Monochrome Panoramic Photography: Capturing Sicily's Timeless Beauty
The black-and-white panoramic photography of Sicily uncovers its timeless beauty, from historic landmarks in Catania and Segesta to serene villages and dramatic landscapes. This photographic journey through Sicily captures the island's essence and enduring allure, offering a profound glimpse into its rich history, culture, and natural splendor.
Visiting The Coffee Capital of Italy, Trieste
Since we were so close and enjoyed our previous trip to Italy so much we decided to take a little drive north to the city of Trieste. Trieste is apparently the only free port and free zone in Europe which means companies are taxed very lightly or not at all to encourage economic activity. It is also known as "the coffee capital of Italy”.
Photographs Not Taken
I recently finished reading the book Photographs Not Taken, the book is full of short stories about why photographers didn’t capture the moment and in some cases how it hunts them. It made me think about some of the photographs that I haven’t taken and the reasons why.
Art Deco House In Ferrara, Italy
Have you ever walked passed a house or a building that just left you with a feeling that something amazing or horrifying must have happened there before? Like a crazy lady with only a glimpse of who she once was left in her eyes, she draws you in without saying a word and you can't help wondering what lies beyond the facade. While strolling down an unassuming city street in Ferrara, Italy I came across this amazing Art Deco house hidden behind a tall old concrete wall like a fortress with only a wrought iron gate allowing a view.
Battistero di San Giovanni
If you visit Siena you will likely want to stop by Siena Cathedral (Duomo di Siena). It is designed in black and white, the colors of Siena which symbolically link the Cathedral back to the black and white horses of the city’s founders, Senius and Aschius.
The Rolling Hills of Siena
Bridges Over The Arno River
As we leave Florence it seemed most appropriate to post a photo of the sun going down and the amazing view of the bridges over the Arno (yes that's right "Arno") River from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Beat The Heat And The Crowds
Today I was up early to beat the heat and the crowds. The light in the early morning and the evening is just so much better for enhancing the details of these intricate buildings and places and most of the wanderers are still tucked in their cozy little beds sleeping, so I can get to my desired locations without much of a struggle.
Rooftops and Antennas
Yesterday we made it to our last stop in Italy – Florence. We are here for 4 days and as our luck would have it the temperature has just reached the high 80s and will climb into the 90s before we leave. It’s a little too warm for my liking, but we are making the best of it trying to get out early in the day and in the evening.
Our Last Night In Manarola
Tonight is our last night in Manarola. This gem of a town should not be missed if you visit the Cinque Terre. It's so beautiful here and peaceful in spite of the tourism.
Colorful Manarola
Today we left Spoleto and took the train to Manarola, the second smallest of the famous Cinque Terre towns on the Italian coast. I couldn’t really imagine that any place could be more beautiful than where we had come from, but low and behold “welcome to Manarola”.
Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta
Today is our last day in Spoleto. While we’ve been here we’ve visited some amazing places, relaxed and met some very nice people, so it’s very hard to leave. The first historical mention of Spoletium is in 241 BC with the foundation of a colony here.
Beautiful Siena
Visiting The Piano Grande
We made it to our next stop in Italy yesterday. A place called Spoleto in Umbria. Today we rented a car so we could finally get away from the city and see some countryside.
The Trastevere Neighborhood
After spending much of our week in Rome, walking in the city center we finally spent some time in the neighborhood we have been sleeping in. This district of Rome is called “Trastevere”.
Ostia Antica
Today was the last day that our Roma Pass was valid so we decided to take the train to Ostia Antica. It’s a much larger place than we expected and full of ruins that make it easy for you to imagine what life would have been like when the place was bustling.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Today we had all the best intentions of visiting the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps but instead found ourselves stopping along the way at other places that just seemed to pop up everywhere we looked.
Inside St. Marks Basilica
When I arrived at Piazza San Marco this morning the side door to St. Marks Basilica was open. It seemed like an invitation to enter so I walked in like I owned the place and snapped a few pictures of the truly amazing mosaic masterpieces that cover the ceiling. It pays to visit the most popular places when others are sleeping.
The Colorful Island of Burano
Today we took the water bus to the colorful island of Burano. It was busier than we expected and we were lucky to get a seat on the bus. Once off the bus though, the crowds dispersed and we were able to get into the back alleys and find some quiet and vibrant spots.