Italy Resurrection

Arona Italy in April remained a ghost of its pre-Covid days. Many shuttered restaurants, some closed  forever, for the survivors only takeout (per asporto) empty streets and a 10 PM curfew. Even the weather was seasonally unsettled with rain 

But in May, Arona is returning to life, with the opportunity to sample dishes not seen in the US and again engage in profound conversations too rare an experienza in the US. 
Millefoglie con bufala, anchovie e pomo

I discovered a lovely apartment right on Piazza del Popolo (white building over my left shoulder in foto below-note the ancient castle ruins on the cliffs) 
whose vistas are a constant reminder of serenity and antiquity. 

I visited the little archeological museum tucked away in the small piazza of Arona. There the history of local inhabitants was traced back to pre stone age times (18th century BC) with remnants of pottery and tools discovered around the lake. It was so revealing and thought provoking!

While Jewish tribes in Israel were developing a social construct and religion that has permeated western society and Buddhist's were doing the same in western Asia, these Celtic-Ligurian people's were living rich lives oblivious to Jesus and Buddha and more influenced by their unique environment and the invaders of the day. Those invaders included the Romans and as a result this locale inculcated Roman culture and second hand Christian influences into their own ancient deities. 

The Celtic-Ligurians are but one example of micro populations living and developing around the world oblivious to a tiny nomadic Jewish tribe that is from a global context a "blip" in the 170,000 year Homo Sapien heritage. 

My takeaway.   Lago Maggiore's cultural history going back to the dawn of civilization epitomizes Homo Sapien development around the globe.  And today it's increasingly secular nature is greatly influenced by the enlightenment period where science and reason supplanted superstition.  Well for most as there remain Luddites here and around the world who believe vaccines are an egregious plot by some higher controlling authority. In 500 years I suspect Judeo Christian history will simply be a footnote in history of Il mondo (the world)...unless the Luddites prevail (for context watch the movie "Idiocracy")


Location: 28041 Arona, Province of Novara, Italy

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