We will be meeting new organic challenges of both practical and spiritual nature. Beds are not automatically available, food shall not arrive miraculously on our plates. In fact, we shan’t necessarily have plates.
At this point major structural needs are not solved. Our meeting locations are under negotiation (and/or renovation), it is unsure if we have a collective kitchen that can serve 100+ hard working stomachs. We definitely don’t have a servant caste with dish washing duties.
It is therefore desirable that everyone travel with their own eating kit: cup, bowl, pocket knife, chop sticks, washing cloth. Also, in genuine monk-style, it is anticipated that everyone access their humility gene and exercise great consideration for their fellow unPilgrims. We are largely meant to gather our own food and generously share it around.
The third challenge of the LOTE is to transcend itself. With a reported 120 participants descending from around the world, it is easily possible to spend 5 days in Matera and only meet one another. If this were to occur, it would be a grave omission. During the March meeting between ERs and local activists, it was revealed unto us that the best manner to experience the spirit of the Sassi was to explore it solo. The recipe from Antonio was to do these solo journeys twice; once by day, once in the dark. It is therefore highly recommended that as unPilgrims we all boldly GET LOST in our host community. Bring good walking shoes.
Another challenge has been thrown our way by the nature of the Sassi – all the unMo buildings are small caves. If all the 100+ participants were to crowd into our allotted venue, it would become a badly ventilated, funky dance hall with little space for coherent discussion. As a result, it is likely that we will be unPraying for good weather, and adopting the outdoors as spontaneous meeting areas. To make this necessary expansion a comfortable experience in almost all weather, it would be very useful if everyone brings a pillow and a blanket with them in their baggage as ‘reverse souvenirs’ – these could then be left in Matera as an investment into the future comfort zone of the unMonasteriani.
— insert further words of mutual encouragement and enthusiasm here — at your leisure
Our Warmest greetings from the Honorable unPompous Host Committee,
| [Dorotea] Mar | Bembo Davies | Håvard Tunheim |
| Atmosphere Choreographer | Precious Fountain of Fresh Tradition | Ambassador of Counterbalance |
