Go deep.
This is becoming my mantra here in Italy. The potential for rich experiences is plentiful. But it’s easy to zoom by, to just take it in all in too superficially because there IS so much and you can find yourself trying to accumulate and check off as many experiences as possible. It’s easy to feel anxious that you simply won’t be able to cover it all.
La Porta dei Parchi, a spectacular organic farm situated in the towering Apennine mountains in Abruzzo, has been an experience that keeps unfolding the more I’ve been willing to look deeper and not simply do a quick “drive by.”
Take an introductory video tour with me.
I love reaching out and bringing people closer to what I consider as worthy experiences in Italy. I especially like getting deeper into the culture and heart of people like Nunzio Marcelli, master shepherd and visionary of this organic farm which makes some of the most palate-worthy sheep and goat cheese you will ever put in your mouth.
So, after a love affair with this farm and the enormous herd of goats and sheep—an affair that began two years ago with a day on the mountain with Nunzio’s shepherds, I decided to hunker down and share the fuller story.
Before I step back and let you watch the five-minute introductory video and get your first real look at La Porta dei Parchi, I want to point out that Nunzio had his vision for creating the organic farm forty years ago. This was well before following an organic philosophy was widely endorsed. At the time it was the exception, not the rule. Bravo to Nunzio for making his vision a reality. I encourage you to visit the farm’s website to learn more.
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Ciao Jed I absolutely enjoyed your video my grandfather was a shepherd in Palermo I have beautiful stories that I will treasure long after his death. Thank you for sharing this with all of us wonderful wonderful I could Dive Right into that cheese though! Apresto Anita
Ciao cara! I’m so happy to hear from you. I love that your grandfather was a shepherd in Palermo. Please send photos! Hope all is well with you! Jed
I have fallen in Love with this place. Thank you for sharing it’s beauty through this video.
I want to go there and experience it all. Looking forward to the next videos!!
It’s so easy, Stephanie! Come visit and if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself being pulled back, again and again.
Jed
One of your best all time Posts!
You captured the moment flawlessly!
Truly another reason to fall in love with Abruzzo!
Rich
Grazie mille, Rich. You have experienced this place and can attest to its veracity!
Jed, this really is a fantastic discovery! I remember a day where Amy and I completed a portion of “The Walk of the Gods…Il Sentiero degli Dei” above Positano. I’ve never forgotten that day as it provided me with one of my most fond memories.. One of the most special moments of that day was when we happened along some sheep that were wandering along the slopes…bells ringing…fresh air blowing…farmers tending their land….and an otherwise silent landscape. The whole picture just magnificent! Your discovery appears to have this same magic and then some! Food for the heart. Beautifully captured!
Ciao, Kevin! I’m glad the video conjures up fond and similar memories. Especially when I was able to spend time up on the mountain I experienced the craziness of the world, the news, the drama, all fading away. Peace amongst the madness! Yes, Nunzio and La Porta dei Parchi is a treasure!
Jed: Your video on Nunzio is fantastic! I wish you were here to help me with the videos I’ve been trying to publish about the variety of organic farms in this county. Your photography and stories are an inspiration and so worthwhile; I hope you can publish them to a wide audience in Italy.
Grazie, Betty! When I have such an amazing subject the onus is on me to do a worthy job! I’m so glad you like the video. I’m learning tons with each new project. Next time you’re here we’ll have to plan a nice long get-together to talk about video! Hope all is well!
I film production quality is over the top great. I really enjoy these exposures to new sight and interesting, talented, caring people in Italy. I’ll definitely check out the website. Hello to Novalia from Phoenix AZ. Thanks Jed for all of your hard work and dedication to your Italy Wise site.
Thanks so much, Angela. I love what I do and I love bringing special Italian experiences closer to people who are hungry to “go deeper” into the Italian culture!
DEAR JED, IF I HAD ANY DOUBTS, NOW I KNOW FOR SURE THAT YOU LOVE ABRUZZO, SULMONA, AND IN THIS CASE ANVERSA DEGLI ABRUZZI WHERE LA PORTA THEY PARCHI IS LOCATED.
YOU ARE LETTING YOUR READERS KNOW THAT HERE IS THE REAL ITALY, WHERE IN THIS CASE, THEY CAN SPEND A WHOLE DAY WITH ONE OF THE LAST ABRUZZESE SHEPHERDS .
NUNZIO MARCELLI IS ONE OF THE SYMBOLS OF ABRUZZO, KEEPING ON THE TRADITION OF THE TRANSUMANZA THAT GOES BACK IN TIMES, AND LET’S SAY HE IS THE PECORINO MASTER, AND YOU JED ARE A WITNESS AND TASTER OF HIS AMAZING PRODUCTS. WHO WILL DECIDE TO MEET NUNZIO MARCELLI AND VISIT LA PORTA DEI PARCHI WILL HAVE AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
The love affair deepens, dear Novelia! I always treasure my time there. Yes, Nunzio is one of a kind. Thank goodness he has a passion for what he does and to keep the tradition going!
Nicely done Jed! The photography is always eye catching and the commentary interesting and easy to follow. I love the stories, the history and your in-depth coverage of these small cultural treasures. Not to mention that you make Novelia una signora molto felice putting her favorite Abruzzo out there for the world to see and cherish. ???? Bravo. Keep ‘em coming:)
Grazie mille, Gloria. I feel as though I’m slowly but surely working my way deeper into life in Abruzzo! Thanks for your encouragement!
Very cool. Can’t wait to see more. Makes one want to become a herder. BTW, videos capture ( to me ), so much more than a still photo. Bravissimo!
Stay tuned for La Transumanza! Better yet, come along for the four-day experience with Nunzio! I’m so glad you like video to bring the experience to life!
My brother Jed, That was an excellent introduction. I can’t wait to see more. Wish I was there with the you and the rest of our family when you shot this. Love the shores of the “Marsican Bear”
Thanks, Brother Mark, I’m already “blocking in” the next installment! Stay tuned!