Great Journey 🏍🏍 Day 45
On the way to the sea, we stop for a break in the small town of Massa Marittima. With an almost sea view and a quirky, sloping piazza. This medieval town is situated on a hill (like all towns, it seems to us) and enchants us with its dreaminess.
We enjoy another "primi piatto" (this pasta is simply heavenly here!) and I read through the history of the village.
In the process, I come across the initiative "Cittàslow", which, my graphic designer heart racing ahead, first catches my eye because of the logo. It is about "improving the quality of life in cities and preventing the standardisation and Americanisation of cities where franchises dominate. Supporting and emphasising cultural diversity and the city's and surrounding area's own and special values are also key Cittàslow goals." (Quote Wikipedia)
In Switzerland, Mendrisio and in Germany a number of small towns (unfortunately I don't know any of them) are already part of it. Take a look at the website (International: https://www.cittaslow.org/ Germany: https://www.cittaslow.de/), it really is a great initiative. No Starbucks in the city centre, no Zaras and H&Ms in the shopping alley and cosy, friendly service in cafés and restaurants. Exactly to our taste.
