I think it’s high time to write a few words about the main cities Matteo is going to cross on his way to Genoa. I decided to share with you some weird, more or less popular facts about those cities. Let’s start from the beginning!

TAMWORTH – This exact city was mentioned by great William Shakespeare in his famous tragedy “Richard III”. Act V, Scene II, Line 15.

“Fellows in arms, and my most loving friends, bruised underneath the yoke of tyranny, thus far into the bowels of the land have we march’d on without impediment; And here receive we from our father Stanley Lines of fair comfort and encouragement. The wretched, bloody, and usurping boar, that spoil’d your summer fields and fruitful vines, swills your warm blood like wash, and makes his trough in your embowell’d bosoms, this foul swine Lies now even in the centre of this isle, near to the town of Leicester, as we learn from Tamworth thither is but one day’s march. In God’s name, cheerly on, courageous friends, to reap the harvest of perpetual peace by this one bloody trial of sharp war.” 

I hope you feel more educated now.

We’re moving down to OXFORD now. There is a reason why Oxford was not bombed by Germans during Second World War. Hitler had a cunning plan of using Oxford as his capital in case of conquering England. Nice try!

Next one on the map will be NEWHEAVEN famous for its The New Heaven LifeBoa which is among the oldest ones in Britian and was comissioned in 1803. Personally I think that the more interesting fact is that “Graduate” author, American writer Charles Webb is a resident of that English city. If you would like, along with a little donation you can give Matteo your copy of “Graduate” so he can knock on Mr Webb’s door in your name and ask for signing the book. Casually.

After getting on French grounds first stop will be in DIEPPE, which is famous because of its delicious seafood. Two dishes to remember: “Marmite Diepois” – fish and seafood stewed in cream, cider and oniones and “Moules Mariniere” – mussles in a wine, shallot and cream sauce.

Then we’re moving to AMIENS, which is a home of a writer Jules Verne and the largest Christmas Market in Northern France. I couldn’t pick two more random facts.

After Amiens there will be stop in REIMS, which is believed to be world’s capital of champagne. Never mind of the most beautiful gothic cathedrals.

We’re keep moving down to TROYES, which is the home of the luxurious brand with green crocodile logo. Have a guess which one I’m talking about!

In DIJON, which is next on the route there is plenty of the best quality mustard. We are also collecting the orders! Any of the supporters would like to get a little mustard souvenir from France?

LYON, is a home of modern cinema. Yes people, this is the place where two creative geniuses known as Lumier Brothers, improved on Edison’s invention and were smart enough to quickly apply for patent in France and England to keep their baby safe. Unfortunately Matteo will not have time to visit Lumier Museum, but anytime you are around Lyon, go and enjoy it!

The last French stop will be in GRENOBLE. Now, there is one interesting fact about the city. During the French Revolution, Grenoble was rebaptized Grelibre. The people wanted nothing to do with nobles and royalty. “Libre”, which is French for “free,” made the city sound much more revolutionary.

Then we’re already in Italy, Matteo’s homeland. First stop will be in TURIN, which is also believed to be “DETROIT of ITALY”. I’m wondering if any one Italian people ever heard of that…

Then we’re moving to ALESSANDRIA which is a host of annual Fraskettando SkaBlues Jazz Festival and even Blues Brothers performed there!

And then we’re nearly at the end of the journey in GENOA. Here I am only going to quote Charles Dickens who apparently said about the city: I would never have thought that I would have become attached to the stones of the Genoan streets, and to think of the city with affection, as the place in which I had spent many hours of peace and happiness.

Hopefully we’ll finish the initiative with Matteo in excellent state, safe and sound back in his hometown and with enough money to help REKKO build the ambulatory!

You know how to support us guys, so let’s do it!