Monday, October 01, 2012

Viareggio, Italy - August 27, 2012

Viareggio, Italy

To arrive at the resort town of Viareggio from Lucca, it takes a picturesque bus ride that costs 3 Euro one-way. Although not surprised, I'm not use to what I see on the beach. Sign after sign, each with the name of a particular bagno, advertises that for an amount of money, I do not inquire as to how much, people can access the beach, along with a change room, lounge chair and umbrella. Where I come from, free beaches complete with a bathroom and change room, belong to everyone.

In the design of its buildings, Viareggio looks something like Miami, Florida. Perhaps I should say Miami looks like Viareggio. Located in Versilia, which is the Italian Riviera, with green hills and jagged rocky mountains in the background, blue sky and waves from the Mediterranean Sea lapping the shore it is a place that you savor.

People lying in the sun turn themselves almost crisp black, while men, whose color borders on ivory black, sell hats that can provide protection from the sun.  Men, no women, fish in the waters, and very young girls go topless while their mothers keep themselves modestly covered.

There are boats in the harbor. Sailboats, yachts and cruisers all designed to provide pleasure whenever their fortunate owners lift anchor.

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