Ciao 60: Bellissimo

Italy is stunning. The country has a consciousness that is born out of the culmination of both agony and ecstasy. Conquering Romans and historic lovers. Deep religion and inventive intellectuals. Fresh soil that still houses long-forgotten ruins. Finely detailed art/architecture, and streets that crash haphazardly in mazes. Lush foliage and withering vines. A zest for anything both newly ripened and aged–wine, herbs, cheese, men and women.

What happens when all these things come together, is a cultural tapestry that breathes life, beauty, color and honor into just about everything. The trees and flowers seem bigger and brighter here. The air smells sweeter.  There’s a reason actors live here; the light seems to filter through fog as if it were in an epic movie. It made us want to dress, sit and move as if we were.

As we made our way by car and ferry through the Lake District near the Alps, heading west from Lake Como, we entered Switzerland. I love the Swiss too. Such clean people. But as we drive over the border, majesty turned to minimalism, and Italian beauty gives way to functionality. The swiss should drive across that border more often and bring home a little Italy. If they did, here is what they would gather:

Statues that smile with secrets. Trees that hold history. Silent water that washes away all worries. Clouds that reach down to bring you heaven. Café tables perfect for the morning paper. And the most stunning clothes, buildings, men and women on the planet.

The flora, fauna, fashion and beauty of northern Italy. Click to enlarge the photos.