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!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Florentine (Pietsch) death march
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.
