but we can only have common humanity if it includes those differences. These kinds of multicultural groups are not a natural condition of homo sapiens. But we can learn to make them work, in the same way that mathematics is not a natural human skill but can be learned. And, like STEM skills, intercultural skills must be learned for us to survive in the world we have created.⁷

Thriving Through Intercultural Citizenship

The world has changed, and we have to change with it. We must learn to bridge and succeed across differences, not just cross-border or cross-community differences, but even those within family and friendship groups.

In the context of difference, we can glean much wisdom from our canine companions. Anyone who has spent more than a little time around different breeds of dogs can attest to their varied characteristic traits, as well as their individual personalities. Bulldogs are generally lazy and companionable; herding dogs, like corgis, are energetic and curious; terriers are tenacious and goofy; retrievers are active and social; collies are hard-working and intelligent; hounds are independent and affectionate; and German Shepherds are protective and fearless. And yet within breeds each dog is an individual and has a unique personality. Both across breeds and within breeds there exists uniqueness within commonality, and dogs of different breeds often coexist peacefully, playfully, and productively.

Of course, humans have unmistakable advantages over dogs and, as far as we know, every other creature on Earth—metacognition, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt, improve, and self-regulate. In order for humanity to overcome our challenges and achieve our visions, we must capitalize on these gifts. Social psychologist Geert Hofstede concludes:

We have no choice but to pursue the direction of expansion of the moral circle to all people in the world…. Depriving any group of moral rights or moral duties must be denounced…. Although moral circles can be expanded, cultures resist change. It is therefore not realistic to expect that all world citizens should become alike. Nor is it desirable or necessary that they should do so. People will differ, but they have to learn to coexist without wanting others to become just like them. Any other road is a dead end.⁸

Intercultural Citizenship—that is, the rights and responsibilities relevant to “improving human interactions across difference, whether within a society (due to age, gender, religion, socio-economic status, political affiliation, ethnicity, and so on) or across borders”⁹—must be taught and learned, and the good news is, it can be!

Wrapping Up…

The world’s problems present a choice. Do we helplessly use them as an excuse to break down and crumble, isolating and prioritizing only ourselves? Or do we empower ourselves to improve and build each other up, collaborating to both survive and thrive? Changing the world starts with each one of us joining the IC revolution. Each of us makes a ripple; together we can make waves—for starfish and humans alike.

When I was young, I wanted to change the world. I found it was difficult to change the world, so I tried to change my nation. When I found I couldn’t change the nation, I began to focus on my town. I couldn’t change the town and as I grew older, I tried to change my family.

Now in old age I realize the only thing I can change is myself, and suddenly I realize that if long ago I had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation and I could indeed have changed the world.

—Author: Unknown monk around 1100AD¹⁰

My Journey From Within is a well-rounded introduction to the realm of becoming your best intercultural self. The workbook has three parts: an introduction to IC and tips on integrating it into your life, including how to craft a Personal Vision Statement & an IC daily checklist; a daily reflective journal & resources; and next steps. It is your chance to make some serious impact with just 20 minutes per day. The world is counting on you!

Are you looking for an authentic Italian experience and the chance to develop your Intercultural Citizenship? Are you craving a more purposeful education and a more intentional life? Consider Adult Study Abroad with Molise Italian Studies. Or, if you are a college or gap year student, transform yourself and your world through a unique and comprehensive Community-Based Global Learning experience centered around Intercultural Citizenship education and linguistic and cultural immersion. Enroll in Adult Study Abroad or Full Semester/Summer Internship + now to join Molise Italian Studies!

If travel is not an option, the Center for Intercultural Citizenship, in partnership with our virtual internship provider, Kambia, offers you the chance to make a global impact and develop authentic connections without leaving your home community.

Adapted from https://consciouspanda.com/
Kegan, Robert, and Lisa Laskow Lahey. Immunity to Change: How to Overcome It and Unlock Potential in Yourself and Your Organization. Harvard Business Press, 2009.
Lorde, Audre. “Age, Race, Class and Sex: Women Redefining Difference,” in Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Crossing Press, 1984, 115.
Bennett, Milton. “Global Thoughts Debate.” Gateway International Group, 9 April 2021.
Kendi, Ibram X. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America. Bold Type Books, 2016, 9.
Ibid., 511.
Bennett, Milton. “Global Thoughts Debate.” Gateway International Group, 9 April 2021.
Hofstede, Geert, et al. Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. McGraw Hill, 2010, 477.
Deardorff, Darla. UNESCO Manual for Developing Intercultural Competencies: Story Circles. Routledge Focus, 2020, 5.
Adapted from https://consciouspanda.com/

Balance Good…Everything Good

Scott — Tue, 17 May 2022 15:09:53 +0000

We were finally leaning into the last leg of our U.S. trip—this crazy and wild ride that no one (including ourselves sometimes) thought we could make it out of in one piece. Through all of our fear, engaging ambiguity, and finding slivers of beauty amidst a mass of humanity…we were almost there. Acknowledging how much growth we had all made and how much we still needed to work towards balance, we were pushing ourselves to become even stronger Intercultural Citizens through the challenge of remembering how to play and be humble, even in the midst of the unknown and uncomfortable.

The Human Experience in Gotham

New York City saw the boys continuing to be more flexible and able to cover longer distances. The first night tested our adaptability, as we fought our fatigue and some rain and cold to power through to see the Braves-Mets game at Citi Field (on the other side of town from our Jersey City Airbnb), which ended up being an adventurous way to find the beauty of shared blankets and chilly-nosed nuzzles–because, who brings sweatshirts to a baseball game in June?

Visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty was a moving experience as we all learned more about the history of immigration to the United States through the voices and time capsules on display. Humanizing the experience past books and videos were the handwritten letters and powerful sound clips layering each room of the museum. Meagan was silent most of the time, with tears brimming, as she felt the pain, hope, little joys, and aching hearts of this mass immigration. To say the least, we all felt it in our chest. In our guts. It was so present and drenched us all in a history that often feels so far away. It reminded us that we are all resilient, unique, and human.

Pausing to Play

We also braved the Brooklyn Bridge by foot, a much-needed way to come full circle after our heavy Ellis Island experience. We danced much of the way to energetic beats layered over “Cold water! Cold water! Cold water! Only one dollar!”, grabbed some sundaes the size of our faces, and walked along the East River just absorbing on our way to nowhere the daily life of a New Yorker and imagining what it would be like to dodge the swaths of people with headphones in on a daily basis. The sun was gentle and the water cleansing. But the highlight of that second day was the pickup baseball game we played as a family at dusk in Liberty State Park, which was a great chance for us all to take a break from the hustle and just play together. It was like a movie. The sun pouring over the city and reflecting the light off of the millions of windows into different worlds. It was authentic and organic. Full of laughs and grass stains. The world was whole in that space of just being.

We spent our third day in New York exploring Governor’s Island–a giant playground with basket swings, a splintered ninja course, hammocks, ball fields, and outrageously-sized hot metal slides. Yet again, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to just pause and play. To be present and allow for an experience that wasn’t constantly working towards being our best IC selves felt like we were screwing up; but our hearts were screaming for it–and that’s when it hit that balance is a part of it all in so many different ways. We needed to stop thinking and start doing. I had let go of the necessity of “all things going as planned”; however, it was in this branch of our adventure that the lesson of letting go of my internal experience came to the forefront. I realized that, in order to be my vision of my best self, I needed to play. We needed to play.

Energy In and Out

On our final day we got to meet up with Meagan’s great aunt, Alison, strolling through Central Park and intentionally stopping and smelling the flowers, touching the trees, and shuffling the leaves. Bottling that peace up, we gathered our nerves and promised to be mindful as we braved Times Square, cheered on the performers, and were finally ushered out for a peaceful protest to begin. Fully charged from the energetic exchange of Times Square, we sucked in some bravery along with some deep breaths and worked our way up to the top of the Empire State Building, where Robbie was left with the lasting impression that there was a constant hum that encompassed this magnificent place–that it was never truly quiet and in an odd sort of way it was like a blanket of authenticity that was the heart of this city.

In the spirit of play, we spent an afternoon at Hershey Park igniting the kid in all of us. Although morally against the capitalist world, it was hard not to feel like we had actually walked into Willy Wonka’s. We rode kiddy rides, felt the sheer terror of the Lightening Racer, and got a back reset on the bumper cars. Was it hot? Have mercy. Was it crowded? Do you really have to ask? Would I give it back for anything? Never. We giggled as we ran to get back into line and didn’t think twice about demolishing chocolate covered treats until our eyes glazed. “Once and a while,” I kept thinking, “it’s ok to just exist…to be ridiculous and play like no one is watching.” And we did. Until we had blisters on our feet and legs that just didn’t want to work anymore and it was like the Universe (or Mr. Miyagi) was screaming, “See?! Balance. It makes you better.”

Returning to Roots and Finding Balance

The final stop on this tour de U.S. landed us in Frederick, MD to see Meagan’s mentor and most cherished friend, Alice. She treated us left and right (including some amazing ice cream at South Mountain Creamery) and we couldn’t have asked for a better sendoff. We watched the kids trekking through the trees and engaged all of the 6-legged critters attempting to join our conversations. It had been many years since Meagan had seen Alice and it felt like the entire trip had scaffolded our way to this point–like everything had come full circle and it was time to embrace the closure and peace that came from this final goodbye. The little girl that Alice had once saved was no longer a little girl on the outside, but a grown woman with four boys in tow. A grown woman who would have never been able to see the forest for the trees without this unconditional love and desire to see her become something so much more than she ever thought possible. This release and shedding of some final shell reiterated the undercurrent of balancing work and play; it reminded us that, though there is always room to be better, play is not far removed from this and is, rather, deeply woven into the fabric of what it means to be your highest and best self. It allows the mind space to be curious and entertain outrageous ideas; it is laughter and the encapsulation of the best moments of our lives; it is our inner children finally having space to exist without judgment or reason. It is love in its purest form.

Are you looking for a change and a place to find balance in your life? Are you craving a more purposeful education and a more intentional life? Consider Adult Study Abroad with Molise Italian Studies. Or, if you are a college or gap year student, transform yourself and your world through a unique and comprehensive service learning experience centered around Intercultural Citizenship education and linguistic and cultural immersion. Enroll in Adult Study Abroad or Full Semester/Summer Internship + now to join Molise Italian Studies!

Adaptation to Plot Twists Makes a Better Story

Scott — Tue, 10 May 2022 16:54:33 +0000

After our quick rest-up in FL, the journey continued on. We piled back into a progressively messier Tanny and headed north to Virginia. It was my turn to run us around my childhood home and university town. Flexibility and adaptation were the names of the game during this leg of our trip as we continued to deepen our connections with each other (and our country).

The Beach and the ‘Burg

The first piece of this adventure found us in Virginia Beach, where we climbed Mt. Trashmore before the boys got faces full of crashing waves and I gave Meagan an anxiety attack swimming out to sea. From the beach we made our way up to Williamsburg, where we tested our gentle parenting skills over a lost shoe and mediated as our kids racked up an understanding of America’s painful and racist colonial past. I also jumped into a pool before checking my pocket for my phone, which was unable to be resuscitated by a bag of rice. But mostly we had fun—we kayaked, caught frogs in the forest, communed with sheep, and most importantly, were ultra-present.

It was an odd experience, seeing the places I had called home for most of my life…still existing…still more or less the same…but I wasn’t there anymore. My life had taken me in so many different directions; yet, here we were. My people, in my ‘home’, and it felt beautiful. Like everything had come full circle.

Of Pies and Plans

Next, we were on our way to the much-anticipated Washington D.C. If there was a more perfect place for me, I don’t think I’ve found it yet. In all our excitement we rattled towards the nation’s capital to find ourselves learning what adaptation really meant. I’m a planner. I like to plan. Things are better when they fall into the plan and don’t get minds of their own–D.C. laughed at this idea and pushed me right into my learning zone; but man was it fun.

Not only did we find out our accommodations were canceled hours before we arrived; but, on our frantic and hurried way to our last-minute hotel, I had my heart set on Mom’s Apple Pie in Occoquan and we weren’t going to make it. “But it’s on the itinerary! That’s why we came this way!” I huffed as the GPS said we wouldn’t make it there before closing, and I could feel the trip beginning to wear on me. I wasn’t just bummed, but I was also tired of adapting. I was exhausted from having to “go with the flow” and was ready to just eat my bodyweight in pie and call it a day; but we all know that’s not how the universe works. Has one really made progress and grown without the realest of tests?

As we saw the traffic jam, Meagan could feel my disappointment. She is a “glass is half full and there’s room for even more” kind of person, so she called the store and gave them our sob story, even asking if they would be willing to take payment over the phone and put the pie on the front porch. The young shopkeepers were so full of kindness and a gentle tone—they made us promise not to speed and that they would stay as long as it took us to get there (which was only 6 minutes by the time we rolled up…but still 6 minutes past when they normally lock the doors). It was beautiful. We all grabbed a treat and the world was well again. After all was said and done, it was like a smack in the face reminding us that just because things don’t go as planned, stretching out of one’s comfort zone and utilizing some borrowed strength when needed can go a long way.

Walking Washington

Once we made it to D.C. with bellies full of pie crumbles and whoopie pies (and after a few GPS run-arounds), we were in heaven. I’ve always known my heart had a soft spot for the city; but Meagan and the boys had never felt it. Our new hotel was not bad and conveniently located in Rosslyn, right across the river from Georgetown. After a solid night’s sleep, we were off to explore the city on foot, plan in hand. I knew all of the places I wanted Meagan and the boys to see–every park, cathedral, museum, and restaurant. There wouldn’t have to be more adapting this time. No way. (Or so I thought!)

Of course, we visited all the sites every American has seen countless times in shows and movies; but the real treasures—go figure—were the moments in which we were crumbling onto a bench at sunset because we couldn’t handle walking another step; or a brief conversation with Virginia Ali on our way to a bathroom break at Ben’s Chili Bowl; or free steamed crab at the Wharf and Indian-inspired pizza at Curry & Pie when we couldn’t make up our minds. And during all of our walking Meagan and I got to pair off at different times with different boys, developing our relationships (and our stamina). Some moments were difficult. Some were frustrating and anxiety-inducing; yet they were the fullest moments and the memories that have lasted.

Magic Moments in Philly

Our next stop was Philadelphia, where we ran the “Rocky steps” and made the trek to Jim’s for cheesesteaks. But the moment that sticks out most to me was the Magic Gardens. We’ve been to more art museums than I can count, always filled with “Don’t touch that!” and “You can’t sit there!”, but the Magic Gardens were a whole other ballgame. What. A. Trip! You could hear the stories as you made your way through the eclectic mixed-media art and revitalization project. The mosaics told so many stories of loss, rebirth, power and lack thereof, struggle, passion, and most importantly, change. There were these little pieces of mirror pressed into the mosaics and the whole place glittered. Every which way you looked there were tiny slivers of yourself looking back at you. Asking you to see everything from a new perspective. To find the beauty and the things that need not be perfect to be enough; to be worthy of existing. We didn’t want to leave, but our beds, and a trip to Reading Terminal Market the next morning, were beckoning.

We had been working on adaptation as a family, but what we experienced at Reading Terminal Market was a great example of harmony and space for everyone on a large scale. It was like a reflection of what we are aiming for in this world–as people, parents, and educators. In this one historical building, the oldest market in Philly houses the most diverse collection of foods and people I’ve ever experienced. From traditional Amish confections to Umi Seafood and Sushi, the place was bustling with all different people from all different walks. Was this visit planned? Yes. Did we plan to go with the flow as we arrived? Yes. Did we know exactly what it would look like? No. It was artistic and chaotic. It was overwhelming and perfectly in sync. It was an activation and complete takeover of all of the senses. It was magnificent.

Adapting to Adaptation

Once we finally got food for everyone, we had so many different corners of the human experience represented as we sat outside in the drizzle and shared bite for bite. It was proof. Proof that there is space for everyone and space for us to all adapt ourselves enough to see the beauty that all humanity has to offer–stories, food, tradition, beliefs, ways of life.

Adapting is hard. Whether it’s planned moments gone awry, bridging across differences in places that don’t seem so foreign, or simply shifting perspective to understand the mindset of the person next to you on the train. It’s never not hard. But it’s always worth it.

Are you looking for a change and an opportunity for adaptation? Are you craving a more purposeful education and a more intentional life? Consider Adult Study Abroad with Molise Italian Studies. Or, if you are a college or gap year student, transform yourself and your world through a unique and comprehensive service learning experience centered around Intercultural Citizenship education and linguistic and cultural immersion. Enroll in Adult Study Abroad or Full Semester/Summer Internship + now to join Molise Italian Studies! And continue following our family’s journey in our next post!