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We
leave Northern Italy to explore the warm agricultural regions at the toe
of the Italian boot. It's a long drive — even if Italy seems small
compared to North American distances — 15 hours of driving are required
to go from North to South.
Calabria is a mountainous region which forms the southernmost extremity
of the Italian peninsula. The coastlines of Calabria are bathed by the
Ionian Sea to the East, and the Tyrrhenian Sea to the West.
A few cold summits top the region: those of the Pollino chain (2,267 m
/ 7,435 ft), of the Sila (1,929 m / 6,327 ft), or of the Aspromonte (1,956
m / 6,416 ft).
Calabria
is historically the region of agriculture, the North having focussed its
economy early towards heavy industries, and sprawling factories. This
historical and political decision is at the root of the divide that exists
today, where the North of Italy is richer and the South less industrialized
and poorer.
But, beyond mere geopolitical facts, we were entering a region where the
human warmth is comparable to that of the sun drenching Calabria; a place
where the handshake is firm, and where the rugged landscapes tugs at the
heart.
A lazy day
Dawn is heralded by a crowing rooster. It's still horribly early but the
air is already warm, and soon the aroma of the coffee from the tiny Italian
coffee pot will fill the room, as Calabria begins to buzz at the same
rhythm as its bees.
Having
arrived in the region the previous evening, the daylight reveals a countryside
of luxurious vegetation, dotted everywhere by the red tile roofs of little
villages.
The Tropea Coast, on the edge of the Tyrrhenian
Sea is
spectacular. Small towns occupy nearly every hilltop, bracketed by beautiful
curving beaches of fine sand.
In
this, the extreme tip of the Italian boot, the sea is visible from all
sides as soon as one is on a hill. In places, the hills end abruptly at
a beach, always flanked by a small village geared to handle anything to
do with the sea, and commerce.
The clear, warm waters are an invitation for a relaxing swim, and the
long warm afternoon makes a visit to the gelateria an absolute
necessity!
There
are few places in the world where ice cream is as creamy, or perfumed.
The large scoop hovers above the coloured gelati (ice creams):
fig, meringue, pistachio, pineapple, blackberry, green apple, lemon, vanilla,
chocolate, praline... Each day is an occasion to try different combinations
of tastes. For the connoisseurs, a final touch tops the ice cream: panna,
a lightly sweetened whipped cream...
After some rest, new discoveries await us. A drive on the hills of Tropea,
swept by the sea breezes from the Gulf of Santa Eufamia, allows us to
enjoy the breathtaking vistas of nature and history.
Calabria is one of greenest regions of Italy. Olive groves line the roads,
while fig trees dangle their fruits to those passing by.
In this environment, it is critical to pay attention to the
sun's position in relation to the subject about to be photographed.
If the sun's rays near the front of the lens, they will easily cause
a flare, or wash out the colours, as can be seen in the photo above.
With this particular photo, another factor also intervenes: the
house is clinging to a cliff and facing the sea. The mist present
in the air gives everything at some distance a slightly foggy appearance.
If the option is available, increasing the saturation can minimize
the problem (if one notices the problem in time...)
Due
to successive invasions from surrounding Mediterranean civilizations,
the region is rich in history. Throughout the small villages sprinkled
in the hills, a mix of architectural influences: Greek, Arab, Roman, coexist
harmoniously.
