The Young Woman and The Sea

I should be a mountain loving, skier being from Colorado. Instead, I am deathly afraid of the sport and despise cold weather and sweaters. My last ski episode ended with me watching my whole family at the bottom of the mountain just looking up at me, waiting for this slow downhill skier. There may or may not have been tears streaming down my cheeks. I knew I was too old to have my Dad carry me down the mountain like he used to back when I was 8. Well, I might have been more like 13.

My connection to my state is strong. I can appreciate the Rocky Mountains without the need for two narrow sleds strapped to my feet and Frankenstein boots creating discomfort. Call me not a real Coloradan, but I will never like skiing. I have found on my travels that my connections with mountains are surprising not as strong as they should be. Perhaps I am just spoiled that I can look outside my window and see the Rocky Mountains everyday. Colorado is a landlocked state. This could be the reason for my love affairs with oceans, seas, waters, and fountains when I travel. Yes, this is the story of the young woman and the sea.

When I examine the places I have been, the things I have seen, and the people I have met, the pictures I tend to pore over feature water as the main subject matter. While many countries are landlocked, there is water somewhere within, linking all places with such a commonality. I have gathered together my favorite moments with Italian waters to share below for water and travel go hand in hand. Water seems to be the ultimate traveler. It comes and goes places, loudly or quietly. It draws in and out cautiously. Erupts in anger at times and then is just perfectly calm and at peace. I think I just described myself.

The Trevi Fountain in Rome Italy

Tourists cover this fountain and perhaps that fact has ruined it somewhat. Go watch the movie “Three Coins in a Fountain” and you will be amazed that no one surrounds this fountain in the heat of July. With the waters of the Trevi Fountain gently cascading around into a pool of light turquoise, it was here I fell in love with Italy. I sat lapping up a gelato while watching Italians around me. It was a summer night in Rome and I was only 14 years old. There was something about this fountain that opened my eyes to two great addictions I would develop, gelato and frequent trips to Italy.

The River Arno in Florence, Italy

The River Arno is supposedly filled with giant rats and probably things you don’t even want to know. It creates a mess in the summertime when mosquitoes invade the city. However, at night you would never know. The muddy water suddenly appears so breathtaking with Renaissance buildings reflected off its surface. I used to sit on Ponte Santa Trinita nightly. I’m not sure if it weren’t for those nightly perches,  I would have appreciated just how remarkable the city truly is. Almost like a mirror, the Arno at night won’t let you forget that fact.

The Waves in Cinque Terre, Italy

I am not a fan of the Cinque Terre in Italy. Leave your comments in shock and disagreement, but I think there are far more beautiful, undiscovered places in Italy, Sicily, and Sardinia. I think Cinque Terre knew how I felt about her. As I got closer to the sea, my flip-flop went with the waves. Someone was trying to tell me something here. Cinque Terre tried to take my shoe with the sea, perhaps as a wake up call. This is beautiful. The sea is a remarkable color. Be grateful for where you are or hobble back to your hotel on one foot.

The Old Man and The Bay of Naples

Sorrento holds two ports. One is predominately still a working, fisherman’s port. You will see men cast off from here as rundown, old buildings loom in the background. I walked out on this plank of sorts one day. An old man set up his bait and reel while sitting in a lawn chair. He was so focused and determined to catch the fruits of the sea, that he didn’t even notice, or care, I took his picture. He reminded me of just how full the sea is and how much a part of life it can be for so many. I admired his determination, noticing no one could deter this old man from making a connection with the sea. Perhaps he was dreaming of catching that marlin Hemmingway described.