The exceptional snowfall shortly before Christmas followed by an extraordinary rise in temperature and considerable rain put Italy in tilt. And certainly there were huge problems all around Europe. Part of Italy’s difficulties resulted from not being used to handling such conditions and for several days travel was blocked and now landslides and flooding are major concerns. Already in 2009 the country was reeling from the effects of the earthquakes in Abruzzo so natural calamities were at the forefront as the year ended.
Particular to the Italian situation is the heavy traffic, basically in one direction, from North to South before every holiday and the reverse afterwards. Economic and social realities have dictated this for decades. Then, although many travel with the trains, which are always improving, the dependency on the car (a political legacy due to the influence of “Mama Fiat”) complicates matters—7 million automobiles four decades ago and over 45 million today. It’s a love affair!
Doesn’t sound much like an invitation to visit Italy, does it!? But it is, and thus the title of Classroom Italy for this month’s note. The reasons to travel, of course, are many. Without giving up the obvious purposes of relaxation and diversion, the chance to learn is primary for many and always an opportunity. For example, just to cross the Swiss-Italian border, either way, is a life lesson. Or for that matter, to cross the Apennines or to compare Lombardy and Sicily. Unique history? Socio-economic situation? Politics and administration? Emigration-immigration? Education and faith communities?
Tourism is already one of the leading businesses in the world and indications are that its importance will grow in the years to come. Our hope--that shared by many, many others--is that there be concern for human growth, not only for profit, risking senseless exploitation of resources, of travellers, and of employees. Alternative tourism with a sensitivity for contact with the local context and people, for the environment, and for personal growth and well-being has been developing for years and fortunately is available to those who search it out. We are pleased to know that several of the groups already reserved for this new year will be coming with this purpose in mind.
To promote Casa Cares as a place of learning we now have available in English, German and Italian a one-page description entitled “Casa Cares—an Italian classroom”. This description provides a brief explanation of our facility and the activities visitors may enjoy at Casa Cares and in the surrounding area.
Particular to the Italian situation is the heavy traffic, basically in one direction, from North to South before every holiday and the reverse afterwards. Economic and social realities have dictated this for decades. Then, although many travel with the trains, which are always improving, the dependency on the car (a political legacy due to the influence of “Mama Fiat”) complicates matters—7 million automobiles four decades ago and over 45 million today. It’s a love affair!
Doesn’t sound much like an invitation to visit Italy, does it!? But it is, and thus the title of Classroom Italy for this month’s note. The reasons to travel, of course, are many. Without giving up the obvious purposes of relaxation and diversion, the chance to learn is primary for many and always an opportunity. For example, just to cross the Swiss-Italian border, either way, is a life lesson. Or for that matter, to cross the Apennines or to compare Lombardy and Sicily. Unique history? Socio-economic situation? Politics and administration? Emigration-immigration? Education and faith communities?
Tourism is already one of the leading businesses in the world and indications are that its importance will grow in the years to come. Our hope--that shared by many, many others--is that there be concern for human growth, not only for profit, risking senseless exploitation of resources, of travellers, and of employees. Alternative tourism with a sensitivity for contact with the local context and people, for the environment, and for personal growth and well-being has been developing for years and fortunately is available to those who search it out. We are pleased to know that several of the groups already reserved for this new year will be coming with this purpose in mind.
To promote Casa Cares as a place of learning we now have available in English, German and Italian a one-page description entitled “Casa Cares—an Italian classroom”. This description provides a brief explanation of our facility and the activities visitors may enjoy at Casa Cares and in the surrounding area.
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