There is something to say for a place, a region, where it's as important for the map to show sheep tracks as well as freeways.
Created in 1963 after separating from Abruzzo and becoming Italy's 20th region, Molise is proud of its sheep farming tradition.
Molise shares borders with Abruzzo, Campania, Lazio and Puglia with a relatively short coast (40 KM) on the Adriatic and mountainous areas.
Consider Molise a region less traveled, pretty much unspoiled as the local economy relies primarily on agriculture and fishing.
2 main cities are Campobasso and Isernia.
At the Casa Italia Atletica event in NY (November 5th), poet Pascale who spoke about his beloved Molise said that first thing you have to do when you get to Molise is listen to clip-clap of sheperds wooden clogs and went on to remark that most of the dirt roads used by tractors between the fields were paved over time by people and animals…Another part of the region heritage is the oldest company making bells. Pascale also said you will notice the pungent smell of herbs while traveling around the region and that it is unspoiled because you don't have to go there…
Foodwise, for the locals cheese is milk preserved for the dark months. Pascale suggested that white truffle scents might make you sleepy. Larino has its own olives.As for recipes, the poet noted that women from Molise are jealous and guard their secret sauces and recipes to themselves. 12 or 13 types of fishes go into one Brodetto.
If a local hands you a glass of wine it is a clear sign they are your friend concluded Pascale.
Paradise on earth is what some call the region in announcing event above on December 11-12, 2010.
Time to head for Molise before region gets discovered.