Whenever my mind goes into float mode it often transports me to images of my adventures which include innumerable memories of my summers in Italy…
After spending many summers lazing about Lake Como adjacent to Bellagio in Northern Italy where just by chance wild hydrangeas grow everywhere without care or feeding I can still feel the warmth of the summer sun, and the smell of the lush flower beds in full bloom.
Over the many years that I’ve travelled the world I always seem to find my way back to Italy. There have been some extended stays in this picturesque part of the world including a month editing my first book (Indelible Adventures) back in 2013, and another extended stint working on my second book (Una Storia d’amore) published in 2018 – a photography coffee table book that centres on my extensive travels to Italy.
So why Italy? That is truly the million-dollar question isn’t it… From the very first time I visited way back in my backpacking days I fell in love with the history, culture, food and its people. There is something very comforting about being immersed in all that is Italy.
My senses are constantly being bombarded whenever I’m in Italy… The sun seemed brighter and more powerful in Italy than any other place I’d been except here in Australia. I remember distinctly smiling whenever I step off the plane and take my first deep breath on Italian soil. For some reason I felt completely at home and at peace in Italy…go figure?
Initially I had put it down the cool and romantic idea of being in Italy, seriously what’s not to love about it. Although travelling by oneself isn’t really so romantic per see, I think the real allure to traveling alone is that you’re completely in control of your timeline and agenda with no need of compromise unless you so choose it.
However, it’s so much more fun to share the adventure with my love. Judy and I spent a couple of weeks in the south of Italy, this time last year (before the crowds) and loved every aspect of it. Even in May the sun was warm enough to sit outside by the pool in Puglia.
The more I thought about it the more I felt unnerved and a little off balance with it all. I questioned myself as to why did I feel so deeply about a country that I’d visited infrequently during my lifetime, yet seemed to have such a deep affinity and appreciation of?
It seems to be the little things that no one else notices are the things that capture my attention and that I gravitate toward. As an example, the friendly nature of the people. Irrespective of whether you’re in a big city or small village people are warm and friendly, often greeting you with a smile and a “Buongiorno” or “Bonasera” depending on the time of day. It’s quite refreshing!
If you’re like me and have lived in both Canada and Australia, you know how rare this is. That’s not to say either country is unfriendly, but to me it’s more of statement on the general warmth of the Italian people.
Another fascination for me is the seemingly overabundance of colours, shapes and spectacular vistas that make up this most beautiful part of the world. It seemed that everywhere I glanced there was another photo to be taken, even the smallest detail of an ancient village or piazza has something interesting when inspected closely.
Maybe it’s my photographer’s eye that allows me to get beyond the broader images and seek out the unique aspects and moments.
Summers in Italy are for relaxing, wandering and experiencing all that it has to give. Personally I like to rent a car and explore the back roads of Italy, whether it be in the Italian Lakes, its impressive Alps or it’s warm southern shores there is something for everyone.
Each summers day in Italy starts exactly the same way, well for me anyway. The sky is an iridescent blue or as the Italians call it “Azzurro Cielo” which is the Italian phrase for “sky blue”. This gorgeous sky is accompanied by the softest of breezes, the type that caresses you warmly; some might even suggest that it was only the hint of a breeze rather than the actual air moving it so imperceptible.
When I first began visiting Italy on a regular basis it took me a few days to become aware of something that I found myself doing several times each day. Unconsciously closing my eyes and standing as still as possible, I’d find myself listening to the orchestra of sound made by the cicadas in the nearby trees and bushes, this beautiful sound teased the senses and complimented the overpowering sense of peace and tranquillity that I enjoyed during those balmy summers in Italy.
Even today, as I sit here in my office in Australia, I can literally take myself back to those carefree summer’s days in Italy and the feeling of being completely free and untethered by life.
Italy for me represents “Dolce Vita” in its purest sense. And yes, we’re already planning our next Italian adventure…
Until next week.
Ciao!
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