The Aggius entrepreneur left with Rossello and Biancone. Arrival is scheduled for October 2nd after crossing Gallura and the Nuoro area.
A journey seemingly from another era began this morning, shortly after 10:30 a.m., from Porto Pozzo, a village in Santa Teresa Gallura. Gianfranco Serra, an entrepreneur originally from Aggius, set out on a wooden cart pulled by two young oxen, Rossello and Biancone, both two and a half years old. "The Island in an Ox Cart, on the Paths of Memory" is the title chosen for a slow journey through Gallura and part of the Nuoro area, heading for Nuoro, where Serra expects to arrive on October 2nd. From the coast of Santa Teresa Gallura, the route will pass Luogosanto, Aggius, and Tempio, before continuing on to Berchidda, Oschiri, Buddusò, Bitti, and Orune.
A journey of identity and culture, but also a counter-current choice in the age of speed and artificial intelligence. "I've traveled enough on large planes, from Rome to Sydney and from Rome to New York. Now I wanted to go home, pick up my oxen and walk slowly, observing everything around us, including the stars at night," says Serra. "At this speed, we can no longer observe anything." The route will mainly follow dirt and secondary roads, with inevitable stretches on provincial roads. Serra will also pass through small villages and ancient cussorge, many now deserted: "They are wonderful places. Who knows, maybe we can convince someone to reclaim them and bring them back to life." Public meetings are planned along the route. In Tempio, one of the main stops will be dedicated to the theme of "slow pace," with talks, cultural events, and tastings; other initiatives are planned in other towns.
Serra won't travel completely alone. Some support vehicles will follow the wagon to deal with any unforeseen events and assist Rossello and Biancone. "If an ox has a problem, we'll stop, as we used to do. That's the point of the journey." A return to slowness, therefore, not out of nostalgia, but as an opportunity to reconsider the landscape, step by step.
