Different Approach: The Stendhal Syndrome
 

OK, my second "first" post!

It really is a named Syndrome named for a French novelist in 1817.

Paraphrasing: I was in a sort of ecstasy, from the idea of being in Florence, close to the great men whose tombs I had seen. Absorbed in the contemplation of sublime beauty I reached the point where one encounters celestial sensations. Everything spoke so vividly to my Soul, I had palpitations of the heart, life was drained from me, I walked with the fear of falling.

I was just wondering if Italy affects any of you experienced travelers in this way. I am very much looking forward to my first trip there next month.

What beautiful flourishing writing style isn't it?

Yes, I have had that syndrome (I think it was mentioned in Room With A View)
but it was in Rome when I was at the Forum and other ancient sites, I was overwhelmed with knowing the history and the places where I was walking was where the ancients had walked.

It is alot to absorb, if you are so inclined. Thanks for posting.

I've known of "Stendahl" for years and have experienced it in the Louvre any time I've spent more than a few hours! The worst case I ever had was in the Pitti Palace in Florence...too much red !!

I experienced it walking past Westminster Abbey around midnight one January night. We were waiting for Big Ben to chime. It was foggy.

Did Stendhal really say all that as he fainted before the Baptistry doors?

"...I had palpitations of the heart, life was drained from me, I walked with the fear of falling." Happens to me every time I drink too much. :)

On my computer dictionary it states The Stendhal Syndrome is dizziness, panic, paranoia or madness caused by viewing certain artistic or historical artifacts or trying to see too many such artifacts in too short a time.

I have known about this for a long time too, and have experienced it in trying to see too many churches and frescos in a short time. I found myself nearly overcome looking for my favorite artist's works on my first visit to Rome.

So the cure is to visit longer? Fine with me!

My Word, Natalia! In the words of Henry Higgins, I think you've got it!

I need to extend my 2-3 week trips! The perfect cure!

Thank you , thank you!!

and now poor Faith is dizzy with anticipation of her trip to Italy..eye pads and chocolates are sought as comfort. Darling Faith, it was a dark and stormy night. My cousin Bambi, advanced in age but not in nature, and I boarded the vaporetto. Turning with anticipation to the berth below, I quickly noticed there were no life jackets. As the vaporetto pulled away from the dock, I mistakedly shouted "run,Bambi,run". The poor girl, still daft a bit from her tragic fall into the lake, took me at my word.
She ran to the front of the number 1 and, with shutters clicking all the while, dove into the Grand Canal. I was awash with Stendahl Syndrome(named for a French novelist in 1817). My rich aunt's and uncle's disgruntled faces flashed before my eyes. I thought my life was over. Just then, I spied a tiny troll huddled beneath the Rialto Bridge laughing all the while.

This has to be a Troll - as are all her other posts.

topping :D

Pam, that is so funny! Do you want to write the story of The " " Family?

I like your style, but sometimes truth is funnier than fiction, I have more incidents of our family but I think I have posted enough about us already.

You did make me laugh out loud and I needed that today!

Oh Faith dear,
Just remember, when you're down and feeling lonely and life is too much to bear, you have a friend..oh oh you have a friend. I do think you seem to be working through the trauma of the canal though. Your dream involved you wading not drowning or sinking to the deep. If only you and Bambi could hold hands very tightly and you could transmit some of your inner strength! Better yet, you could be the wind beneath her wings!