Men

sile

- N

o. 9

201

2 - R

eg. T

rib.

N. 5

74 d

ell’8

/10/

1990

SEPTEMBER 2012

Trevignano Lake Bracciano-Treasure on your Doorstep

Exploring Creative Options?

Islands and the Tranquillity of Isola Maggiore in Lake Trasimeno

Letter of thanks from theComune di Finale Emilia

Gradmas & Grandpas

La Promessa

Ancient Town of Sutri-Sutrium Ire

poet’s nook poet’s nook poet’s nook poet’s nook poet’s nook poet’s nook poet’s poet’s nook poet’s nookpoet’snook

poet’snookpoet’snook

poet’spoet’snookpoet’snook

poet’snookpoet’snook

poet’snookpoet’spoet’snook

poet’snookpo et’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’spoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’sp

oet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’spoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’snookpoet’s n

ook

Estività

di Patrizia CImini

Affilati dalle trebbiatriciEstiveI campi gialli s’abbottonanoDi covoni.Il mare trapunta i bordiContenendo Il grande lettoDella terra.

Chi terra e chi mare

di Patrizia Cimini

Tibet per alcuniTexas per altriTerra per testuggine marineTaiga per molti.Per tutti Tell, Taraj, Takla Makan,Tuàt.Se fossi pesce a me sarebbe casaIl mare.

The “FAO CASA GAZETTE” is the

registered title of the journal of

the FAO STAFF COOP

FAO Staff Coop Board

Chairman: Enrica RomanazzoVice-Chairman Mario MareriSecretary: Valentina Delle FratteTreasurer: Adriano FavaPublicity Officer: Edith MahabirMembers: Cynthia Edwards

Alessia Laurenza Patrizia Ragni

Auditor: Studio Tributario Associato

Direttore Responsabile: Patrizia Cimini

Editorial Committee: Edith Mahabir, Peter Steele,Danilo Mejia, Alexia Di Fabio,Bouchra El ZeinEnrica Romanazzo,

Cultural Activity: Patrizia Ragni

Sports Activity: Alessia Laurenza

For Advertising:STAFF COOP OFFICEViale delle Terme di Caracalla - 00153 RomaTel: 06/57053142 or 06/57054112 - Fax 06/57297286E-mail: FAO-STAFF-Coop@fao.orgWebsite: faostaffcoop.org

Printing by: EUROINTERSTAMPA - Roma

Via della Magliana, 295 - Tel. 06.55282956 Fax 06.55178798

Finito di stampare: Settembre 2012

Con

tent

s

Typewritten electronic contributions for the FAO CASA Gazette arewelcome. These can be in English, French, Italian or Spanish -articles, poems, drawings, photographs, etc. in fact anythinginteresting that staff members and/or their families in Rome or thefield may like to contribute. No anonymous material will beaccepted, and the Editor reserves the right to choose and/or rejectmaterial that is not in keeping with the ethics of the Organization.Send contributions electronically to the Editor at FAO-STAFF-Coop@fao.org or leave signed copies with the COOP Office onthe ground floor of Building E. The deadline for editorial materialis due on the 1st of the month preceding the date of issue. The Editor may schedule articles according to the priorities andeditorial requirements of the FAO Staff COOP. The FAO CASA Gazette is published every month.

The FAO Staff Coop does not take any responsibility for commercial advertisements published in the CasaGazette or for services rendered by third parties according to conventions stipulated with the FAO Staff Coop.

SEPTEMBER 2012

CCoovveerr ::

Bourgavillia, Ischiaff oo tt oo dd ii VV ii nn cc ee nn zz oo MM aa rr rr aa

Poets Nookdi Patrizia Cimini

Trevignano Lake Bracciano -Treasure on your Doorstepby Jean Backhouse & Peter Steele

Exploring Creative Options?by Ivy Steele

Islands and the Tranquillity ofIsola Maggiore in Lake Trasimenoby Peter Steele

Letter of Thanks from theComune di Finale Emilia

Grandmas & Grandpas

La Promessadi Flavia Carbonetti

The History of the Ancient Town of Sutri

Sutrium Iredi Patrizia Cimini

Recipes:chickpeas & pasta soupwild mushroom tart

2

5

12

14

21

22

25

28

29

30

4

Staff Coop Services Hours / Location Extension

Housing Service Monday-Friday 541129.00 - 13.30Coop Office E.016

Information Monday-Friday 54112/531429.00 - 13.30Coop Office E.016

Library Monday-Friday 5347911.30-14.00 E.008

Theatre Booking Monday-Friday 531429.00 - 13.30Coop Office E.016

G.A.D.O.I. Tuesday 10.00-12.30 52893(by appointment) E.014

Garment Repairs Tuesday 13.00-17.00 E.020 56069Friday 08.00-12.00 E.020

Dry Cleaning Monday 14.00-17.00 E.020 56069Thursday 14.00-17.00 E.020

Staff Lounge Building D, Ground floor

Language Classes:Italian Monday & Wednesday 53142

13.00-14.00 E.021Monday to Thursday17.00-19.00 E.021

Russian Friday 5314212.00-14.00 E.020

INPS Consultant Friday 14.30-17.30 53142/54112(by appointment) E.014

Staff Lawyers Thursday 13.30-15.30 53142/54112(by appointment) E.014

Notary Service First e third Tuesday 5314214.30-16.00(by appointment) E.014

Services and Special Interest GroupMEMBERSHIPFull membership of the COOP is open to all staff of FAO/WFP.Associate membership is available for spouses and thosewho work with FAO and associated UN agencies. The COOPShare is € 25,00 “una tantum”, annual dues for bothcategories are € 20.00 for singles and € 28.00 for families.Apply for membership at the COOP Office (E.O16) Monday-Friday 9.00 - 13.30.

FAO STAFF COOPSTAFF COOP OFFICE

Bldg. E Ground Floor Ext. 53142Monday-Friday 9.00 - 13.30WFP1

stand 3rd Tuesday of each month

JOIN OUR ACTIVITIES

Cultural Contact Extension

Adventures in Self Discovery Mr M. Boscolo 54424Ancient Budist Wisdom Mr E. Kaeslin 53213Antroposofia Ms A. Vittorini 52422Artists Ms I. Sisto 53312Caribbean Cultural Ms S. Murray 56875Childrens Ms V. Delle Fratte 54015Choir Ms A. Alberighi 56651Coro ÑDancing:

Dancercise: Zumba Ms M. Manuel 53820Salsa Mr A. Kohli 53374Tribal Ms M. Derba 54589

Drama:English Ms J. O'Farrell 56550Italian Mr P. Tosetto 53585

Feldenkrais Method Ms G. Pistella 54629Gospel Choir Ms S. Mann 56168Hispanic Cultural Ms M.E. Gazaui 54072Human Values Mr A. Banzi 54817Music Therapy Ms N. Rossi 56253Pet group Mr P. Trippa 55150Philippines Cultural Ms D. Mendoza-Galasso 56240Pranic Healing Mr R. Krell 52419Sensory Evaluation Ms B. Burlingame 53728Tai-Chi Ms G. De Santis 53344Hatha & Raja Yoga Ms C. Spadaro 52255Yoga Basic Ms E. Donch 55715Yoga Ayurvedica Ms E. Mohabir 53142

SPORTSAngler’s Mr M. Evangelistella 52127Athletics Mr D. Gargano 54024Basketball Mr D. Catton 22273Badminton Ms I. de Borhegyi 56174Beach Volley Mr F. Jimenez-Aureli 53908Cycling Mr F. Calderini 53828Darts Ms C. Canzian 52617Football Men Mr M. Staffilani 53268Football Women Ms R. Nettuno 56742Golf Mr A. Stocchi 55276Gymnastics:

Eutonic Ms B. Bouyssieres 56453Flowork Ms C. Park 54734Fitness & Muscle Toning Mr C. Pardy 54087Lotte Berk Ms M. Van Arkadie 56835Pilates Ms C. Hirsch 54243

Table Tennis Mr B. Bultmeier 53008Tennis Ms A. Gabrielli 53012Volleyball Men Mr G. Trobbiani 53142Volleyball Women Ms A. Laurenza 55344

All activities arefor Staff CoopMembers only

5

Trevignano Lake Bracciano – Treasure on your Doorstepby Jean Backhouse & Peter Steele

Trevignano is a beautiful small town on the shores of Lake Bracciano justnorth of Rome. It is well known for its mediaeval town centre and dominantchurch overlooking the lake. The township has many picturesque cafes andrestaurants located around the main piazze and alongside the lake. This iswhere to take time out of a week-end or during the summer; to enjoy a glass oflocal wine and appreciate the joys of small-town Italy.

The veneer of modern housing and the largecontingent of foreign residents, however, addvalue to what is quintessential a small Italiancommunity that has come to terms with themodern world. More than most ruralcommunities just an hour or so from thecapital city, Trevignano has retained itsvitality, sense of purpose and hospitality, andreflects much that can be appreciated inmodern-day Europe.

The original hamlet of Trevignano is easilyidentified around the site of the ruined castleto the east of the modern township, and

Beach Trevignano. For the majority family visitors with small kids, Trevignano means beach,lakeside and water in summer. Beat the crowds and arrive early and leave early.

A place of which to dreamImagine a picturesque township on thenorthern shores of Lake Bracciano 50-60kilometres north of Rome perched on a smallcliff at the end of a bay, and with theshimmering hills of northern Lazio stretchingeast-west across the horizon. The delightfulsmall mediaeval centre remains, but has longgiven way to the modern township with itsnew housing developments – many of themretirement and holiday homes – streets ofsmall shops and lakeside restaurants, beachesand parking areas. The town has grown backinto the hills in recent times and stretches formore than three kilometres alongside thelakeshore towards Bracciano town.

6

(continued on page 8)

visitors and residents alike continue to enjoythe atmosphere of steep narrow passageways,the vista of the lake from upper storywindows and the sense of history that comesfrom wandering the mediaeval centro-storico.Only the handful of parked cars and motor-scooters, a glimpse of a modern interior, theclothes the people are wearing or a phrase ortwo caught from those walking past remindyou of the present day.

That many of the residents are part-timers,with holiday homes scattered throughout thecentro-storico simply exemplifies themovement of people in modern-day Italy –with the old out and the new in. The

renovation of the paintwork and masonry ofmuch of the original exterior provides scantreflection of the modernization of the interiorof the houses and apartments. Similar buttypically more isolated townships across thecountry continue to decline as ruralpopulations fall and property is notmodernized. Trevignano is fortunate with itsproximity to Rome and its lakeside location.

Northern Lazio is on the doorstepTrevignano is an ideal place from which tovisit the region. A large number of interestingplaces – most of them with easily identifiableEtruscan heritage - are located within an easydrive from the township. This includes Rome,Cerveteri (30 km). Bracciano (12 km), Sutri(12 km), Viterbo (45 km), Tarquinia (61 km),Tuscania (52 km), Caprarola (25 km) and Tolfa(15 km). Get out of the car and lace on thosehiking boots and you can, quite literally, havethe countryside to yourself. The nationalreserve/country park at Monterano, forexample, is just 30 minutes away by car –mediaeval ruined village (but now renovated),volcanic bubbling springs, Devil’s Bridge andmore; great walking.

Lake BraccianoTrevignano is one of three towns spaced equi-distance around the shores of LakeBracciano. The lake is roughly circular with adiameter of about 9 kilometres and, at centre,170 metres deep. Care with disposal of urbanwastes and sewage in the towns andtownships bordering the lake and strictcontrol of the use of agricultural chemicals insurrounding farmlands have resulted incrystal clear uncontaminated water. At timesof shortage, the lake is a source of domesticwater for Rome. Of an afternoon the windsget up on the lake and blow south-north intoTrevignano; this is the time to learn how tocontrol a small sail boat or windsurfer.

During the winter the resident population isabout 3,000, but this doubles during thesummer months with many of the incomingvisitors foreigners and principally journalists,painters, teachers or simply people who choseto holiday on one of the most benign of Italy’s

Centro Storico Trevignano. Old town meets newtown with the gateway to the centro-storico atright centre (and topped with tower and bell),but reflecting the demands of the modernTrevignanese with pavement cafes andrestaurants that spread out wherever there issufficient space.

7

Insurance

Stefano Giannì

(General Agent)

Special agreement for

UN staff, Embassies

and NATO.

00151 Roma,

P.zza del Sacro Cuore 19

Tel: 06/53272753

Fax: 06/53270798

Service mobile:

329/9452429

romamonteverde@groupama.it

Tv / sat system / optical fiber Audio video / sat broadband

call us 392 5234090 – 339 6234275 info@futuresat.it www.futuresat.it

FUTURE SAT s.r.l. Satellite system specialists

15

8

(continued from page 6)

Trevignano Township. Like many other ancient communities in Italy, the original people locatedthemselves on an-easy-to-defend peninsular adjacent to a river, lake or shore line.

central lakes and just an hour or so fromRome. It is sometimes said that the villagehas more than 100 different nationalitiesamong its summer residents.

Distant beginningsThere have been settlements at Trevignanosince 600 BC (and probably earlier too) withthe original population made up ofpastoralists, farmers, fisherfolk and thosewho serviced them. The area is rich in historyas exemplified by the Etruscan tombs andartefacts – with significant findings from the1990s – that continue to be discovered.Subsequent occupants of the area are thoughtto have come from the Middle East, forexample, from the lands that now containmodern-day Turkey and Libya; the ancientpeoples of the region were not as homogenousas Etruscan history sometimes suggests.Local rivalriesExtending his power within the Provence ofRome, Pope Innocent III instructed a ‘rocca’to be built at Trevignano in 1198. Comprisinga castle on the heights and two concentricwalls that enclosed the township andstretched down to the shoreline, the roccaplayed a pivotal role in the struggle forsupremacy between key neighbouring

families during the middle ages.

In 1380 the castle and its immediate territorybecame the property of the Orsini Family. Thestruggle for supremacy between the Orsiniand Borgia Families in the region reached aclimax in 1496 when the castle and thetownship came under siege by the BorgiaFamily (fronting for Pope Alexander VI).Borgia artillery bombarded the township, andthe Trevignanese subsequently joined forceswith the Orsini and Bracciano armies. Thecombined forces were sufficient to repel thesiege army, including the interception anddestruction of two small ships that were beingtransported along the Via Cassia by theBorgia Family, which would have enabled thesiege to be broken with direct attack from thelake.

Having failed to take the small fortifiedtownship of Trevignano, the besieging Borgiaarmy at the more heavily fortified Braccionocastle began to lose heart and were eventuallyrouted by the combined anti-Borgia forcesand forced to flee.

Unfortunately, the castle was severelydamaged and, to this day, has remained more

9

Lake Bracciano ferry boat. And is beach life if not your passion, take a boat ride across the lake andvisit the three main centres in a single afternoon – Bracciano, Trevignano and Anguillara.

or less in an abandoned state. A smallpathway that starts from the Church of S.Maria Assunta leads through narrow lanesoverhung by houses up to the heights of theruins. From here the beauty of the lake anddistant hills can be appreciated. This is littlemore than an easy 10 minute walk, and agreat place to sit and enjoy a picnic in theshade of a wall or tree.

Original spa countryThe numerous hot springs in the localityexemplify the volcanic origin of the lake andsurrounding lands. These were popular withthe original communities that lived in thearea, and with the ancient armies that wereonce stationed in and around the lake, whilewaiting to enter Rome. Over the years, manyof these springs have been developed for theirtherapeutic value as spa, and many haveremained in private hands and are notaccessible to the public.

A noted example were the hot springs atVicarello which were owned as a retreat by aGerman order of nuns and were popular withlocal families during the time of the SecondWorld War. Rumour also has it that ancientartefacts were once discovered there. The

pools were closed during the 1980s and havesubsequently remained in private hands.

Trevignano MuseumThe museum is housed in the Town Hall whichis located in the main piazza in the centro-storico and facing the lake. It contains manyof the artefacts and findings from local burialchambers including the huge necropolis thatstretches over three kilometres across hillcountry north of the modern township (traceremains of the ancient Etruscan city ofSabate).

Among the funeral furnishings on display arebucchero and impasto pottery, bronze vases,cauldrons, buckles and studs and ornamentsmade of gold and amber. A large finelydecorated bronze fan and two large andelegantly painted eastern-style amphorae areon display from findings from the Annesi-Piacentini and Flabelli tombs discoveredintact in 1995. Not to be missed are the tombof the Etruscan warrior of the Eighth centuryBC (still set in its original block of earth) andthe remains of two vehicles – a chariot and acart.Celebrating TrevignanoAlthough Trevignano has many musical and

10

theatrical festivities during the summermonths which take place in the centro-storico,the main piazza, on the lake boat and atvarious bars, the highlight of the year is 15August - Assumption Day. This attracts manyvisitors to see the blessing of the Patron SaintMaria transported by boat to the church, andto see the flotilla of small boats which followthe lake boat to enjoy its resident players andtheir opera music. The climax of the eveningis always a firework display.

Motor boats are restricted but the lake is aplayground for sailing, canoeing andwindsurfing. During the summer months andparticularly at weekends, the waters arepopular with families – sunbathing, swimmingand snorkelling, with groups of adults andkids riding the paddle boats for use as divingplatforms along the beach front ofTrevignano.

Because of the impact of the lake, Trevignanoenjoys a temperate climate without extremesof temperature. It rarely falls below freezing

in winter which enables the more populartropical plants, citrus fruit trees andbougainvillea to flourish. In summer, day-timetemperatures typically range 25-30 degC andcoincide with the driest period of the yearwhen rainfall is <40 mm/month. Winter rainsare normally three times as high.

What are you waiting for?Sure you may have already been toTrevignano and you may know the townshipwell but, ask yourself: ‘how long ago wasthat?’ Summer 2012 would be a very goodtime to re-acquaint yourself with the delightsof this most enchanting small town And, ifsummer is too hot or you prefer a quietertime of the year without the tourists, then goin late autumn when the leaves in thesurrounding forests are turning brown, andthe winds of an evening require you to wearthat cardigan or jacket – but the majorityrestaurants continue to remain open.Whatever - now is a very good time toconsider a visit ■

Lake Bracciano. View from the derelict castle looking south over the centro-storico with the dominantSanta Maria Assunta church at centre; a vision to be cherished.

11

Dr. Livio AntinucciOsteopath

Italian - English De Besi-Di Giacomo affiliated

Every Monday and Fridayby appointment

Viale Aventino 38 – 00153 RomaTel: 06.57289413-501 Fax: 06.5759483

cell: 338.7709048info@aventino38.it www.aventino38.it

- IGCSE & International Baccalaureate program (100% pass rate in 2011)

- Established in 1958

- Over 60 nationalities represented

- Ages 3 to 18

EARLY APPLICATION IS RECOMMENDEDEmail. secretary@stgeorge.school.it

Dr Gian Piero DelzoppoPediatrician (Specialization in Homeopathy

Color Doppler Ultrasound

Italian - EnglishVan Breda affiliated

Every Fridayby appointment

Viale Aventino 38 – 00153 RomaTel: 06.57289413-501 Fax: 06.5759483

info@aventino38.it www.aventino38.it

www.grimaldimedical.it

Amniocentesis, genetics

Home delivery

www.grimaldimedical.it

12

Exploring creative options? by Ivy Steele

Everyday Rome bombards us with a kaleidoscope of historical, cultural and artistic images,whilst the roman way of life brings a multitude of life experiences flashing before our eyes.Many of us rush around, camera in hand, trying to capture the moment: amazing sights andexciting cameos filled with light and colour which overwhelm our senses, stimulate ourthoughts and enrich our imagination. A wander around the central city streets, a meanderthrough an art gallery or museum or just the leisure to sit in a café and watch the world goby, inspires our creativity and kindles ideas on many levels.

Perhaps you enjoy composing and creating your unique photos as your eye captures theunusual or the beautiful moments which claim your attention. But have you ever thought ofextending those ideas and images further, to express your feelings about them more directly,by creating something which more clearly illustrates your own unique way of seeingthem?

As a newcomer, perhaps you are already experiencing a vague feeling of restlessnessaccompanied by a wish to look for further ways to express yourself or your newenvironment. Or perhaps you have lived in Rome for many years and now find you have timeon your hands or a desire to express your feelings (be they love or hate) about the eternalcity or your life and environment in general?

The FAO Artist group may offer an opportunity for a form of self-expression which untilnow you had not considered; an opportunity for you to develop your thoughts and feelingsinto something more tangible? Perhaps you would simply like to be able to paint a picture ofthe Coliseum or one of those beautiful umbrella pine trees. Or maybe you are already anartist and would like to extend your skills and join other like-minded people to paint for afew hours.

Artist Group members enjoy a painting class in the FAO Art Room

You may not be aware that there is a dedicated Art Room at FAO, situated in the basementof building E where FAO current and retired staff and their family members may attendregular art classes each week.

There are two teachers available with a range of teaching skills which include, painting inoils, water colour, acrylic and pastel and of course drawing instruction, should you wish tohave help in this area too. There are also opportunities for life drawing and painting and forportraiture. In the summer months, teachers can also accompany a group of students topaint “alla prima” at various locations around the city or in the surrounding countryside

13

There is a misconception that art work requires some hidden talent or dedicated skill. But,I firmly believe that anyone and everyone is capable of producing meaningful art workwhatever their artistic background, or lack of it, for I began to paint 15 years ago withabsolutely no artistic experience of any kind!

The well-known saying “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” applies here. Each of us seesdifferently – 10 people painting the same object or landscape will produce 10 very differentpaintings…and these in turn will appeal individually to a range of people with a similarvariety of artistic preferences.

Art work is about showing the world how you see it as an individual and it does not reallymatter what anyone else thinks about it anyway. You do not even have to show it to anyoneelse if you do not want to.

But within a few months I am sure you will be happy to exhibit your work alongside otherstudents in the FAO Artist Group shows which are held in the CASA bar. And who knows,perhaps very soon you will also be holding your own exhibition there too. All members of theArtist Group may book this space to exhibit their art work if they so desire.

So if you are hovering on the edge of exploring your own artistic potential do not hesitate tomake the most of the opportunities offered here within FAO. Visit the Art Room to learnmore. New students are always welcome and may take advantage of a free lesson using theart materials already available in the art room, before committing themselves to futurelessons and the purchase of their own art materials.

Members of the Artist Group paint in an FAO Art Class

For further information on instruction and classes, please call one of the two teacherslisted here belowBob Dickerson - Phone. Cell 340 341 5028, Home 06 769 66961Classes - Monday - any 3 hour period between 10:30 am and 7 pm. Thursday - any 3 hour period between 10:30 am and 7 pm.

Marina Hass - Phone 06 785 1623Classes - Tuesday evening - 5pm-7pm. Wednesday mornings - 10am -1 pm.

FAO Art Room Phone - Extension (only during classes) - (06 570) 54257You will also need to become a member of the FAO Staff Coop.Regular Art Classes resume on September 15th and usually take place at the times shownabove but PLEASE CALL THE TEACHERS TO CONFIRM CLASS TIMES ASTHESE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

We would not like you to be disappointed!!

14

reading; and islands frequently featured intheir stories. The four books, for example, thatmake-up ‘Gulliver’s Travels’ written byJonathon Swift date from the earlyEighteenth century. They describe islands,respectively, inhabited by tiny people (<15cm), by giants (>22 m) and by horses. There iseven a ‘flying island’ in one book.

Space, time and resourcefulness featurewhenever people are marooned orshipwrecked on an uninhabited island. Peopleask themselves – how would they manage?Just about the most famous book of this genre

Islands and the Tranquillity of Isola Maggiore in Lake Trasimeno

by Peter Steele

Islands have always stimulated the imagination; the source of cultures, legends anddreams, and with this has come a sense of isolation, adventure and perfection evenwith, perhaps, that underlying hint of danger. For others the separation provided by astretch of water may provide a haven of sorts with the security that comes from livingin a ‘known world’.

In shore islands and those found in lakes are usually more familiar; and, in a modernworld, provide for novel and interesting tourist industries – in other words - a great dayout for the family. And, if you haven’t already done so - this is where you introduceyourself to Isola Maggiore the second largest island in Lake Trasimeno.

Romanticizing islandsA combination of the Holy Roman Empire andGerman technologies (meaning theadaptation of the screw press to take moveabletype – metal, robust and highly accurate –and the mass production of print pages) fromthe Fifteenth century on shifted books intoeveryday use. Well, it took >200 years beforethey filtered out of the ecclesiastical and/orpolitical world of the time – often the samething – and into the hands of the ‘man in thestreet’; on the basis of improved literacy of themajority people. As reading became morepopular so more people wrote for pleasure

Welcome sign. A boat ride on Lake Trasimeno was a welcome break from the traditional hill-toptowns and villages of Umbria – with overcrowded tourist facilities, competition for parking and steephills that have to be negotiated; welcome indeed.

15

Ferry boat. Sailing on silk – prevailing winds, sheltered seating on the top deck and theworld’s best scenery slowly gliding past.

is ‘Robinson Crusoe’ written by Daniel Defoealso in the early Eighteenth century. Afictional account of a castaway living 28 yearson a remote island in the Caribbean –probably based on real-life Tobago - and,equally probably, linked to the four years thatthe Scotsman Alexander Selkirk spent on aremote Chilean island in the East Pacific.

Resourceful peopleThe success of the Defoe book was staggeringand captured the imagination of peoplethroughout the developed world of the time –and has continued to do so to the present day.The original and copycat stories continue to bepromoted in books, television and movies.Think ‘Swiss Family Robinson’, ‘Castaway’,‘The Beach, ‘Island of Adventure,’ ‘TreasureIsland’ and others. The stories from Swift andDefoe provided a reflection on the socio-economic status of their times, withunderlying messages that could imply, reflectand criticize, but much of popular islandwriting since has simply entertained.

An ‘Island to Oneself ’ provides a recentautobiographical island story as written byNew Zealander Tom Neale and based on the16 years that he voluntarily spent by himselfon Anchorage Island in the Surrawo Atoll partof the Cook Islands during the period 1952-1977. Neal introduces the isolated andsometimes dangerous life of the

‘Coastwatchers’ – the odd-ball collection of>400 mainly Australian and New Zealandmilitary intelligence people posted to islandsthroughout the SW Pacific and in the path ofthe expanding Japanese navy during WorldWar II; to establish local teams and to reportmovements of ships and aircraft. Lonely,boring and hazardous work, but ultimatelycrucial in the battle of Guadalcanal thatstopped the Japanese taking Australia.

Islands in context; explorationIslands have long been the cradle of biologicalchange as species have developed that variedfrom their neighbours – sometimes locatedonly a short distance away. Much the samechange can be seen in the cultures of thepeople that have inhabited islands typicallyseparated by great distances from largerpopulation centres – originally unknown andonly discovered in relatively recent times fromthe exploratory seamanship of the earliertraders, merchant adventurers and colonialemissaries; and advances in the marinetechnologies of those times. As the shipsbecame more powerful and reliable so peopleventured across ever wider expanses of sea.

By the late Eighteenth century the knownseaboard world is much as we know it today –and this was achieved largely on the basis ofwind-power - with the islands that werediscovered and claimed (never mind the

16

Downtown Port Village. Via Guglielmi in all its reconstructed glory – the domain of the foot walkerand the push bike. The traditional community has never been entirely lost, but modern daylivelihoods are dependent upon the tourist euro.

indigenous population that may already havebeen there) remaining the domain of theoccupier. And, therein, the basis for warsbetween the prevailing world powers of thetime - wars and political disorder that continueinto the present time with sometimes harddialogue between the ex-colonial empires,remnants of their expatriate communities andthe populations that have developed fromthose left behind from those earlier times. Andit is not enough that issues of this kind mayhave ceased. Access to islands, atolls – rockseven - can still give rise to greed, claim andcounter-claim as neighbouring countriescompete for marine resources – as recentlyexemplified by the islands of the South ChinaSea – with the inherent risk of modernwarfare spilling over into regional conflict.

The prevailing sea winds remain important forshipping, but it is the airplane that nowconnects these outlying and sometimes distantislands notwithstanding the fragility of everdeclining populations in the more isolatedplaces. There are few isolated islands that

remain without contact by air – but they exist;consider Saint Helena, Tristan de Cunha andPitcairn.

Competition for resources – making alivingVisions of islands then have come to dependlargely upon those with the inclination, timeand resources with which to projectthemselves into the sometimes mythicalhistorical world that this sense of isolationprovides. This is very much a contemporaryview, however, for the reality of those earliertimes suggests a world of inter-tribal/clan/family rivalry, the competition forever diminishing resources, increasingpopulations and the destruction of essentialsocio-economic infrastructure – leading tocollapse. Easter Island is a classic case –discovered as a largely empty island by thefirst European visitors in the late Seventeenthcentury with an indigenous populationestimated at <2,000, but augmented with>850 giant stone statues – suggesting anearlier population of >15,000.

(continued on page 18)

17

AUTONOLEGGIOCON CONDUCENTE

Fabio e LucaRoma - Fiumicino - Ciampino

Airport

Transport shuttle car service

Transfer da e per tutte

le destinazioni

Auto: Mercedes classe S

Mini Van

Fabio - Cell. 347-1707798

Gianluca - Cell. 338-3644737

Dr. Corinne PerisséMedico Psicoterapeuta

Francese - Italiano

Aventino Medical Group

Via S.Alberto Magno 5, Roma

Tel. 06 57 80738

06 57 288349

Via Etruria 22, Roma

Cell: 349 50 49960

STUDIO DENTISTICODR CECILE HELENE CHARPENTIER

DR SERGIO BRESCIA

Medico Chirurgo Specialista

Protesi Conservativa Chirurgia Implantologia

Ortodonzia

English, French and Swedish spoken

Piazzale Ardeatino n. 6, Roma

Zona: San Saba (5 mins. from FAO)

tel: 06 5748070 (Preferably by appointment)

cell. 338 4655835 - www.sergiobrescia.com

(Free estimates given)

VAN

BREDA

PROVIDER

18

Wherever they are to be found, most islandsare no longer isolated from the nearestmainland or neighbouring islands and,adapting to the constraints of people making aliving in the modern world, many have turnedto tourism – capturing the sense of romanceand adventure of those prepared to visit them,but who would probably never think of livingthere. For the early Twenty-first century thisis reflected in the realm of the cruise boat –and particularly where there are groups ofneighbouring islands or where these islandslink easily into a major sea port and thecomfortable schedule available from steamingovernight – waking up in the morning in a newport, island or country (or all three).

Enter Isola MaggioreTravel to Isola Maggiore in Lake Trasimenoand there is a microcosm of this touristindustry, except you catch the hourly ferryfrom Castiglione del Lago, purchase a seveneuro return ticket and enjoy the tranquillity of

a 30 - minute run on the MV Perugia – greatviews across the lake to the low rolling hills,the aquatic birds – gulls, ducks, herons andcormorants – that fill the surface of the lakeand, respectively, leaving Castiglione orarriving at Isola Maggiore the dominance onthe skyline of the ramparts of the medievalfortress and the towers and crenulated roof-line of the ex-convent of Villa Guglielmi withthe remains of a windmill on the lake shore.This is where the camera fraternity shift intotop gear.

Tourism is a feature in all the communities ofLake Trasimeno following the decline offisheries and the mechanization of localagriculture. Socio-economic and demographicchange has opened new opportunities forpeople everywhere and not least in rural Italy;and people have shifted from the demandinglabour-intensive work required of earliertimes into modern service-based activities,and with many people moving away.

(continued from page 16)

Lace making. Introduced juston 100 years ago to provide

livelihoods for island girls, theindustry has continued into the

modern day with a touristfocus. The museum had elegant

(and expensive) wedding andchristening dresses displayed.

19

Villa Guglielmi. First glimpses of Isola Maggiore from the ferry – the villa constructed for theGuigliemli Family around the Franciscan church and convent.

Fishing used to dominateIn its heyday in the late Sixteenth century thesupremacy of the lake fishing industry and itsbase on Isola Maggiore supported apopulation of the order >500 people, but thisdeclined during the ensuing 500 years as aresult of fluctuations in the height of the lakesurface, the inundation of housing in the portvillage community and elsewhere around thecoastline and, crucially, the demise of the ‘tori’fishing systems that became impractical as thelevel of the lake rose.

Visit the small but well-documented museumdescribing island life during >2,000 years ofdevelopment and you can catch glimpses ofthe impact of changing water levels on thepeople and their industry. The medieval portcomplex which dominated fishing andtransport during the Eleventh-Twelth centurybecame lost under >4 metres of water fromthe Sixteenth century on, and the extent andcomplexity of its construction only becamerecognized and documented during the earlyTwentieth century as it once again becamevisible following the improved management ofthe lake that resulted from late Nineteenthcentury investment in new outflow structures.

Lake control was largely beyond thecapabilities of earlier communities and thisnotwithstanding the importance of the lakeand its fishing industries for >1,000 years andprincipally from the early middle ages on.Small settlements have been found that testifyto >4,000 years of continuous habitation fromthe Bronze age through the Etrusco-Romanperiod, followed by the virtual decline of ruralcommunities across Central Italy given thedemise of the Roman Empire and invasionsfrom the north, until the ascendency of ahandful of powerful agro-trading families inthe Middle Ages centred upon Perugia led tore-population. The lake became (and remains)an integral part of the greater Perugiaeconomic sphere, and the investment infishing that followed has sustained an industrythat still provides of the order 30 percent offreshwater fish caught nationally.

Isola Maggiore on footBut you only get a feel for this kind ofhistorical background from time spentwandering the back trails of the island andreading the many placards, notices andinformation boards thoughtfully provided bythe municipality (and the Umbria RegionalAgency for Tourism). The island is small – it

20

covers just 18 hectares – with a footpatharound the coastline that is little more than 2km. Most visitors take the cross-islandfootpaths, following the sign boards andkeeping to the shade of the oaks, chestnuts,limes, pines and ancient olives that cover theisland. The countryside is squeaky-clean andwith all the right kinds of environmentally-sensitive messages with which to encourageresponsible visitors; they are a tribute to localservices – you can see where new vegetationhas been planted and pathways repaired.

This is summer-country and you follow a fewof the same people across the island withwhom you shared the ferryboat – taking in thespectacular views and visiting some keyreligious structures. Saint Francis visited theisland, and the Franciscan Brothers followed100 years later and established a church withconvent that eventually became the VillaGuglielmi that dominates the skyline to thesouth of the island. The majority of visitors,however, take a walk in the port village, aleisurely lunch with a bottle of local wine over-looking the lake, and rarely venture ‘up-country’ before return of the ferry.

Port villageBut it is perhaps the exquisite nature of the

renovated port village centred upon the oneremaining thoroughfare – Via Guglielmi thatattracts; brick paved and lined on either sideby substantial houses of all shapes and sizesfrom the Thirteenth and Fourteenth century.Pictures in the museum of dilapidation fromearlier times contrast with the reality of thepresent day – this is tourist country asexemplified by the discrete signboards thatattract the visitor from one restaurant orsmall hotel to the next; the elderly womansitting outside her house and intentlycrocheting on a frame balanced on her kneesand almost oblivious to the cameras pointingat her; and the comfort of walking along aspacious and well-maintained pedestrianthoroughfare – not a roadway, for the islandhas no cars.

Best of all? End of the day and sitting at theopen bar overlooking the small modern port– fishing and recreation vessels to one side –and out of the heat of the August sun and inthe shade of the trees, looking across themirror-like surface of the lake to thosepurple-green hills and waiting for the MVPerugia to return – and with an ice colddrink on hand ■

Map Lake Trasimeno. The largest lake in the Italian peninsular, but shallow and highly susceptibleto the amount of rainfall and, without management, at risk of becoming an inland swamp. Showingthe three islands and the main coastal communities.

21

22

GRANDMAS & GRANDPAS

(excerpts taken from the book “Gradmas & Grandpas”, edited by Richard & Helen Exley)

A Grandmother is a little old lady, who comments on the weather and how tall you are getting, tellseveryone the latest gossip and all about her son who came to see her. She lets you do what youshouldn’t and if mum complains she says “Remember when you were little and I caught you dippingyour finger in the sugar bowl? You’re not too old for a clip round the year”.

Jackie Thompson

Grandmothers are the old in the world of the young, and are continually having the “good old days”wiped out of the conversation. They long to help and yearn to be loved.

Rita BourkePerhaps the best definition of the grandmother, is somebody who spent her time telling your motherwhat not do to, when she was young. And now spends her time, criticism your mother for giving youthe same advice.

Calvin Giles (Age 12)

My Grandfather is not really like any old man for he is 86 years old and has a special driving licenseand swims in ice cold lakes in which I would never dare to put my foot. One must not think of him asa first class madman, or at least one can think as one wants but I still think and will think he is thenicest and most considerate person I have had the chance to bump into.

P Ham (Age 13)

Granddads are very lazy and sit back smoking and watch old films. Some granddads stay asleep allday until they feel hungry then they wake up. After tea they go back to sleep. My Granddad calls mebacon bonze.

Mark Ward (Age 9)

I think my granddad is fantastic, most granddads are. If you are saving up for something they are likewalking piggy banks and give you money.

Jeremy Shilling

Samantha Weinstein (Age 9)Sandra Dale (Age 9)

23

A.D.S.-AMERICAN DENTAL STUDIOS

English Spoken. Si Parla Inglese. (American Dentist) Dentista

Americano Laureato in USA. Disponibile tutti i giorni anche Festivi.

Abbiamo Canadian Endodontist ) (who uses the latest computer

technology completing a Root Canal in only one visit)- uno

specialista in ortodonzia (Orthodontist for adults & children) &

uno specialista in implantologia (Implantologist); cure odontoiatriche

con the le più recenti tecnologie. Viale Europa 331 a 100 metri Metro EUR

FERMI, (only 12 minutes by Metro from FAO) & Infernetto:Viale

Castel Porziano 434/F.

OPEN ALL AUGUST

By Appoinmnent OnlyTel. 3339061799 or

contact@americandentalstudios.com.

www. americandentalstudios.com

Centro Estetico Lady Lei e Mr Lui

Con l’occasione del 14° anniversario vi offre lo sconto del 14% per il mese di maggio/giugno

Via Licinia n.1 (ang. Viale Aventino) info: 3317835107 - 065748045

ladyleiroma@libero.it - www.ladylei.it Aperti dal lunedì al venerdì ore 9,30-18,30

sabato ore 9,00-14,00

Via Licinia n. 1 (ang. Viale Aventino) info:3317835107 - 065748045

ladyleirom@libero.it - www.ladylei.itAperti dal lunedì al venerdì ore 9,30-18,30

sabato ore 9,00 - 14,00

OTTICAAVENTINOAL’ottica migliore con cui guardare il mondo

Viale Aventino, 78 • 00153 Roma • Tel. 065.758.413 • Fax 065.713.7451 • info@ottica-aventino.com • www.ottica-aventino.com

• Personalized Eyewear - all the best makes• Ultra-fine Lenses• High-quality Service

• Varifocali and Stigmatic contact lenses• Special Prices for Sunglasses • Open August

Open from 9.00 to 19.30 non-stop, Monday to Saturday

Computerized eye test-free of charge. Special Prices for FAO staff

24

LA PROMESSAdi Flavia Carbonetti

Era quasi buio quando decisero di uscire in giardino.Fecero fatica a trovarlo. In un angolo dell’orto,dietro una vecchia rete di ferro, un batuffolino

bianco e grigio gridava con tutto il fiato che aveva in corpo.Malgrado fosse piccolissimo il suo pianto sovrastava ilrumore della pioggia battente che ormai da più di mezz‘oracadeva senza sosta. Per quello l’avevano sentito e per quellol’avevano trovato. Lei lo asciugò con delicatezza; avevaancora gli occhi chiusi ed il cordone ombelicale attaccato.“Meno di tre giorni” pensò e lo mise in una scatola nontroppo grande con dentro un panno caldo in un postotranquillo della casa dove avrebbe potuto riposareindisturbato. Era così piccolo che era stato difficile darglidel latte senza un biberon specifico per cuccioli ed ormaiera tardi per andare in città “domani mattina cercherò lasua mamma” si disse e guardandolo con tenerezza chiuse laluce.

Non pioveva più, la terra arida di quel caldo mese di giugnoaveva già assorbito tutta l‘acqua caduta a catinelle dal cieloil giorno prima e così lei si avviò con il piccolo batuffolinoalla ricerca della sua mamma. Si sedette non molto lontanoda dove aveva trovato quel piccoletto e non dovetteattendere molto per vedere arrivare una sinuosa maminuscola pantera nera; in effetti, quella gatta venivaspesso in giardino, la guardava sempre senza pauraavvicinandosi per farsi accarezzare. Quella mattina però,

quando lei le porse il suo piccolo, divenne una belva feroce. Dopo averlo annusato, cercò dipicchiarlo, di morderlo e soffiando scappò indispettita. Era orafano! Le dissero in seguitoche era per colpa sua; mamma gatta loaveva rifiutato perchè lei lo avevatoccato e l’odore umano lo avevamarchiato a vita. La famiglia di lei nonvoleva adottarlo “ci darà dei problemi,è una responsabilità“ le dissero ma leiinsistette; era orfano, era piccolo, eraaffamato e poi era tutta colpa sua;anche se voleva salvarlo dal diluvio loaveva condonnato ad essere solo.Comunque non ci mise molto aconvincerli. C’era spazio a casa e poipromise che se ne sarebbe occupatasolo lei, sarebbe diventata lei la suamamma.

Woman playing with catJapanese Edo Period 1843-47Utagawa Kunisada MFA Boston

Korean artist Kim Hong-do (Danwon) (1745-c.1806)

25

Non fu facile allevare un esserino cosìpiccolo e con il tempo lei si rese conto cheera stato abbandonato al suo destino nonsolo perchè lo aveva toccato ma ancheperchè non era proprio in salute. Aveva unmese quando un ictus lo colpì lasciandolocieco di un occhio, sordo ad un orecchio eparalizzato ad una gamba. Ma lei lo curò,con pazienza ed amore e lui guarì,completamente. Da allora il suo nome damicino divenne Ercole. Circa ogni tre mesisi recavano dal veterinario per qualcheproblema ma lui guariva, sempre. Diventòun magnifico gattone di otto chili chequando camminava strusciava il suopancione sul pavimento. Chi non ha maiavuto un gatto sbaglia a dire che i gatti nonti amano, che sono solo degli opportunisti.Lui ricambiava le sue cure con tutto il suocuore di gatto, affettuoso quasi appiccicoso,giocherellone e simpatico. In casa dove eralei, era lui. Lui dormiva con lei sotto ilpiumone con il musetto sulla sua spalla o sulsuo cuscino intorno alla sua testa, come sefosse una coroncina di fiori. Poi un giornoarrivò il secondo ictus .

Era stato un caldo mese di luglio, afoso etorrido allo stesso tempo. Lui impazzìimprovvisamente e lei fu obligata a chiudersidentro il bagno per due ore con una tigre chebatteva alla porta, che soffiava e miagolavacon rabbia. Quando lui si calmò lei lo porto inclinica e poi lo curò. Ercole rinsavì ma il suosguardo era cambiato e spesso lei aveva lapelle d’oca quando lui camminava alle suespalle. Il secondo ictus peggiorò il suo statodi salute generale ed i controlli in clinicadivennero ancora più frequenti. Poi ungiorno lui si mise a miagolare, dispe-ratamente, guardando una parete bianca.Lei capì che c’era qualche cosa d’ altro edecise di cambiare dottore. Lui le annunciòcon delicatezza che il suo amico era moltoammalato “due tumori” le disse ”mi dispia-ce, forse un mese o due, ma deve abituarsiall’idea di perderlo”.

Donna con gatto di Vittorio Reggianini(1858 - 1938)

Sig.na Julie Manet con gatto Pierre AugusteRenoir 1887

26

Passarono due anni. Tutte le settimaneandavano in clinica ed il veterinario che lo aiutò,lo curò con tutta la sua professionalità, pazienzaed amore. “E’ un gatto così forte e dignitoso, èproprio un Ercolino” disse “diventerà un casoclinico”. Ma la situazione precipitòimprovvisamente; in un mese lui si cosumò. Leiprendeva le ferie per stargli vicino. Quella seralei si addormentò al suo capezzale con la manoche teneva la sua zampetta. Si svegliòimprovvisamente sentendosi osservata; lui laguardava fisso e lo sguardo di quei begli occhigialli era così profondo ed intenso. Lei cercò didargli dell’acqua con il contagoccie ma lui larifiutò. Dopo poco una crisi cardiaca lo portòvia.

Dopo qualche giorno, nel dormiveglia, a leisembrò di sentirlo salire sul letto. Il suo amicole disse di non preoccuparsi “sto bene, qui c’èmamma gatta che mi sta facendo vedere comedevo fare” strusciò il musetto contro il suo visofacendo le fusa e poi svanì. Lei non lo sognò maipiù.

Chi non ha mai amato un gatto non sa cosa siprova a perderlo. Le mancava tanto ma lei eraserena, aveva mantenuto la promessa ■

Byeon-Song ByeokMyojako (gatti e passerotti)

Woman with a catSuvorova Olga.

27

kitten chasing bird Asian Painting

RENT A CAR

WITH DRIVER

Transfer to airports

From €35,00

Limousine service

Car-Van-Bus

Transfer for all destination-sightseeing

Cell.0039 3384461581

Cell.0039 3396112430

e-mail: marco.marcucci68@gmail.com

CABINET DENTAIRE / DENTAL CLINICDr Benoît Brunet

Chirurgien-Dentiste - Docteur en Chirurgie-Dentaire Diplômé de la Faculté de Médecine Toulouse III

Soins Conservateurs et Esthétiques, Traitements Prothétiques Chirurgie Parodontale et Implantologie (Straumann) - Orthodontie

Viale Aventino, 102 (FAO) - M° Circo Massimo ou PyramideTel : 06 57 25 06 25 Cell : 339 57 97 543

French Dental Clinic Rome (Odontaiatra-Ortodontista) / Email : dr.b.brunet@gmail.comWebSite : frenchdentalclinicroma.com

CONSULTATION / DEVIS GRATUITMember VanBreda

Langues parlées : Anglais, Italien, Français

Please enter this new address in the address line of your browser,remembering to save it in your favourites

Departures for Airports

Auto per rappresentanzaAuto per cerimoniaTel: 06 39378725Cell: 338 3288452

E-mail: fortuna.cs katamail.com

€ 38,00

@www.fortunacarservice.it

Via delle Fornaci 133/B, Roma

STUDIO: Roma/TrastevereVia Natale del Grande 12

Cell. 330 716687 / Tel: 06 58310640

Italiano, Francese, Inglese

PSICOLOGA

Psicoterapia Psicoanalitica

Dr ANNA MARIA SCALABRINO

Counselling Psicodinamico

28

History of the Ancient Town of Sutri

Located at the foot of both the Cimini and the Sabatini Mountains, the town of Sutri controlled anatural corridor which originally linked the territory of Southern Etruria to coastal towns andlater the Etruscan power to that of the emerging Roman Empire. The first documentedsettlement is to be found in the late Bronze Age and was probably formed by the concentrationof a group of villages in the more easily defensible plateau. After the destruction of Veii in 396B.C., Sutri was absorbed into the Roman Empire and used as a gateway into Etruria, althoughthe town was long disputed by both the Etruscan and Roman Empires.

The town’s location on the Via Cassia, which had become a major commercial route linking theNorth and South, together with the economic and political calm of the first centuries of theRoman Empire made Sutri a thriving agricultural and crafts centre. Later conquered by theLongobards, Sutri was donated to Pope Gregory II by King Liutprand. The town’s importancegrew in the Middle Ages, when thousand of pilgrims and merchants traveled to and from Romealong the Via Cassia, Known at that time as the Via Francigena Romea. The town was able toexploit the constant flow of travelers, developing in the valley below the more ancient towncentre, offering accommodation alongside established trade activities.

During this period, many important figures passed through the town of Sutri and it was also thesite of many historically significant meetings: Charles the Great stopped in the town as he madehis way to Rome to be crowned Emperor; the Synod known as the Council of Sutri, leading to theelection of Pope Clement II was held here; Emperor Henry V and Pope Pashcal II signed the“Iuramentum Sutrinum” in the town; PopeAdrian IV and Frederick I (known asBarbarossa) met in Sutri. The town’s declinebegins at the end of the Middle Ages as it bearsthe brunt of the power struggles betweenimportant Roman families leading to Sutri’scollapse and destruction. The re-routing oftrade from the Via Cassia to the Cassia Ciminaby the Farnese family also leads to the loss ofits strategic role. The many ruins visible today,in and around the town, are a testimony toSutri’s historical importance and its gloriouspast.

29

“Sutrium ire”di Patrizia Cimini

One hundred years since the discovery ofthe Ephebus of Sutri

Così è titolato il folder che presenta aivisitatori del Museo del Patrimonium aSutri la celebrità in mostra e attira visitatorida ogni parte d’Italia e del mondo. Sutri ,50chilometri da Roma sulla Cassia Veientana,rannicchiata sull’alta scogliera di tufoconserva le sue antiche radici e sembrainterrogare chi va a visitarla :” Che vuoi tuviaggiatore che dai tempi dell’antichitàpercorri il mio territorio usando la stradafrancigena e le altre vie e non sai quanti giàsono passati e hanno lasciato qui improntadi anfiteatri scavati nel tufo, di mosaici, ditestimonianze di paladini, di torri medievalie via via ogni presenza ha tatuato il suosegno che Sutri e il territorio circostante ne

è ammantellata ?” Oggi uno di quei segni èesposto nella sua perfetta grazia di bronzo,nella sua super custodita urna di cristallo,Biancaneve odierna che racconta non unafavola ma una realtà antichissima ritrovatacasualmente, custodita nella perennità deltempo e ora presentata per la nostrameraviglia alla sempre vigile voglia diconoscenza.

“The Ephebus of Sutri is part of series ofimages of young men portrayed in thisposition that we can find in many museums.The creator of this kind of work isPraxiteles and this statue is a Roman copy”,così le informazioni del folder atttirano lanostra attenzione, Come si può nondesiderare di vedere di persona tantameraviglia?

Informazioni :0761-609380-wwwcomune.sutri.vt.it-turistico@comune.sutri.vt.it

30

Chickpeas and Pasta Soup(Zuppa di Pasta e ceci)

by Edith Mahabir

Ingredients200 gr chickpeas1 tsp bicarbonate soda (optional)2 cloves garlic1 anchovy fillet (preserved in oil)Rosemary (fresh)2 tbsps olive oil150 gr short pasta or maltagliati

MethodSoak the chickpeas overnight in abundant water and one teaspoon ofbicarbonate soda. Drain the chickpeas and and place in a terracotta or heavypot and cover with an abundant litre of cold water, one clove of garlic and abranch of rosemary. Bring to the boil, removing any froth that forms. Thenreduce heat and cook over low heat, simmering gently until the chickpeas aresoft.

In a small casserole or frying pan heat one tablespoon of olive oil, theremaining clove of garlic and the anchovy, fry these together mixing with awooden spoon, when the garlic becomes brown (not burnt) remove it. Add tothe pan a ladleful of chickpeas, press them with a fork to reduce almost to apaste. Add this mixture to the chickpeas in the pot, bring to the boil addingsome water if necessary, then add the short pasta or maltagliati. Cookstirring occasionally until the pasta is ready according to your taste. Add atablespoon of olive oil, allow to rest or mantecare for a couple minutes. Servehot.

This is a favourite traditional Roman soup and can be found on restaurantmenus enjoyed during autumn, winter and spring. However, I haveintroduced it to my family in Trinidad and they enjoy it all year round, oftenwith a little hot pepper. NO Parmesan cheese with this please!

31

Wild Mushroom Tartby Jennifer A. Thomas

Ingredients

350 gr mixed wild mushrooms, cleaned350 gr floury potatoes200 ml milk142 ml fresh cream1 garlic clove, crushed50 gr butterfreshly grated nutmeg250 gr frozen puff pastryflour, for dusting100 gr taleggio cheese

Method

Roughly slice the mushrooms . Peel and thinly slice potatoes. Pour the milkand cream into a large, heavy-based saucepan, then add the garlic. Bring tothe boil and tip in the potatoes. Return to the boil and simmer very gentlyfor 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are tender.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6 and put a baking sheet in theoven to heat up. Melt butter in a large frying pan. When it begins to foam,tip in the mushrooms. Cook over a high heat for about 10 minutes or untilpan juices have evaporated.

When potatoes are tender, remove from the heat and season with salt,pepper and nutmeg. Remove mushrooms from heat and season too.

Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line a 23 cm loose-bottom quiche tin. Fill with the potato mixture, spreading it out evenly, thenspread the mushrooms on top and scatter with the taleggio. Slide the tartonto the hot baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry iscrisp and golden brown.

SETTEMBRE2012:GAZETTESETTEMBRE2012.qxd 05/09/2012 12.40 Pagina 31