Foot loose and Fancy Free – Wanderings in Versilia

August 4, 2012 § Leave a comment

Everyday has been extraordinary, when you step out of familiar patterns and into the unknown, start mixing… it is amazing who you meet and what you see. Something happens, slowly inexorably a shift within… my whole organism feels different. Glancing back over the past week have been constantly on the move, Bruce Chatwin lived his pronouncement that “Man’s natural state is nomadic” Chatwin ruminated that he felt most creative had his best thoughts when he was walking….

Saturday night at “Ars Apua” a bed and breakfast run by the delightful Katzuko a Japanese woman who created this most beautiful place to stay, the mornings and evenings particularly, amazing views to the quarries. Katzuko frequently organises cultural events, concerts, exhibitions etc. Took in the views and cool breeze coming up the mountains, ate sushi and listened to great music performed by a holidaying Japanese concert pianist.

Cinzia and I spent several afternoon’s at the Bagni in Marina di Pietrasanta. The beach experience is so different to what we Australians are used too. Stretching up and down the coast are a whole series of “Bagni” privately owned business’s that provide umbrellas and “Tende” set out in a perfect grid pattern, replete with beach chairs recliners, towels. You can eat in the restaurant and bar. Change rooms, showers, table tennis, every commodity is available. Women of all ages and shapes on mobile phones parade themselves in the briefest of swim wear. These women work seriously on their sun tans, the young women look gorgeous the older ladies a bit overcooked.

Last night invited to the break up dinner of Fonderia del Chairo. What an experience the front courtyard transformed into a magical space, candles soft live music Artists and all sorts of interesting people including artigiani, politicians and lawyers mingling and enjoying the elegance of the occasion. Waiters dressed in white jackets constantly moving about and serving great wines and apertivi. A really spectacular buffet greeted us as we came in. This weekend begins the mass exodus by Italians for the beach its “Ferie Augusto” the sumner holidays.

Watched as a young woman carved, sliced and chopped this massive watermelon or “cocomero” in Italian into this ornate beautiful flower design.

With Novello Finotti, one of Italy’s most significant contemporary artist’s. I first met Novello 20 years ago at his extraordinary home and studio near Verona.