First Sensory Experiences in the Italian Riviera
Charlotte Huber on Colors…
I honestly wasn’t ready to leave home to come to Italy but Saturday came and I was packed and ready to go. I did cry when my family left but that was to be expected. I had never traveled on a plane or even to another country before so I was scared. But when we finally arrived and headed to our hotel I was taken aback by everything I could see. The sky was so blue as if a child had just painted it on a black canvas and stuck it to a wall. The homes were a beautiful rusty orange color and when the sun hit them just right they seemed to glow. Even the ones in the shadows were beautiful. It almost appeared like they had a veil covering the home. Then as we came closer to our hotel everything seemed to crawl towards us. The bus had to go down small streets but everything I saw was just breathtaking. The villas were so big yet they seemed so inviting. You could see into the yards and wave at the people. Then the flowers and plants that were blooming were fantastic to look at. Such bright purples, pinks, and some whites. Everything just seems to pop out at you with their lovely colors and welcoming sights.
Melissa Lee on Sounds…
During the evening all along the boardwalk and streets of Forte dei Marmi are people biking or casually strolling. It is the preferred method of transportation for the locals. Many are off to meet friends and family or to enjoy a glass of wine at an aperitivo, which is a tradition in the area. The pace is slow and relaxing, with no one in a hurry. You can hear the chatter of conversation and the laughter of people as they pass by. The language spoken is romantic, sounding like a song, with every word blending to the next. The gentle noise of the streets is welcoming and puts me at ease a welcome change from the hustle of life at home.
Jessica Kantak on Feeling Weather…
As the peddles glide beneath my feet and my grip relaxes, the anxiety of not being on a bike in ten years begins to fade. Before I know, my thoughts have faded and my senses have taken over. I began to notice the warmth of the sun cascading upon my shoulders, and the rays hitting my face giving it a slight burning sensation. As warm as the air seems, there is still an overwhelming cool breeze. It is the ying and yang of weather. The perfect combination.
Jen Adams on Scents…
As I walk slowly through the streets of Versilia I notice white pedals draped over and through the greenest of vines. Never would I have guessed that this petite flower produced a succulent scent that could be so powerful. The smell of the jasmine flower lingers with you well past the time you approach it and for this I am thankful, as I don’t want it to fade. I notice that my being is filled with a sense of peace, calm, and relaxation. The sweet scent provides me with a comfortable sense of over all well being. I think to myself that so many replications of jasmine can be found in oils, lotions and perfume bottles but to experience Jasmine in its purest form is a wonder and honor that must be experienced by all.