Nikki Reed

Nikki Reed Instagram – Valley of Bavona, a little village in Ticino that has been without electricity since the 1950’s. We were here just before the flooding began, and it is hard to believe this little piece of paradise has experienced such tragedy in the days after we left. Being here was an experience I will never forget. The residents turned down the opportunity to connect to the country’s electrical grid as they said it was a luxury they could live without. What a beautiful message for all of us visiting and a true reminder of the peace that comes from simplicity. Each of the 12 villages we passed were tucked into the mountain side, with the Grottos (restaurants) built with the intention of being under the canopy of the hillsides to keep their food cool and dry. We passed waterfalls and pastures with grazing cows, stone houses and churches that were built in the 1700’s. The result is a place that feels frozen in time from centuries ago yet modern in it’s approach to a greener way of living. Today they rely on solar panels, water turbines, and natural gas to provide much of their energy, but on most nights, the valley is lit only by candles. We ate traditional food and drank local wine, hiked down to the waterfall and dipped in the icey blue water, and as I drove back I kept thinking about how part of me never wanted to leave🤍 | Posted on 08/Jul/2024 21:43:48