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Meg Roland
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Former English professor at Marylhurst University for 16 years, then Concordia University. I taught writing, medieval literature, humanities, maps and literature, and history of the book. After five years as a Dean of arts and humanities at Linn-Benton Community College, I am now a writer and an instructor at Willamette University – Pacific Northwest College of Art.
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Recent Posts
- To Lift the Spirit: Churches and Flowers of Latera July 14, 2026
- In an Italian newspaper (Lazio Courier, June 25, 2026): “USA Writer Captivated by Small Village” July 2, 2026
- Latera and Art: Transforming a 12th century village into a contemporary open-air art museum June 26, 2026
- Latera: persone gentili (kind people) June 16, 2026
- Latera: bosco (woods) June 13, 2026
Tag Archives: travel memoir
Latera and Art: Transforming a 12th century village into a contemporary open-air art museum
With its origins as a 12th century medieval village (and a record of settlement far back into antiquity), Latera is embracing contemporary art to help define its identity for the 21st century. For a small community, it is remarkable how much creativity … Continue reading
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Tagged Art, King Arthur, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, passionate geography, Public Art, Roman War, the Art Farm, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena
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Latera: persone gentili (kind people)
Traveling often focuses on sights to see, restaurants to sample, and negotiating crowds. Staying in Latera for two weeks, however, gave us a chance to get to know a few of the 770 people who call the quiet town of … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged Dante, La Casa Etruria, Latera, Lazio, Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena
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Via Francigena Day 5: La Storta to Rome (19.2 km, but about 15 km for us)
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] May 13, 2026 (Wednesday). Pilgrimage. Chaucer began his famed Canterbury Tales with the fictional, genial tavern keeper, Harry Bailly, announcing … Continue reading
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Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, roman-britain, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena, walking
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Via Francigena: Day 4 Campagnano to La Storta (24 km)
May 12, 2026 (Tuesday). Primavera/ Regeneration Oh glorious new day and the regeneration of both sleep and springtime! Paul worked on my back and we have new energy for the day and walk ahead. Notice that the map of Campagnano … Continue reading
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Tagged Le Morte Darthur, passionate geography, Roman War, roman-britain, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena, walking
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Via Francigena, Day 3: Sutri to Campagnano di Roma Officially 28-31 km, but we walked about 18km (11 mi)
May 11, 2026 (Monday). Hubris. We woke from a night’s rest after our long, rainy walk yesterday stiff and achey. We both exercise daily, but we did little or nothing to prepare for this walk. And this morning–we feel it. … Continue reading
Towards Sandewyche . . .
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] Ryght so [Arthur] sought, and his knyghtes, towarde Sandewyche where he founde before hym many galyard [sturdy] knyghtes—for there … Continue reading
Go by Watlynge Strete
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] Canterbury is in the general direction of Sandwich, and I couldn’t resist the minor detour. As a professor … Continue reading
Passe unto Sandwyche
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] Meanwhile . . . while Arthur was in York taking counsel, the Roman ambassadors were hustling out of … Continue reading
Yorke II: “Constantine our kinsman”
[Reader, if you are just joining this journey, click on the “About” tab above for context. The chronological posts begin in January 2026.] ~ ~ ~ Constantine our kinsman conquered [Rome], and dame Helena’s son of England was Emperour of … Continue reading
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Tagged Constantine, King Arthur, Le Morte Darthur, Roman War episode, roman-britain, Thomas Malory, travel memoir, Via Francigena, york
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