Travel and traffic in Italy was interesting. Narrow streets and large amount of pedestrian, bike and motorcycle traffic, makes driving an automobile that much more challenging. However, you did frequently see the new Smart cars. While environmentally sound and really pretty cute, I couldn't quite envision my 6'3" husband crawling into one.
Their compact size (only seats two) extends the number of parking spaces and because of their size, they are able to park perpendicular to the sidewalk in traditionally parallel only areas as you can see here.
Motorcycles are also quite popular and one model that we saw frequently was made by Kymco, pictured below.
The city is quite romantic, and after a glass or two of wine, you couldn't help but think that David Letterman could have a heyday with a top 10 list of pick-up lines for owners of these fine machines. Now there's a advertising campaign brainstorming session you would love to be a fly on the wall in.
The Kymco DINK 200.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Getting around Italy
City of Towers
The view from Fattoria Poggio Alloro towards San Gimignano. Notice all of the towers of varying sizes and heights that the city is famous for. Guessing S. Freud would have a thing or two to say about that.
San Gimignano
After the vineyard, we travelled up to San Gimignano and stopped to wander about this beautiful historic little town.
There were quaint shops and great architecture all around. The town also contains a "torture museum" and for some reason I felt compelled to go it. File this one under "What in the @#%* was I thinking?" category. I shot some photos which I can't even bear to look at, was there for only a few short minutes got physically ill and had to leave, it was horrible. Google it if you care to, but ewwww, I get sick just thinking about it. Don't say I didn't warn you.
The rest of the town was quite lovely and if you would like more information on it, you can check it out online at : http://www.sangimignano.com/sstoriai.htm
Tuesday afternoon
Following our trip to Pisa, we stopped by the Archeological museum to see their collection of Egyptian artifacts, it really is a beautiful collection and one that I think is often overlooked because of the numerous other things to see and do in Florence. If you are headed to Florence, definitely put this on your list of things not to miss....unless of course you have actually been to Egypt.
The collection contains more than 14,000 artifacts, including a partial New Testament Papyrus of John 12
Here is the Wiki description : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Archaeological_Museum_(Florence)
Papyrus info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament_papyrus
Here is a photo of a Papyrus manuscript.
Photo from patio of Fattoria Poggio Alloro
I am a sucker for a lone tree, and couldn't help but to add this one to my collection.
Moooving experience
We visited the barns at Fattoria Poggio Alloro and it was refreshing to see and smell farm animals again. This is one of the cows they have and here is the description of the breed from their site:
SELECTED CHIANINA BREED
This is one of the most ancient Tuscan breeds, once sung by Latin poets and portrayed in the Roman bas-reliefs, and today considered the best bovine breed for meat in the world.
A fireplace I could get into.....literally!
At Fattoria Poggio Alloro, we ate in one of the oldest rooms on the estate near this quaint fireplace. After lunch Eileen and I decided to jump in and warm ourselves by the fire.
the Vineyard-farm
We spent a day at Fattoria Poggio Alloro as I described earlier, and thought I would share a couple of photos from that day. We had a fabulous time and was truly a memorable day for us all.
Their website is :http://www.fattoriapoggioalloro.com/eng/
Have you ever felt like this...
As we were walking along the canal in Venice we came across this lady sitting in the sun taking a little nap and it made me smile and I couldn't help but snap a photo.
Little pig - big luck!
Il Porcellino" (The Little Pig) stands in the Straw Market in Florence, Italy
We rubbed his nose for luck. Brian tells us that a coin placed in his mouth and released that drops into one of the slots in the grate below insures good luck. Mine dropped right in!
Another view in St. Peters
The light was so beautiful as is shone through the windows and illuminated the chapel inside of St. Peters.
Another view of the chapel
The candle on the bottom left is one that I had lit in remembrance of loved ones who have passed and those valiantly fighting their own battles.
Another photo along the hike to San Miniato al Monte
The fog was lifting and the sun starting to shine as I snapped this photo nearing the church.
A view along the path
on the way up to San Miniato al Monte. This tree resembled the Whomping Willow of Harry Potter fame.
A portrait of Galileo...
which grace the building which was once his home, it was interesting to me to think that I had seen some of the sights, walked the streets, entered the churches where such instrumental individuals in our history had once had parallel experiences hundreds of years ago. Vastly different lives and times, but some slight essence of similarity.
Fountain
When we arrived in Florence and were walking towards our apartment, one of the first architectural elements I notice was this 16th century fountain by Buontalinti. Now, it might just be me, but I kept thinking that it resembled a Disney character, I can't place which one, but something about it was familiar.
Carnevale costume
Many of the shops in Vencie were preparing and selling costumes like this for Carnevale.
Inside the Pantheon
A view inside the Pantheon, which in the 7th century was converted into a church.
Filling in the gaps...
Now that I am back and have a bit of time to fill in the gaps, I thought I would post a few things that I had trouble or not enough time to while I was abroad.
One of the sites we visit in Rome was the Pantheon. While the square was quite crowded, the building was notheless impressive. And my guidebook indicates that it is estimated that it was built in 118 AD. Nearly two centuries later, it doesn't look to shabby. With the exception of the front entrance it is circular with a large circular opening in the roof, called an oculus, which lets in the only light. The building is spectacular and it leads you to wonder what we are creating today will still be as impressive in a century or two.
Returning home...
We left Venice Friday morning, taking a water taxi from our apartment to the airport. Flying KLM from Venice to Amsterdam and I feel compelled to pay compliment to KLM airlines. As far as airlines go, they just felt like a class act. The stewardesses in their light blue suits were a bit more attentive and accommodating that we have become accustomed to. On the two hour flight, we were served complimentary drinks (alcohol included), two different types of sandwiches, and ice cream.
After a short layover in Amsterdam, we boarded the plane for the next leg. It is hard to get motivated for a 9-hour flight, but it did go well. Being on an Airbus makes a big difference. The individual video screens with games, music and movies on demand go a long way to breaking up a long flight. I was able to see a couple of films including "Into the Wild" and "Moon over Miami," a bit different genres, but enjoyable nonetheless.
For people watchers, flying can be a quite entertaining experience, this flight was no exception. From the moment he walked into the plane there was one gentleman, probably in his mid to late 40's that you could just tell was going to be trouble and it wasn't long before those thoughts had been confirmed. From the moment he sat down and informed the flight attendant that he was in the mood to party and to keep brining the drinks, you knew it would be trouble. The arrogance and inconsideration of this man were astounding.
Now, I don't claim to be a germophobe, but after roughly the 5th or 6th sneeze of this man without covering his mouth was giving me a much greater appreciation for the life of Howard Hughes. Not the little "oh I can't believe I just sneezed" variety, his sneeze was the "everyone in a 5 mile radius is going to experience this one" type. Pop another "Airborn" and tell yourself he doesn't "look" as though he was dying from any communicable diseases.
As the flight progressed, this gentle man was finding great entertainment in a movie was was laughing boisterously in order for the entire plane to notice. He had also made himself comfortable by reclining his seat and then wedging his feed on the chair ahead of him preventing that chair from reclining and forcing his chair back even further.
Nearing the coast again, in the upper regions of Canada, we hear an announcement over the intercom, "If there is a doctor on board, please report to the rear of the plane." Well, so much for sleep. Now 3-4 people walked to the back of the plane including one which appeared to be a pilot, I surmised that they appeared to be "doctors" and had there not been a potential-life threatening activity developing in the back of the plane, I might have been compelled to have them check out Mr. Sneezy to make sure he wasn't spreading the plague or the like.
Shortly after the call for a doctor, our friend Mr. Sneezy starts protesting that he wants another drink and where is the flight attendant. She was in fact in the rear of the plane as far as we know saving a life or perhaps helping to detain a terrorist. Your drink buddy, wasn't on the top of the priority list at that very moment. So he gets up, goes to the galley and retrieves it himself, I watch in amazement.
As this all progresses, your mind can't help but wander to the possibilities of what is happening in the rear of the plane, will be be diverted to a Canadian city for medical help, was it an elderly person, a child, was it communicable, had someone in the rear of the plane actually expired. Thoughts of an article I had recently read where someone had passed on flight and they moved them to first-class, strapped them into the seat for the remainder of the flight. My brother Brian, with much greater Howard Hughes tendencies, was surely to be walking down the aisle any moment, hyperventilating and refusing to return to his seat near the corpse until he was assured the cause of death wasn't contagious.
In the end, as far as we know, no one died, while the thoughts of the murder of "Mr. Sneezy" had run though my head, I attributed it to an anxiety attack of someone, nothing more than a little oxygen and some hand holding. I don't know that to be the case, but that is the one I am going with.
With all the entertainment and paranoia, the flight did seem to go a bit more quickly, as quickly as 9 hours in hell can go. But it was, as always, a good feeling to touch down in the US and know that you soon would be home.
The flight to Fargo was uneventful and I was excited to see Tom and the girls waiting for me at the terminal. It was great to be home and in their arms again.
A sample of Mosaic at St. Mark's
This is an image of one of the mosaics on the outside of the building at St. Mark's. No photos were allowed within the church.
There as sunset was approaching the soft warm sunlight coupled with the the abundance of reflective gold tile within the church was spectacular.
Wednesday - Venice
I wasn't able to get an internet connection while in Venice, so I am posting some highlights, photos, and commentary to round out the blog.
Wednesday morning, we said arrivederci to Florence, and ventured via train to Venice. The ride was about 3 hours, but thanks to several bottles of wine and some delicious snacks coupled with a train car all to ourselves, and great company, we had a great time.
The apartment in Venice was beautiful, spacious and a bit more modern than that in Florence. It was although, over 150 steps up to it. So we did get a workout, but it was well worth it.
By this time, I had been experiencing some pain in my neck and shoulders and had developed quite a headache, so I did spend a bit more time, hanging out and relaxing resting thanks to some muscle relaxers.
I was able to spend some time with the group at St. Marks square and cathedral, which was absolutely beautiful. A fan of mosaic, St. Marks was breathtaking. Oh to be the seller of metallic gold tile in those days!
The city was preparing for Carnevale a "mardi gras" type of celebration, so the city was full of masks, capes, confetti, and costumes. Preparations we being made and a stage built for a major concert in St. Mark's square, but we were unable to find out who was performing.
The city is very beautiful and quaint and the canals and gondolas we abundant.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Tuesday - Pisa
Yesterday, we took the train to Pisa, about an hour, to see the leaning tower. We met a couple of sisters from Utah, and had fun talking with them and hearing about their travels as well. It was fun to see someone from the states.
Bev and I hiked to the top of the tower, and the views from the top were great. After a little shopping in the stores and picking up our lunch of some sandwiches and some dessert, we were back to Florence and hit the Archeological Museum, which has a tremendous collection of Egyptian artifacts. Next on to the Ufizzi museum to see "The birth of Venus" and "The Holy Family" and some others followed by a meal at La Rotunda and back home to crash for another day.
Today we leave for Venice, and as I look back on the time here, we had so much fun, it is such a beautiful city, and the views get even better at night with the light reflecting on the water. So fortunate to have been able to experience it.
Wine Country - Monday
Sorry for not posting sooner, we have been busy and the internet has been slow.
Monday we spent the day at a little winery/farm upon the hill. We had a fabulous time. Aside from a little motion sickness on the way, due to the windy roads, we had so much fun. It was good to see a farm family working together. After the tour of the farm, we had lunch in the oldest part of the farmhouse, which had a fabulous fireplace with little benches that you could sit in to warm yourself, it was huge! And the meal was fabulous. Bruchetta, and Crostini with liver pate. Pasta and meat sauce was the second course and followed by four types of meat, pork they had grown there, liver or something (I didn't try), Rosemary chicken (both fresh) and a pork sausage. We were of course full by the second course, but didn't shy away from the rest, followed by a rich and creamy chocolate mousse and a desert liquor with biscotti. It was all so delicious, and we had a really good time just sitting around the table and laughing.
The view was spectacular and our host, Sarah, was so nice and it was obvious she was doing something she loved.
Monday, January 21, 2008
A bit of local flavor
I have really enjoyed the food here. Here is one of the pastries we sampled at a little cafe. We have tried a number of things including pasta with a wild boar sauce, penne with shrimp (complete with pinchers and eyes...ewww) and it has all been pretty good. Also, plenty of pizza.
Thank heavens for all of the walking, or I may have needed two seats on the return flight.
When in Rome!
Yesterday, we took the train to Rome, my first train ride ever. While a day isn't nearly long enough to see everything in the beautiful city, we did our best to pack it all in. Starting at the Colosseum which was amazing, the size and the guides quite graphic details of what took place in this building.
Next we ventured to the Vatican and St. Peters, which was absolutely breathtaking, in many ways. I was able to see the pieta, which was definitely a highlight, I only wish it was better lit and you could get closer. The soft sunlight was shining through the cupola and as we were leaving a group was singing, and the sound was absolutely heavenly.
Following, we stopped off at the Pantheon, which was really interesting, the size and the age, you couldn't help thinking of those who had visited for centuries.
Next we moved on to the Trevi fountain, which was my favorite of the day. A fountain freak, I was in awe of how upon approach, you are walking through the city, like any other block and around the corner, viola, massive fountain. It was really incredible.
And on to the Spanish steps, which was a bit less impressive than I had imagined, but they were doing construction at the top and I think that was a bit distracting. However, some of us drank from the fountain at the base of the steps, while others referred to it as the "colera fountain." Still alive today, so I guess that is a good sign.
Today, on to wine country!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
David
This is a replica of Michaelangelo's David high on a hill overlooking Florence. While we did visit the original (no photos allowed) this was similarly impressive.
View of Florence
While the treck to the top of the mountain was a bit exhausting, the view from the top was worth every breath. This was taken just as the morning fog shrouding the city was lifting.
Alter in church upon the hill
This is a photo of the alter and dome above. The mosaic was absolutely breathtaking.
Chapel view
This is a view of the cross in the chapel up on the hill. The chapel was so beautiful, peaceful, and lit only with natural light and a few candles.
The Florentine (Pietsch) death march
Brian took us on a walking tour to San Miniato al Monte, a church perched on a hill overlooking Florence. Built in 1018 over the shrine of the early Christian martyr. The church was absolutely beautiful, but the treck was mostly uphill. We passed the home of Galileo. We stopped just before the church and snapped two photos, one holding signs in honor of my aunt Joan stating "Go Joan Go" and another wishing my cousin Kelly a "happy birthday." Can't wait to tell the kids about the 3 mile hike uphill both ways.
The church was absolutely beautiful, and there were few people there. I spent several minutes in the lower chapel by myself, and it was peaceful and an absolutely wonderful experience. I snapped several photos while there and lit a couple of candles. A moment I will never forget.
I purchased a couple of things at the gift shop including some lavender essential oils, a cross for my collection, and a Gregorian chant CD.
We stopped for lunch at a little cafe overlooking Florence and the food was wonderful.
We also visited Santa Croche on the way down, which was beautiful and contained the tombs of Michaelangelo, Galileo, and many others.
And did a bit of shopping, stopping at the straw market, and once again visiting the artists creating chalk images on the sidewalk.
We did a bit of shopping and ended the evening ate Il Latini, a little restaurant, which Rachael Ray had suggested. It was quite an experience. Quickly ushered to our table, the waiter immediately and feverishly started placing food in front of us, and wine, and more foood. As quickly as it came, we ate it up. Tried a lot of things I typically wouldn't have, including a pasta with wild boar, proscuitto, etc. Great fun and laughter was had by all.
Ciao!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Fresh Fruit!!!
One of the things that was so refreshing to see was all of the fresh fruit in the open markets. We picked up some fresh artichokes and snacked on them this evening in the apartment.
Sidewalk chalk art
As were exploring the city this evening, we came across a couple of artists creating sidewalk art with chalk. I thought this one was particularly beautiful. In all, the image was about 4 feet tall.
Duomo photo
This photo was taken of the ceiling inside the Duomo. Our guide indicated the the paintings of the people on the ring are roughly 27 feet tall.
Ponte Vecchio - another try
Attached is a photo of the Ponte Vecchio that I took this evening on the way back to the apartment.
A wonderfully sunny day in Florence
After a long period of rains the sun was out in Florence as we explored the city. This morning we went on a walking tour visiting; the Duomo, the babtistry, David, the Ponte Vecchio which are in such close proximity to our apartment. The weather has been beautiful, and there is so much beautiful architecture here. We visited a large market with a wide variety of fruits and vegtables, as well as a number of meats that I hope never to sample.
We ate lunch at an outdoor restaurant and had some delicious wine followed by some wonderful pastries. Heading out for dinner shortly and will try to contain myself after the "wine incident" which I had last evening.
Morning in Florence!
After a long day of travel and a good nights sleep, we are preparing for our first full day in Florence. The flights went smoothly, and the driver was there to pick us up and bring us to the apartment. Last night, we ventured out for a nice dinner at an outdoor restaurant and walked about the city, across the nearby Ponte Vechio and past the Duomo which is spectacular in person. You have to give it to them, they did know grandeur!
As I type this morning, the smell of coffee wafting, through the what was once a bakery, I am reminded of those who years ago, walked in this same place, readying bread for the ovens and the smell of baking bread which once permeated these walls.
We are on schedule for a half day walking tour of the city this morning, and can't wait to see the city in daylight.
Hoping all is well with those of you at home!
B
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Final preparations
With less than an hour before we need to be leaving for the airport, I am feeling much more comfortable with my packing and preparations. I am happy to report that my suitcase is packed, and only about 3/4 full, making plenty of room for gifts and treasures. While my checked luggage has some room to spare, it appears that my carry on will be weighing just shy of my 11 year-old. My laptop, ipod, camera, lenses, pillow, reading material, and the bottle of Tylenol PM, etc. But all things I feel much safer within my grips.
Just a few small details left, some files to e-mail off, some things to clean up and to dispose of the 3 trees worth of packing material that accompanied all of the things I needed for the trip, perhaps a gallon of oil is more accurate than the trees. I have downloaded some audiobooks, TV shows, including a "Rapid Italian" language primer, maybe I can listen while I sleep and absorb something.
Ciao!
B
Monday, January 14, 2008
Random photos posting
This barn is located up just west of Devils Lake, ND on the way to where we spend much time in the summer. The photo is indicative of the falling away of barns across the country. In an area once dotted with the red icons, they too are meeting their demise. Being replaced with newer modern metal buildings, there is something to appreciate in the wood structure and the community that once came together to help raise them.
Me again....and again....and again...
On the day that I shot this image, I recall thinking about repetition and perspective. Over the years, I think repetition has gotten a bad rap. Don't get me wrong, I think repetition is often confused with boredom and monotony, but there is something very comforting about repetition and how integral it is in our lives.
Repetition garners a sense of safety and security in our day-to-day lives. Your daily routine, some are more dependent on that others. The structure keeps some moving while seems to stifle others. I think I fall somewhere in between. There are certain things, certain aspects of life that are a given, certain people, certain actions and you can rely on, set your clock to. I have a friend, that no matter what is going on, always has a great attitude on life. When you ask, as we so often do; "how are you?" you are met by an enthusiastic "FABULOUS" or "SPECTACULAR" and I know that is always good for making me smile. The question is repetitive, and the answer isn't always exactly the same, but the tone is. In that same way, my father-in-law always makes me smile. At any point in the day, when you see or talk to him, you are met with a "Good afternoon." At 5 am, at 11am, at 9pm, always afternoon and always good. Now, it just wouldn't be Mark if he said anything else.
So, what does this repetition do for us. Comfort for one, and as I alluded to earlier, and I believe, perspective. Without the repetition of daily life, would we know when something "special" happens, or would it hold itself to be less remarkable? Also, perspective in clarity of thought. Have you ever been on a treadmill, walking, or in the shower and all of a sudden had the answer to something you had long been pondering? The repetition, the movement, the routine, gets us out of our head, distracts our mind so that we can approach something differently or to let us remember. It keeps us from thinking too hard.
And while there are certain repetitions that we can do without, as a photographer, the proliferation of telephone poles would be one, telemarketers, election mudslinging and taxes to name a few, you can't discount it altogether.
Marketers capitalize on this, for brand recognition, to keep their product in the top of your mind, creating repetition in their visual and audio style. When we turn on the TV and see a commercial; white background, two men standing there, do we need for Justin Long to tell us he is a "Mac"? No, we know, we understand and that repetition of "Hello, I'm a Mac" in a split second, we know what that commercial is going to be about, and for some us mac-addicts, starts the drool a flowing. At least you know the commercial will be entertaining.
Just as the image of the fence leading off into the distance, shows us perspective, gives us a horizon line, find time in your day to embrace the repetition in your life. That morning cup of coffee you couldn't live without, the song that never fails to put you in a good mood, or that loving embrace of a child after a long day apart.
