The Studio in the Old City of Naffa

Arriving at the small city of Naffa on the sea, I decided to stop and relax for a while. The city itself is very ancient, being thousands of years old. Here, many artisans live in a community within the walls of the old city itself. The entire place is very expensive, of course, having been taken over by the elite bourgeoisie of the surrounding areas because of the quaint atmosphere and the breathtaking vistas of the open sand and shimmering sea. There are, however, some real gems within the twisting and winding narrow streets and passageways of this ancient marvel. Little boutiques and studios can be found secreted within the nooks and crannies of open courtyards and archways that make this place a mystical and wonderful experience to just walk around for days at a time in a meandering aimless journey of bohemian discovery.

I made a friend there, an older gentleman artisan who is a potter by trade. His family has lived here for generations at a time and his work is known far and wide in all the surrounding lands. He was kind enough to bring me to his studio to show me where he created all of his works. It's location, at the end of a winding tunnel that opens into a lovely private courtyard (which, through the generosity of his heart, he keeps open to the public), is a wonder in serenity of contemplation. The great flagstones are made of a kind of heavy textured ceramic, and the great amphorae-like vases were created by him when he was a much younger man. It is so peaceful here. The only sounds that could be heard were of children, running and playing innocent games within the walls of this city, and of the occasional barking dog that might playfully be chasing a wily cat.

- Traveling Uncle Nat. :)

09/28/00