Italy on foot, is the undertaking that Gianluca Mantovani, owner of a textile company in Prato in Tuscany, underwent about a month ago, suffering from two autoimmune diseases. La di lui is a singular initiative to say the least, studied for some time in the smallest details, and put into practice with a specific purpose. The walk along the Italic paths and tratturi wants to be the plastic and tangible example that one can live with the disease without it taking over people's lives.
Gianluca Mantovani
Married with children, Gianluca is 48 years old and, since he was 30, he has discovered that he is suffering from two autoimmune diseases. Pathologies for which he must also perform particular monthly therapies; treatments that he is carrying out even in these hard days. Crossing the boot on foot along the Apennine ridge is a project that is also a challenge to demonstrate to the rest of the world that the disease can be fought and managed even in particularly difficult situations.
After Mantovani has concluded his bumpy journey, from one end of the peninsula to the other, the Vagamonti project will be launched. It is a real training process intended for all those people who, even if conditioned by health problems, want to find a new relationship with their body and their physical abilities. Vagamonti will also be a way to get closer to the beauty of nature in the many and wonderful landscape areas that characterize our beautiful country.
From Lampedusa to Trentino
Mantovani left just over a month ago Lampedusa, the southernmost town in Italy and plans to arrive in Predoi in Trentino, the northernmost Italian municipality, by mid-July. Backpack on his shoulders, his friend and photographer accompany him Andrea Foligno that immortalizes each stage. Walks and stops made not only of magnificent naturalistic corners but also of many and important encounters. And then there is Tosca, her very affectionate dog, a magnificent specimen of border collie. The path that connects the whole country is a 'long snake' that winds through woods, inaccessible areas and ancient villages.
Everywhere Mantovani and his two traveling companions are receiving an incredible welcome from the locals: environmental guides, local administrators, ordinary citizens. On the part of all, many demonstrations of affection and closeness; so much warmth and so much genuineness for gestures that reveal and confirm the great generous soul of the Italians. Just in these days in Anzano, in Puglia, Gianluca, Andrea and Tosca timed the first thousand kilometers of the route with the local community who organized a beautiful and warm party in the square for them.
Anyone wishing to can follow the journey of the Vagamonti on Facebook and Instagram by typing "Vagamonti", or on the website www.vagamonti.it. L'Vagamonti APS association she will become the spokesperson for these silent diseases that affect so many people every year.
Good journey to Gianluca, Andrea and the very strong Tosca!
(Photo Andrea Foligni / Vagamonti)
