Colpo d'Aria
Most years, when the season ends, the days shorten and the temps drop, we venture back to warm California. True, we head back to visit our dearly missed family and friends to soak up as much of their company as we can, but we also soak up as much sun as we can.
As a California native, I have never been good in winter. I have aversion to wearing socks and when the temperature gets to the point of needing them, I’m done. Mark on the other hand, born and raised in Michigan, has no problem spending hours pedaling wearing lycra in sub 60˚F and yells at me anytime I shout, “I’m FREEEEEZING!”. He has tolerance for the cold, but not my complaining about the cold.
November 2020 and COVID is still rampant making this ‘the year without California’. I mentally prepare myself to experience Tuscany in winter…in an ancient stone dwelling sans heat…for 90 days until Spring arrives. I scrawl, ‘YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS’, in my notebook and gather my ‘winter layers’, blankets, comforters and electric heating pads (yes, plural. I literally owe my life to the twin-sized one I sleep on).
If it wasn’t for Elliot, I would probably never have gotten out from under my two down comforters and wool blanket for those 90 days. Alas, a dog needs to be walked even if said dog doesn’t even want to go out into the freezing cold. Two pairs of socks, boots, leggings, jeans, tank, two long sleeve shirts, down vest, down jacket, wool scarf and knit hat later and I’m ready to venture out. Excessive? Nope. No. Not at all.
I may totally be a wimp, but I completely fit in here. Dressing for ‘the elements’, aka anything below 70˚F, is part of the Italian culture. Puffer jackets and scarfs are essentially mandated apparel from October to June. Especially if there is wind. The wind is the carrier of many illnesses. And, god forbid, you get ‘hit with air’.
Colpo d’aria is a real thing. Even a small summer evening draft can ‘hit you’ and cause numerous ailments. I, for one, assumed that scarves where simply an Italian fashion staple, but, now I realize just how vital this piece of clothing is to well-being. I am a scarf convert and generally don’t go anywhere without one as they genuinely regulate your body temp in any weather. But, this winter, I learned of its true super hero powers.
One day, in a rush to get Elliot out before a freezing rain, I ventured out without a scarf. All the layers, minus a scarf. The wind was beyond frigid and absolutely unrelenting. I felt it hit my neck, chilling me to the bone, and thought, “Well, that’s it. I am hit in the throat”. The next day, the very next morning, I woke up with a stiff neck, aching head and a sore throat. Superstition no more. You guys, colpo d’aria, it’s real.
Staying through the winter has given me a true appreciation of Tuscany and its people in a much deeper, more meaningful way. I have learned that at the root of (many) superstitions, there is a kernel of truth and will forevermore take heed. I have been educated and now thoroughly believe the wind, especially a cold one, is evil and is to be avoided at all costs. I have experienced winter sans family in an ancient stone dwelling sans heat, proving I can, in fact, do ‘hard things’. And, while I may still hate wearing socks, I will never, ever, EVER leave the house without a life-protecting scarf.
Special COVID Edit: I also wear a mask. Always. Wear your mask!!!
Sold on the magic powers of a scarf? Let me help you find the perfect Italian Scarf. Soft, cozy in any temperature, sustainable and made locally, Chianti Cashmere scarves are my go-to essential in all seasons. Let us plan custom trip and you’ll even get to meet the gorgeous goats that produce the cashmere to begin with!
