mosaic road

Happy Easter

I thought that Easter would be huge in Italy but compared to Spain with its processions it has been pretty low key. Good Friday was even a normal working day which shocked me as in Australia it is a major public holiday with nothing open whatsoever. Wherever you are, have a happy and chocolatey time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quintessential and Iconic Italy

Words unnecessary !!

Not Hard to Guess My Location

City of Water
City of Masks
City of Bridges
Floating City
City of Canals

Sharing Some Views

From the rooftop terrace of Hotel Isabella in Taormina in Sicily I had serious jaw dropping awesome views of both Mt Etna and the Mediterranean....and I mean awesome in the true original Oxford dictionary way !!

Shutters....

Or louvres, whatever you call them, I love and adore them. Probably in the main because they cast such interesting and summery shadows but also because they enhance any ordinary window and turn it into something eye catching and photo worthy. Shutters adorned mansions I read about in books as a child and always, even today, make me think of Gone With the Wind type plantations and Heidi type Swiss chalets. So here in Italy I am in shutter heaven...as you can tell !!!

Dogs and Legs

I think I am an odd sort of traveller as I not only like going sightseeing but I also love seeing the dogs that are being promenaded and Italy is a great place to do both. As they are generally on the move it is hard to get good photos and I always end up with bits of their owners in the pic....usually legs as you can see !!!!

When a Gladiator Needs Lunch

The Arena of Verona is a huge Roman amphitheatre where concerts and operas are held. It is very like the Colisseum in Rome but in full working order. Today, clearly, something big was being set up and rehearsals were in full swing. I spotted this gladiator stepping out of the Roman era into the 21st Century for a spot of lunch !!!

This is Not Venice !

These beautiful canal photos might make you think I am in Venice but no ....not yet....I am in Bologna. Venice is in two days. Bologna is a lovely medieval style Italian city and is said to be the home of the first ever university. Gorgeous porticoes line the main streets under which are endless elegant clothing stores and gourmet delicatessens and of course, cafe after cafe !!!!

The Golden Glow

I had thought pink was the colour of Italy but no, I am now thinking I am wrong and Italy is all about the autumnal colours of goldy oranges and yellows. It seems wherever I look there is a golden glow whether it be fruits or flowers or buildings. Yellow hues, to me, are full of smiles and joy....so now I am sure of it, it must be the colour of Italy !!!

Jaw Dropping

When I travel my head is on a swivel, left, right, up, down, roundabout with my jaw hanging !! I can't bear to miss a thing and there is very seriously NO END to the beauty in Sicily. The ancient architecture leaves me agog and I truly gasp with pleasure seeing the pastel shuttered villas and  their Juliet balconies adorned with bright geraniums. Oh I love it all !!!