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In a remarkable journey that echoes the historic travels of Marco Polo, 74-year-old Italian traveler Vienna Cammarota has embarked on an ambitious 22,000-kilometer trek from Venice to China. On August 29th, Cammarota entered China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region through the Irkeshtam port from Kyrgyzstan, marking the beginning of her "Ancient Silk Road" adventure within Chinese borders.
"As a follower of Marco Polo, I hope to measure China with my own feet and share my experiences with my Italian compatriots," Cammarota told reporters in a recent interview. Her journey began in April 2022 from Venice, Marco Polo's hometown, and has already taken her through more than 10 countries, including Croatia, Turkey, and Kyrgyzstan.
Cammarota's fascination with China began over 20 years ago when a student from Beijing stayed at her home. She subsequently immersed herself in "The Travels of Marco Polo," becoming captivated by the descriptions of the ancient Silk Road.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including loneliness, fatigue, and unexpected incidents like a dog attack that temporarily halted her journey, Cammarota has persevered. Along the way, she has witnessed the modern incarnation of the ancient Silk Road, observing Chinese-built infrastructure projects and collaborative ventures in various countries.
Her journey has also deepened her understanding of Chinese culture. Visiting Confucius Institutes in different locations, Cammarota has drawn parallels between the teachings of Confucius and the spirit of Marco Polo's travels, emphasizing the importance of peace and cross-cultural understanding.
As she continues her year-long journey through China, following Marco Polo's route through cities like Kashgar, Turpan, Dunhuang, and eventually Beijing, Cammarota plans to document her experiences in a book and organize an exhibition of gifts received during her travels.
Netizens' comments on this inspiring story have been overwhelmingly positive:
"What an incredible woman! Her spirit of adventure knows no age limits."
"This journey is not just about physical endurance, but also about cultural exchange and understanding. Bravo!"
"I hope she writes a book about her experiences. It would be fascinating to compare her observations with Marco Polo's."
"This is the kind of positive news we need more of. It shows that curiosity and the desire to connect cultures are still alive."
"Her journey is a living embodiment of the Belt and Road Initiative. People-to-people exchanges are just as important as economic cooperation."
As Cammarota continues her epic journey, she embodies the enduring spirit of exploration and cross-cultural understanding that has characterized the Silk Road for centuries. Her trek serves as a powerful reminder of the connections that bind East and West, past and present, in an increasingly interconnected world.
