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Drive south of Sulmona

South of SulmonaThere’s much to explore in the province of Abruzzo, which isn’t a tourist mecca, but should be. We plotted a loop that would last us the day. First to Prestocostanzo, a little-visited Abruzzese hilltown. Of course, we took the requisite door pictures. Then on to Pescaseroli, with a stop at the Lago Barrea for fresh air and pictures. (The mountain switchbacks are a bit intense). A typical Italian lunch (e.g. delicious), and off to Scanno, which we’d never heard of, but occupied just the right spot on the map. The mountains are lovely and dotted with sheep. We scared up a shepherd, relaxing in his yellow slicker alongside the ditch. We’ve seen a thousand hill towns, but Scanno may be the loveliest yet — steep, steep streets, no two doors alike (many homes have a main door, and then a lower “death” door, built long ago as the designated exit for dead bodies). The Scanno streets are filled with children, playing, riding bicycles, taking a moment, just enjoying life. Check out the sixteen sacred statues, all crammed into a tiny grotto-like church and viewable through a window. On a return trip, Scanno will definitely be on the “stay-over” itinerary. But then came the road from Scanno back to Sulmona. Double eek. At the last, we caught a beekeeper tending his hives. We left after being interrupted by two gentlemen who pulled over for the ubiquitous Italian public wizz.

 

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