We spent a weekend relaxing at a camping holiday village situated near Latina on the coast, half way between Rome and Naples. It was packed with Italian families for the weekend and was easily the most lively campsite we've been to so far.
At this time of the year campsites are peopled largely by retired couples (mostly from Germany & a few from Holland) who keep themselves to themselves (campers who pass each other in broad daylight but as if they were ships in the night). Not so here in Latina. Everyone seemed to be friendly and to bid you 'buon giorno' or 'buona sera.' There were children playing everywhere - on their bicycles or just running around. And the bar area was full of youngsters sipping cokes and chatting with their peers (young people don't drink much alcohol in Italy). The Italian women spent much of the morning cleaning their camper or caravan and doing the washing etc. The men however appeared not to be involved in these tasks and mostly sat and chatted in small groups.
 |
| Church of SS Maria & Pius X - with the schizophrenic design. |
On Sunday we attended mass at the local church in Salto di Fondi. It was a very modern church (something of a rarity in Italy) where the architecture and the interior fittings exhibited a curious clash of styles. It was as if the architect had set out to create a modern abstract building - but that the diocesan cultural authority insisted on a traditional (and rather naturalistic and devotional) interior. Fascinating.
We stayed on until the Monday but by then the families had left to return home and sadly the cheerful atmosphere went with them. When we left, all had become quiet and somehow empty-feeling.
No comments:
Post a Comment