M y 20x30 feet terrace, a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling city, is a tapestry of vibrant colours and textures and a masterfully plotted haven. The warm sunlight dances across the lush foliage, casting dappled shadows on the worn stone floor. Blooming plants — lemongrass, palms, roses, and marigolds — sway gently in the breeze, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air like a symphony of scents and the soft chirping of birds fills the air.
The terrace, still simple and unassuming, stands in contrast to the modern, high-demand terraces of today. A meandering stone path, overgrown with soft creeping thyme, invites exploration of the entire space. The walls, adorned with beautiful decorated carvings, provide a sense of enclosure and intimacy.
The terrace’s rustic charm is enhanced by the plastered walls, adorned with beautiful decorated carvings that tell stories of their own. A clay bowl, filled with crystal clear water and a handful of grains, sits atop the balcony, a beacon for the feathered friends I have grown to love. Among them, one pigeon stands out — Incanzi, a majestic bird with a grey coat and white spots like a sprinkle of stars on a midnight sky.
Its Italian name, meaning fighter, suits its fearless nature, yet it is a gentle soul, allowing others to feast alongside it. It twirls around the flowers, neck bobbing up and down, in a rare sight. Its feathers are smooth and glossy, with a subtle sheen in the sunlight while eyes are a bright, pierc.