My camera goes to Italy

San Gimignano.

2008-05-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Mike's Monterosso.

2008-04-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Monterosso, Cinque Terre.

2008-04-13T01:26:00.001-07:00

Piazza San Marco, Venezia

2008-04-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

We had been to Venice before, but didn't do Piazza San Marco. We invited Russ, a colleague of Mike's along also. We had a fabulous day sightseeing. I had a lousy day shooting. I have no clue what was up with my skills behind the camera, but I compensate by telling myself this website is not so much about just good shots, but about documenting the sights, what we saw, and perhaps what you might see too.

We drove to Venezia, Mestre - which is the city prior to the causeway and Venezia - San Lucia. San Lucia is the Venice people think of when thinking of "Venice". We caught a train across the causeway, which is a mere 1 euro each way. (we actually got on the wrong train and went in the wrong direction - but we won't talk about that will we Mike hehe)
Alas, from the Train station we took a water taxi, #1 from Ferrovia (train station) to San Marco - Valleresso. It takes about 40 mins or so. You cruise along the grand canal at a comfortable speed and breathe in the centuries of architecture and yesterday year times 1,000 plus. It is quite remarkable and you can't help but be moved by the grandeur of it all.

Once you get off you walk to the right, over the small bridge and through the little market place until there, right before your eyes the world opens up and swallows you in opulence and history.

San Marco Square, Venezia.
This is the baby square, the piazzetta, but it's the first view as you reach the area. New Offices on hard left, bell tower, old offices and clock tower, St Marks basilica and Doge's Palace on hard right.

Views from Piazza San Marco and round about. You aren't allowed to photograph inside the church, so there are none from in there.

I love the glass lanterns, they are so very pretty.

From the top of the Basilica.

A little side "street" off St Marks Square.

Cruising the Grand Canal, Venice.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum

Rialto Bridge.

Look what we are raising? No big surprise, right?!

Mike's Photos from Parma

2008-03-30T01:11:00.000-07:00

10 points if you can spot me (gail) in this shot.

details of the stories told on the side of the Baptistery building, which was built in Verona Pink Marble.

These stained glass windows are new-ish (1950's) and are inside the Duomo.

As you can see it's hard to get a sense of scale of the size of these buildings. As our camera's can not get wide enough to take it all in.

This accordian guy played throughout our visit to the Piazza Di Duomo and really enhanced the experience of sitting on the steps.

Typically Parma

Parma.

2008-03-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

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Outside the Duomo, Piazza Di Duomo and surrounding streets of Medieval Parma.

The Duomo and Baptistery on right, Mike on the steps of the Duomo and Mac - proof of Italia

Inside the Duomo, Cathedral.

Inside the baptistery

Inside the Basilica

soon-to-be-inside our tummies

soon to be burnt to the ground... on our way home.

Sirmione, Lake Garda

2008-03-27T19:57:00.000-07:00

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Lonely Planet says of Sirmione - "The roman poet Catullus celebrated Sirmione a narrow peninsula jutting out from the southern shore of the the Lake (Garda) as the "jewel of all islands" and his name is still invoked in connection with the place. It is q popular bathing spot and jammed tight with tourists but does retain a comparatively relaxed atmosphere. The area of interest, guarded bu a castle, is an islet attached by a bridge to the rest of the peninsula."

"Castelle Scaligere was built by Verona's ruling family, the Scaligeri, as a stronghold on the lake in 1250. There is not a lot inside bu there are great views from the tower"

A photo from Mike, to get some idea of the crowds even on a yukky day.

Carpi

2008-03-27T19:36:00.000-07:00

Carpi is a delight town near Modena

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Verona.

2008-01-13T14:25:00.001-08:00

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Welcome to Verona! The city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet. But Verona has much more to offer. The city, also known as Urbs Nobilissima, is the second biggest city in Veneto (after Venice). It is one of the cities that has better preserved its artistic heritage in Italy. http://www.virtourist.com/europe/verona/index.html

By spooky coincidence whilst walking around on the steps inside the Arena I heard "Is that Gail? It is Gail. GAIL! GAIL!" I looked over to see my friend Francesca and some of the other employees from EMS in the US/now Datalogic of Bologna. How odd that we would all meet up an hour and a half from our homes and at exactly the same moment. We had just planned to go to the arena, but joined them for the afternoon. Francesca is from Verona and gave us quite the amazing tour.
Piazza della Erbe, Dante Monument.

Russ in chains in Piazza della Erbe, Ingrid also....

Another Piazza, where the original roman road can be viewed. And the house is the "real" home of Juliet’s family (the Capuleti). The building dates from the 13th century (http://www.virtourist.com/europe/verona/index.html)

The Piazza Del Erbe - which is breathtaking in real life.

View of Piazza Bra from the Arena,

and inside the arena, which is still in use today as a concert venue.

Part of the original roman road,

and the datalogic/EMS crew looking down on it.

The Arena, dating back from the 1st Century.

The following two photographs are my two favourite shots of piazza della erbe

Part of the original facade of the Arena can be seen here.

Time to go home, nite nite Piazza Bra, I love you.

Venezia, Italy.

2008-01-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

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We caught the train to Venice (Venezia) At first we decided to go to Venice tomorrow, but when we checked the weather report again they were predicting rain for tomorrow. So on the spur of the moment, we showered, dressed and left to catch a train from Ferrara (45mins away) which would get us in Venice just after 2pm. Well it would have, had we not got off on the wrong stop and then have to spend several minutes trying to get onto another train to reach our destination. It was fun though.
Arriving in Venice S. Lucia was crazy. People everywhere, many languages, many dress codes, many many people. I was overwhelmed. MOC was stressed, we all were hungry. We stopped for a sandwich, thats something you should know about Italy, don't expect to get a sandwich with fresh bread, it just doesn't happen, its always stale. After refueling we were ready to take Venezia by storm.
I had one goal today and one goal only, to walk along the grand canal.
We followed the pressing crowd through the narrow streets until we came across a wonderfully restful strolling area along the canal. We strolled, we talked, we marveled and of course, we snapped many photographs.
It was perfect, my dream come true, aside from a gondola ride on the Grand Canal.
Not much more to say about our adventure except after arriving home and checking the area we walked on our map we found out that it was a much lesser canal than the grand canal that captured us today. And yes, we think it's hilarious too thank goodness we can always go back, but personally I loved where we walked today, even if it wasn't so grand.

The little side alleys were cool also, I love this shot with an olde world mood.

This photograph came out so perfectly that it looks totally photoshopped, which it isnt other than autolevels and a crop.

I realize this photograph doesn't look like we are in Venice, but we are. The thing about trying to get a photo together is that I have to set my camera down on something, and use the timer - potentially presenting the opportunity for someone to grab it and run off with it. So I don't do that in crowded areas, hence this lovely quiet spot at the end of one of the canals.

The Grand Canal from outside the railway station.

Mike's photos of Pisa.

2007-12-26T03:37:00.000-08:00

Mike is a fabulous photographer, he captures landscapes so incredibly - it really is his gift. It's a shame he hasn't got a good digital camera any more, since he certainly deserves one. He is the one that teaches me so much about the technical aspects of photography. Im a lucky girl.
Here are my favourites of his shots from today (He doesn't know I'm putting these up on here, I hope he doesn't mind.)

The view from the top of the leaning Tower with Macallum and I sitting on the steps to the Cathedral, and another view of the Tower.

The Tower (obviously) and our first view from coming through the gate.

The Baptistry on the far left, the Duomo (Cathedral) in the centre, with part of the tower to the back.....and another view from the top.

Looking over Pisa and inside the Camposanto.

Pisa

2007-12-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

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Pisa is in Tuscany, the next region over from us in Bologna, Emilia Romagna. As soon as we entered the region the sun came out, grazie!
This first photograph shows from left to right, the Baptistery for the Cathedral, the Duomo (cathedral) and the Leaning Tower, which is the bell tower for the Cathedral. All the buildings in the Piazza Del Duomo are on a lean due to the poor substrate.

In side the Camposanto, or cemetery - some restored frescoes inside the Camposanto and my MOC studying the graves below.

Two boys and a tower.

The restored fresco room, and an ornate sarcophagus in the cemetery (Camposanto).

Inside the Duomo and more of the inside of the Camposanto

The Nativity inside the Cathedral and the view of the altar and surrounding artworks. it was all roped off so you couldn't get very close.

My MOC at the top of the Leaning Tower, and the Tower and Duomo, Cathedral from another angle.

Dozza, Emilia Romagna

2007-12-23T12:50:00.001-08:00

The streets of Dozza (don't you think that sounds like a country song?) Alas, the streets of Dozza are beautiful, narrow, clean and alive with happy sounds. The buildings are coated in artworks (not graffiti for a change). Apparently every two years they have an outdoor art exhibition where artists come and paint the murals which you will see on some of the buildings in the images below. Some of the artworks were incredible, Mike told me to start practicing haha.

These photos are taken with the point and shoot, i swear Im going back with my good camera one day to rectify this mess. amen.

This is the "justice room" - the room where punishment was carried out, owie!

The kitchen, it was huge. I could really get a sense of people living and working here.

More of the kitchen, and 'justice room'

The worship of Mary, mother of Christ - room and the entrance into the laundry room.

The living room and dining room.

The portrait room, and baby's nursery.

the nativity in the main piazza inside the wall of the city, and more artworks in tile.

Another day in Bologna.

2007-12-22T12:15:00.000-08:00

All images were taken with the little point and shoot - it does an average job but so grateful to have it all the same. Not long to my new camera is in my hot little hands, can't wait!

Parco Della Montagnola.

Clothing market and ice skating rink in Piazza XX Settembre

Porta Galliera - Typical Italian produce at the market.

Im not sure what this structure is called, I couldn't find it in my guide book, but it looks very old, and has canon balls on the ground near it.

Market - Italiano style. - fish, flowers

foul and fresh vegetables.

fancy cakes and fresh meat hanging

freaky eels and Neptunes Square with the enormous Christmas tree.

Neptunes square again.

Bologna

2007-12-21T11:01:00.001-08:00

Fontana Del Nettuno - work of Gianbologna 1563 and a lovely, typically Italian doorway.

Two Towers of Bologna, Aisnelli and Garisenda. - Random streets of the city centre.

Piazza Maggiore. Podesta Palace on the left and Bianchi Palace on the right.

Bianche Palace and Basilica Di San Petronio

Details of the Fontana Del Nettuno (Neptunes fountain)

Piazza Maggiore, the city centre, with Basilica Di San Petronio

Pope Gregory XIII on the Communal Palace, in Piazza Maggiore.

Neptunes Square.

Piazza Santo Stefano

Madonna and child plague on some random building.

The graffiti train at the park

Piazza Santo Stefano.

Rimini

2007-12-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

The book 'Rimini, Art History Tourism' introduction to Rimini states..."situated in the middle Adriatic coast, close to the mouth of the Marecchia River, Rimin is the main town of an extremely popular province, a famous seaside resort that has been a celebrated tourist haven since the 19th Century.
Rimini is without doubt a mass tourist destination yet, this description does not go far enough. The historical centre, the oldest part of the city that lies inland from the coast, is one o Rimini's most important features and throughout the year, attracts tourists from all over the world. Likewise a general overview can not ignore the industrial part of the city that extends into the immediate surroundings and includes a number of food, mechanical and chemical factories amongst others.
Rimini is situated at the junction of the Aemilian, Flaminian and Adriatic Ways and all parts of the city including the marina, the historical centre and the industrial suburbs, are easy to reach.
The old part is particularly interesting from an archaeological point of view and in this respect too, makes Rimini a leading city on the Italian Peninsula.
This is a cosmopolitan city founded on several essential components. It was originally a settlement of fishermen, farmers and craftsman but soon became a city of tourism operators and the mass media.
Nowadays, Rimini has its own University and an important library, stocked with an increasing number of old and modern books.

Finally with regards to the origins of the city's name, many believe that it derives from Ariminum, the name given during the Classical period to the nearby Marecchia River. This name may be Etruscan, as it is a term that was often attributed in this obscure language to waterways.

it was lovely.... alas, the photos.
People on the main street Corso Di Augusto, heading toward Piazza Tre Martiri - Sunset on the Marina.

Ponte Tiberio (Tiberius Bridge) 20AD - part of Arch of Augustus which was started in 27BC, completed in 22AD.

A wide angle shot of Porte Tiberio

The walls of the Malatesta Fortress surrounding Sigismondo Caslte (1437-1446)

The Masher enjoying a giggle while the sunset kissed him face.

A closer view of Porte Tiberio

Malatesta Temple (around 15th Century)

Arco di Augusto - The Arch of Augustus.

Piazza Cavour - mess after the market.

Sigismondo castle.

The Masher on the beach in Rimini.

The glorious sunset over the new marina in Rimini.

Madonna San Luca

2007-12-20T07:16:00.000-08:00

Our first trip to the Adriatic Coast - Pila

2007-12-20T02:09:00.000-08:00

The Coast, at Pila.

The fishing boats @ Pila

Access to the sea

Spooky trees, very Alfred Hitchcock - taken whist driving past at 130kmph

Part of the complex near the castle

Looking out the castle window.

One of the stairwells inside the castle.