where being naked online is OK
Vittorio Volpi From 14 to 23 August I took part in the TNT (Thüringische Naturisten Tagen) in Thuringia (which once belonged to the GDR), 900 km from home. Every day an excursion of 15/19 km that ended with a convivial dinner in a restaurant. The day ended at the bungalow-village, with beer, snacks and long, pleasant chats. … Read more
The willows gate I’ve been through these willows a thousand times. It was when I saw the picture on the monitor that the title emerged. It is only a symbolic fact: it concerns only me who gave a name to this passage along the path. And now, I feel that there is a before and … Read more
To hear the timbre of the voice, the words of the poem one must be present. The camera captured and drew with light: in front of nature, we are excessive, we are too much; overexposure cancels us out. And it is good that way; it invites us to look around us: man is not the … Read more
Last Thursday, July 23rd at 10:45 p.m. the German television channel WDR broadcast a report of about 40 min. on the tantric massage. It can be of possible interest to many of us. At least for two reasons: 1) there is a way to the body, ours or others’, far from the “social distancing” that … Read more
This is a representative picture of yesterday’s beautiful hike along the Re torrent in the Inzino Valley (N45°43’12”,E10°10’38”), not far from home. The path runs along the stream: about every 500 m there is a small waterfall and a tiny lake. The water is crystal clear, refreshes, washes the sweat, restores tone to the muscles. … Read more
Walking along the meadow, I was attracted by the colour of these flowers. On the one hand the flowers, beautifully numerous in full bloom, on the other hand, I didn’t even know their name. But I have books to look for and, in the end, I found that is called Salcerella (Lythrum salicaria, or purple … Read more
If it is true that we are permeable to the places where we live or pass or look, that there is something we can name place-mimesis. Seeing this photograph it can only be true. And I remember how I felt. And everything happens even unconsciously. In the same way, as you absorb the birdsong (as … Read more
Yesterday I made a long hike on the mountains of the left side of Valle Camonica up to Passo delle Sette Crocette (N 45°50’50” E 10°19’14”). Great weather! The refuges are all closed due to the pandemic. I haven’t met anyone—few some hikers at the pass, but coming from other directions. So I was able … Read more
Back home, I was looking at myself in this picture; but immediately distracted by the bright, backlit green of the horsetail. We probably also have a kind of chlorophyll that transforms light into energy and health. I can only adore this wonder: I feel in me an intimate sense of belonging, of continuity with nature. … Read more
The use of the mask, consciously or unconsciously, is changing the way we see, our reactions and the very image we have of other people and the world. The face has become a forbidden fruit, accessible if you have the password to unlock the barcode. Now that we no longer have the chance to see … Read more
I have passed by this meadow a thousand times, a thousand times I saw these two poplars, but only a few days ago I noticed that they were a “happy couple”. If you notice, there is no branch in the middle, as each of the two trees was respectful of the other and did not … Read more
6 o’clock in the morning. Trying to find a (large & open because of social distancing) place for a reading. Too beautiful to give up.
Yesterday the hedge was swollen with white and yellow flowers of the honeysuckle and brambles. This morning I find the hedge “sheared”. Along the same path, the fallen pappi of the cotton trees had already become seedlings – they disturbed the walk, and someone zapped away those too. I make do with what remains. Visitors, … Read more
The virus is over. Games go on. The nature reserve reopened today after two months of closure. In the past two months, water birds have been able to make their nests in peace; the vegetation has grown luxuriant, the reeds (Phragmites australis) have grown through the cracks between the axes of the bridges. On the … Read more
Two months ago, I was writing a post “Report from a ghost country.” And now, two months later, things have changed so much that I can say «we are the ghosts». Without civil rights, without political representation, with increasingly precarious economic resources. The hammering propaganda has made us psychologically subjugated to the regime. Fear has … Read more
Passing through a path, the first rays of the sun backlight the leaves of the Gleditsia (honey locust). The place has almost a magical light. Passing through it, I take some of that light away.
The first article of our Constitution says: “Italy is a democratic republic based on work”. The unilateral suspension of work is, therefore, an arbitrary, unconstitutional act (among other things, it has not been approved by Parliament). It has never happened, not even in the worst dictatorships. Many small companies will have to close, or accept … Read more
German family doctors are making an unusual protest: they are posing naked to report the shortage of PPE (protective clothing and equipment). https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/27/german-doctors-pose-naked-in-protest-at-ppe-shortages https://www.blankebedenken.org/ Why naked? 1) The original meaning of the word (from the Greek gymnós) was “without weapons”, so is gymnastics and so were Spartan gymnopediai (war dance performed by youths). The … Read more
Like every morning I went out for a short walk in the country. It is against the prescriptions, not the law – and the prescriptions are unconstitutional, they have never been debated in parliament – fines are 300-3000 euros. On the one hand, I have this social and political reality in which, for better or … Read more
Easter full Moon Yesterday morning I went out because I wanted to take pictures of the Easter Moon before the sunlight made it fade. The Civil Defence had left me a mask in my mailbox. It was the first time I’d ever used it. It’s mandatory in supermarkets, and everywhere. When I saw the photograph, … Read more
Going for a walk in the countryside (around dawn, when the Carabinieri are still asleep) you have to breathe and you feel your chest open: together with the air enters who knows what: oxygen, light (maybe the same light that makes our DNA live). The mind goes on other drifts and thinks about freedom: very … Read more
Despite the strict restrictions (one more every day), I do not give up my morning walks. The movement, the fresh and pure air, letting what you see become thought these are all things that help my health. I would also add the independence of thought. I’m the same as usual: I like nature to see … Read more
