I have not swum in the ocean since 2001, when I last went to Panama to visit family. Last Saturday, a handful of us decided to take a break from Urbino and go to the beach town of Pesaro. Pesaro is a town about a 45-minute bus ride away from Urbino, located along the Adriatic Sea. Riding in the bus, I do not know what expect, but I look forward to actually swimming in warm water.
Once we arrive, we walk from the bus stop to the center of town, which is a pleasant contrast from Urbino. Pesaro is nice and flat; no hills or steep streets to climb. After walking through town, I see the buildings give way to a view of the Adriatic Sea. The warm, salty air washes over my face and tangles my loose hair. A smile spreads across my face. I am excited to walk along the path that overlooks the beach because I see what I’ve always seen in travel magazines; waves of colorful umbrellas filling the beach.
The water’s color is a bright aqua with lines of white foam at the top of each wave. I swim in the salty Adriatic for 45 minutes and then sun bathe on a beach chair. At this point , I love life and question why anyone would ever dare to set foot in the cold, frigid, Pacific waters of the California Bay Area.
I leave Pesaro impressed, only disappointed in having to pay 4 Euro to get a beach chair. But the beauty of the beach was worth it. Monday evening I hang out with some Italians that I had met earlier in the week. They ask me where I have been so far and I say that I have only ventured out to Pesaro. They look at me and scoff, saying the beaches at Pesaro are “una merda.” I defend the beach to the Italians and I say that I enjoyed it. I laugh to myself thinking, “What would these people think about the waters outside of San Francisco? They probably would get on a plane and go straight back to Italy.”
It’s interesting to experience what I believe to be a gorgeous beach and what the locals call trashy. It goes without saying one person’s trash is another person’s treasure.
: I've never been prouder of a group of students. You worked so hard, give yourselves a hand! (Now get back to work. 
)
: Good Job to everyone on the Urbino Project! We did a great job!
: Love the writings. Hope you're having a great trip. Look forward to seeing you and hearing about your adventures:)
: Love the website. I'm enjoying reading all of your stories.The photos are amazing!
: This is such a great blog! The writing is top-notch and overall design is well laid out. Awesome job!
: inurbino.net - da best. Keep it going! Pett
: The design and content answers the question: Why should I read this? Hitting two sweet spots: Entertaining and informative.
: signorina Aimee Alarcon mi potevi dire che la tua fotografia viene stampata nel giornale cosi no facevo smorfia !! ciao bella
: Bigelow, Troiani, Dorunda-- great bits. Also love the language option on the site.
: Greatings, Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Pesaro had the same magical effect on me. Something about the edges of the colorful umbrellas flapping in the wind and the refreshment of the water’s temperature is still with me. But now I am curious about what beach towns the locals do recommend.