Reflections after my pilgrimage at “Via Francigena” april 2010

1. When I went to Italy from Danmark in april 2010, I hoped to meet some of the local Italians. - That`s an
   ambition for many tourists I think,- and also for pilgrimates, who surge to be a part of a fellowship or a
   group in stead of travelling alone. (Otherwise you would just take a charter )
   I was never left on my own at that trip- in spite of the moments where I preferred to be on my own.
   All the time you are surrounded by very helpfull,patient and happy italiens, who are considerate
   towards you in a generous and charming way. – Always ready to guide you into Italian culture,
   history ,gastronomy ,music and so on. I think that is what makes this pilgrimage special and more colorful
   than any other I have heard of: that these enthusiastic people in “Gruppo dei dodici “ show you so many
   different aspects of the Italian way of life – now and in the past.
   I also think that the leaders of the group are very sympathetic to what the individual needs might be for
   the participants during the walk. I experienced how these people made me do things I would never do at
   home.. For example I suddenly found myself sitting in a small village ( Sermoneta) on a scene playing the
   keyboard together with “ the grand old pilgrim” ( Alberto ) who played the flute . In that way we introduced
   the pilgrimage to people who passed in the street. – It became both a funny and good way of showing the
   locals what pilgrimage-friendship can be,and to tell about “Via Appia”
   
2. In a monastery in Cori we were even invited to be guests at a dedication for four young monks .
   It was for me a big and special experience ,which I would never get on a common travel. - To join
   around 300 others in a service and to eat together with the whole congregation afterwords. – Here and
   everywhere we were received as special guests with all the privileges it gives. For me it also became a way
   of building bridges between churches in north and south of Europe.
   
3. The nature carries this trip in a unique way .It is simply wonderfull . And if you haven’t been religious
   before I think ,that walk open the eyes of even the hardest ateist.
   -Lemontrees, olivetrees , green mountains and white cows in a paradise of flowers and grasses-
   I haven’t got enough superlatives ….
   

Elin Skoven