With summer firmly in our rear-view mirror, many are left reminiscing about the warmer months that were filled with sunshine, beaches, and Italian vacations for some. Lake Como is one of the hottest destinations in Italy during those months, but as the cold settles in as we move closer to the new year, previous visitors may be left longing for a keepsake that transports them back to this magical place of tranquility, beauty, and elegance. Now, for the low price of $11, you can purchase “authentic air” from the area trapped in a can.
Reminiscent of the pet rock collectible that generated strong sales in the 1970s, the product is billed as a “luxury souvenir” according to the seller, ItalyComunica. “Perfect for those who wish to rediscover the peace and elegance of this heavenly corner,” the tins cannot be bought online and are only available for purchase within the Lake Como province. This is in line with the idea that “memories are not bought but lived” and can be found at Liberia Ubik, Le Soste al Mare, and Nevio – Piazza Cavour within Como specifically as well as Cernobbio, Menaggio, and Lenno.
As for the contents of the tin, the lakecomoair.it website even takes the time to list all of the elements within the 400ml of pure air, including:
- Nitrogen (N₂): 78%
- Oxygen (O₂): 21%
- Argon (Ar): 0.93%
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂): 0.04%
- Neon (Ne): 0.0018%
- Helium (He): 0.00052%
- Methane (CH₄): 0.00017%
- Krypton (Kr): 0.00011%
- Hydrogen (H₂): 0.00005%
- Xenon (Xe): 0.000009%
- Lake Como Secret Formula: 0.0000001%
Meanwhile, ItalyComunica also highlights to versatility of the can itself to prospective buyers, which can be used as a pen holder, plant pot, stationery container, and more.
Lombardy isn’t the first Italian region to attempt to capitalize on “canned air,” as Italian entrepreneur Gennaro Ciaravolo also saw an opportunity in the wake of World War II to fill empty food containers left by US troops to create “Aria di Napoli” — air of Naples. While these types of gag gifts aren’t likely to appeal to most, it will be interesting to see how this new product sells as it matures in the marketplace.
Resources:
- Lake Como Air [lakecomoair.it]
