Over time, we’ve received numerous intriguing queries about Abruzzo from international students looking to use their Abruzzese heritage and work their Grandparents’ tales into their studies. One of our favourites was the charming tale of translating one Nonna’s stories about the region’s mud huts into their true title, the rustic but often elegant, Le Case delle Terre. Madeline, our latest student, found inspiration for her college project through her Mum, a member of our Life In Abruzzo Facebook group that’s always brimming with ideas and photos.
While Abruzzo is famous for the transumanza, the bi-annual migration of flocks and herds south to warmer winter pastures, historically, leisure travel was rare, especially for women and girls. Travel, particularly going up and down mountains, was a time-consuming luxury for many, which explains why many families today haven’t been passed on knowledge about other parts of Abruzzo from their grandparents or parents. Those who migrated and returned for a holiday did so for reunions, to spend precious time with families and to catch up with friends rather than exploring and learning more about the province or region. This was further complicated by the first waves of migration that saw most Abruzzesi migrate alongside fellow members of their village and comune and remain together in their new lands, low literacy rates and a lack of written word about Abruzzo that continues today. For all these reasons do reach out if you need more information for your studies, contact us directly or ask the members of our association on our Facebook group, we’ll help for free to put Abruzzo on the map!
Check out Madeline’s insightful presentation on Castello Santa Monica and do plan a visit!
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a very lucky midlife 'mamma' to A who is 12 and juggles her work as a self-employed freelance SEO food and travel copywriter and EFL teacher. She is the founder of the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, co-founder of Let's Blog Abruzzo. she is the founder of the 'English in the Woods' initiative, teaching English outdoors in a forest style school.
