A MONTH IN THE COUNTRY

Mary's Villa, nestling in a valley in Chianti, just outside Florence, with a view of the fabled villa of Mona Lisa in the distance, was an idyllic spot and so when I was invited to come and stay for July/August, I accepted unhesitatingly.   I had not been back to Italy for two years and as I packed my bags, a kaleidoscope of images ran through my mind - cyprus trees, grey green olives, ordered landscapes, a cup of coffee, images frozen in time - like a Renaissance painting, representing a life of refinement, of history and tradition.

Although I have reflected on the many cultural similarities between Italy and India, there are also fundamental differences.  Italy, with its aging population, represents a bygone age, whereas India, with its culture of youth, is vibrant and full of confidence, as it emerges in the new world order - a place of chaos, dirt, noise and energy - a seething mass of humanity.  Beauty, here is not found in what you see, but in what you don't see.  There is a beguiling rhythm of life, which is enveloping.

Yellow turmeric, red chili powder, masala, tea from Assam, a small piece of hand embroidered tribal patchwork, block printed pashminas from Rajasthan, papier mache ornaments from Kashmir, floral kurtis from Gujarat decorated with tiny mirrors.....small gifts to take from one culture to another.