Friday, June 5, 2009

June in Puglia

is the welcoming of warmth, sunshine and the season of basking on the beaches bordering the beautiful azure Adriatic. It is what all Italians do . . . each weekend
they make their way to the many sandy or rocky shores, lay out their towels, put up their umbrellas, and arrange their chaise lounges. Much as they do on the more well-known sunbathing paradises, such as the south of France or even in Italy along the Amalfi coastline, the Pugliese share in the ritual of sun-worship at the nearby shores. In Italy, Amalfi and some of the islands are more known for this summer activity, but in Puglia and all along the Adriatic, the coastline is no less spectacular, no less enjoyable, and no less abundant in sunshine.

Everything in this process is uniquely Italian . . . these people love to bask for hours with their bronzed olive tones almost blackening by summer's end. They are not shy, everyone celebrates a day at the beach by wearing as little as possible, in order to maximize the darkening bronze all over their bodies. Women of all ages, shapes and sizes frolic in bikinis, even the proverbial grandmotherly types. The men, no less eager to look good and feel great, often don the smallest types of swimwear possible. Everyone is dark, bronzing being the natural state of their mediterranean complexions . . . so when someone like me, fair-skinned and blond appears . . . I am helpless to do anything but standout. Not for my bathing suit, not for my "tan", but for my lack there of. Fortunately, I do not believe there is a bronze prejudice . . . perhaps just pity! :) I aspire to this Italian, radiant-level of "solar abandonment", letting myself become one with the sun, the sand or often the rocks, and of course, the gentle azure waters of the Adriatic . . . but I am a weakling by comparison, realizing my lobster-like coloring is less appealing and more painful. I can dream though, can't I??

Dreaming is just a part of life in Puglia . . . to dream of a day at the beach, is not so implausible at all. To dream of all the other pleasures which awaken the senses while in Puglia is not so impossible either . . . there are so many things which arouse the soul here in the south . . . so many dreams fulfilled, just by opening your eyes, taking in the sounds with your ears and tasting the fullness of flavor with your mouth. It is an adventure in exploration, which remains a part of your spirit and soul even after you leave, for years to come. Let us help you experience Puglia . . . let us help you remember the sweetness of Puglia with all your senses, let Chemarci be your guide to Puglia.

Dream big, live big . . . have a wonderful day! Cheryl

No comments:

Post a Comment