The Gulf of the Poets

We are currently staying in a small sea side village in Italy called San Terenzo.  From our apartment it takes us about 2 minutes to walk to the beach.  The first few days we were here the weather was beautiful so we went to the beach three days in a row where the kids had fun playing in the sand.  The beach is small without lots of waves, in a area called the Gulf of the Poets.  Apparently, this is where several famous poets, and writers either lived or vacationed.  I can see how it could inspire writers because it is very beautiful here.  Unfortunately, just being here has not turned me into a great writer or poet!

The beach experience is different here than the ones we are used to in California.  Maybe it's that we are here in October, the off season.  Mostly there were older people who look like they have been sunning on the beach for years. There were a few parents with small children, and a few other tourists.  Later, when school was out, a bunch of middle school age kids were near the beach playing with firecrackers and playing hide and seek games around the boats.

It was interesting to me that most people show up at the beach fully clothed in jeans, jackets, shoes, and change at the beach into Speedo type suits for men, and bikinis for women.  When they are done at the beach, they get redressed and leave the beach looking like when they arrived.  None of the younger children (like about 8 and under) had swimming suits on, rather they were just in their underwear.   The other children and adults did all have swimming suits, but my kids were the only boys with board shorts.  Tight Speedo type suits seem to be preferred here.

Joe starting his creation

Joe with his finished work

Jenna, Seth and Joe

A few days later, we got some stormy weather and the beach looks completely different.  There are huge waves and the beach is full of drift wood.  Doesn't look at all inviting to swim or sit on the sand anymore, but I enjoyed watching the waves crash against the rocks and walls.  I am so glad we took advantage of the good weather and enjoyed the beach for a few days.

Same beach on a stormy day

Sam at the beach on a stormy day