Walking the Appian Way

Monthly Photo Journal

Walking the Appian Way, November 2023

I love walking the ancient Appian Way.  For me, it’s a walking meditation practice. Flanked by soaring Umbrella Pines interspersed with eroded Roman ruins, it takes only a few steps on the road to fall into a comfortable rhythm.  Every so often the sampietrini, as the old cobblestone is called, give way to the original ancient Roman interlocking stones.  Like giant tortoises the grey stones extend into the distance, now smooth and softened by time, and then ever so gently the cobblestone picks up again.  Sometimes it’s the gentlest of transitions and you might only notice if you are paying attention (or if you are wearing leather-soled shoes that can slip on the stone…).  I like pausing in those places, at those unnoticeable seams, stitched together over time, to admire the modest but important work that holds the whole together.