text and images britt-arnhild
There is a small island out in the laguna, not far from Burano. I have passed it many times, I have read about it, and always wanted to visit.
Back in August Mauro took us there in his small boat, this morning, while it is still dark outside and the rest of the house is quiet, I am revisiting though photos and memories.
Saint Francis of Assisi came to this island, Isola del Deserto in 1220 and stayed for a couple of months, on his way from The Middle East back to Italy and Assisi.
Mauro navigated his boat into the small canal, we climed out and walked up to the monastery.
Silence was what wrapped us comfortably.
A brother was woken from his sieasa when we knocked the gate. Welcoming us heartly. Sharing the history of the island, telling us more about Brother Francis.
Behind the Saint Francis church is a garden. A place for silence, serenity, thoughts, wanders. The Norwegian authour Kristin Flood, who lives in Venice, has written a book about Saint Francis. During her writing process she stayed in the island for some time. Writing.
How I wish that I could not only follow the foorsteps of Saint Francis, but also those of Kristin Flood.
Writing my name in the monastery´s guestbook was like saying: I will be back.......
A Memory. A Dream
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Do you have A Memory A Dream to share today?
