6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30 Italian Style - Day 3

SAN GIMIGNANO Seinna, Italy

6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30

Today's adventure started with a 6:30 am wake up call which I decided to ignore. But I dragged my sorry self to the washroom and made myself presentable. Today we are driving to the picturesque town of San Gimignano. Famous not only for its ceramics but for its beautiful landscapes. Today's special is shopping, and what could be better than shopping for leather.

Heading sounth on the A1 the gathering dark clouds and hanging mist of rain threatened our third day in Tuscany. But as we headed closer towards our destination the Italian saint of weather "Saint Clare of Assisi" turned the day into something that painters dream of.

Tucked in the hill side 334m high dominating the Elsa Valley with its towers lies San Gimignano. Once the seat of a small Etruscan village of the Hellenistic period (200-300 BC) it began its life as a town in the 10th century taking its name from the Holy Bishop of Modena, St. Gimignano, who is said to have saved the village from the barbarian hordes. The town increased in wealth and developed greatly during the Middle Ages thanks to the "Via Francigena" the trading and pilgrim's route that crossed it. Such prosperity lead to the flourishing of works of art to adorn the churches and monasteries. In 1199 it became a free municipality and fought against the Bishops of Volterra and the surrounding municipalities. Due to internal power struggles it eventually divided into two factions one headed by the Ardinghelli family (Guelphs) and the other by the Salvucci family (Ghibellines). On the 8th May 1300 Dante Alighieri came to San Gimignano as the Ambassador of the Guelph League in Tuscany. In 1348 San Gimignano's population was drastically reduced by the Black Death Plague throwing the city into a serious crisis which eventually led to its submission to Florence in 1353. In the following centuries San Gimignano overcame its decline and isolation when its beauty and cultural importance together with its agricultural heritage were rediscovered. The construction of the towers dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries. The architecture of the city was influenced by Pisa, Siena and Florence. There are 14th century paintings of the Sienese School to be seen and 15th century paintings of the Florentine School.

With so many things to see and do just spending a day here might not be the way to go but it would certainly be a place to return to.

Strolling from shop to shop, sitting in a cafe enjoying an espresso, or cooling off with a creamy smooth pistachio gellato. Each shop were filled with smells and colours, from leather artisan, to book making, to hand made scarfs made of wool for 185 EURO. There is something for everyone.

There were cheese shops with wonderful fragrances and aging meats curring, why there were even wild boar legs and head hanging. The best thing about this small town is the beautiful buildings. The many doors, knocks and small little alley ways and specialized shops

View as we arrived at San Gimignano 

Opening gates to the town



Wild Boar meat in the door entrance

Towers dates back to the 11th and 13th centuries

 



Typical shop filled with pasta, sauces, pesto and other Italian fair



 

Cheeses and curried meats ready for sale

 As we left for our next destination San Donato Winery I took the same shot I did when we arrived minus the misty and discovered a valley of well laid out vineyards and olive trees, you can't get any more Italian than that.

A Study of Doors and Knockers -SAN GIMIGNANO

One of my favorite things to study are old doors, windows, door handles or knockers, mailboxes and PA systems or door bells. I love discovering how different each one is what there function could have been for example I notice a lot of iron pieces that had hoops which I imagined were used to tie up horses.

The following images are some of the items I found as I discovered SAN GIMIGNANO

Tomorrow Part II of  Day 3 a visit to San Donato Winery. 

6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30 Italian Style - Day 2

Citta di LUCCA

6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30

Today, following breakfast, we boarded our motor coach and drove to the medieval town of LUCCA. The first thing you will see arriving in Lucca are the town walls which are very well preserved and still today surround all the old town. Lucca is the only town in Italy entirely surrounded by walls.

Imagine a beautiful little Tuscan town protected by massively thick 16th-century walls, featuring some of Italy's finest medieval and Renaissance architecture. Lucca is one of Tuscany's best-kept secrets. Lucca is also the birthplace of the famous composer Puccini, here we met our local guide Ellen, who took us on a fascinating tour of the city.

Lucca is situated 19 m. above sea level on an alluvial plateau, to the left of the Serchio river, not far from the Tyrrhenian coast. The town lies within a circle of 16th century walls which, in the 19th century, were transformed into a tree-lined avenue; it has therefore maintained its characteristic medieval structure.

The following are a few pictures that I captured during our short visit. One of the things I love about Italy is the fact that all your senses are given a very good work out. From the bright colours, wonderful smells, sounds, and of course touch.


Sense of Sound

One of the many sounds I heard was the sound of horns and the speed of motor bikes. In fact I think I saw more Vespa's than I did of actual cars. There bright colours and shiny chrome made a perfect picture opportunity. Why they even have a perfect little parking spot!



Other things I heard, were church bells, children laughing, especially when we walked passed daycares. Children would be at the wrought iron gates saying "Ciao" or "Hello" with big contagious smiles on their little faces. And lets not forget the many conversations in many languages, Dutch, German, Chinese and of course Italian.



Sense of Smell

How is it that our sense of smell always make us feel so good or reminds us when we were children. Lucca took me back, from the markets with fresh fruit to the meat and cheese shops. Lets not forget the bakeries with there fresh baked breads with oils and vinegars. I am certain that no one who visits Italy cannot find something delicious that delights their palate.

Can you say Balsamic Vinegar, so many to choose

from and so many pretty bottles.

This particular market had so many wonderful smells,
from aged cheese, to meats hanging from

the ceiling. I could have stayed there all day!

Sense of Colour

The first thing that struck me while strolling through Lucca was colour, from buildings to flowers to fashion. Italians love colour and even more they love fashion. I have to say I have never seen so many beautiful shop windows, with colour and elegance. Seriously I was addicted to the fashions that I saw and how much more advance Italy is than we are in North America.

Italian fashion isn't limited to adults, there were
just as many children's boutiques,
even boutiques for pets. Bella Bella Bella...

This shop window was a good example of
how fashionable Italians are. I love the dress with
the fur and the coat if I could I would have bought

everything in this window.

Again so lov'n this both the colour and

the style and doesn't this mannequin look
like one of the mannequin's from the
movie Confessions of a Shopaholic?

I love how stores look like personal homes, using
furniture that can be found everyday, so charming.

Need I say more COLOUR and leather a great combo,

I bought a purse from this store in chocolate, orange

and turquoise, I could just eat it!

The San Martino Church

Duomo di San Martino ? This Romanesque cathedral contains a famous relic, the Volto Santo (Holy Face), a wooden figure of Christ. The Volto Santo is believed to be the true face of Christ, carved by Nicodemus who was present at the crucifixion.

The Cathedral was completely rebuilt between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries; in 1261 it was joined to the adjoining bell-tower, hence the unusual asymmetry of the facade and its smaller arch to the right.

Some of the carving dates back to the fifth century and some work has been attributed to Nicola Pisano.

The tomb of Ilaria is the work of Lucca's famous son, Matteo Civitali, and dates from the fifteenth century. The Volto Santo (Holy Face) is a wooden effigy that is said to be a true image of Christ, carved by Nicodemus at the crucifixion. Once a year the revered effigy is removed to head a procession through the streets of Lucca. Cathedral Museum. Rising alongside the Duomo, the museum is located in a complex of medieval origin. It houses a patrimony of inestimable artistic and historical value. Included in the collection are miniature codices, jewelry, paintings, liturgical dress, sculptures and wooden crosses, organized according to a chronological and didactic order, belonging as well to the Cathedral and the Baptistery of S. Giovanni. Admission is charged; closed Mondays

The San Martino Church



The San Martino Church


Town Shots - A Day in Lucca

Walking through the streets of Lucca you can't help but find so many wonderful images that need preserving. From simple street shots to flower stands, quiet streets, beautiful doors, even little dogs in bike baskets. I simple loved Lucca!









 

  

The San Frediano Church

The facade of the church is decorated with a lavish thirteenth century mosaic; the interior is worth seeing and houses a richly carved baptismal font as well as a shrine to Lucca's saint, Santa Zita. (details) Instantly distinguishable from other Romanesque churches of Lucca by its golden mosaic high on the facade, the church of San Frediano is also of interest internally. The huge twelfth century baptismal font, the Fonte Lustrale, lies immediately at the entrance and is decorated with biblical scenes attributed to three different craftsmen. The church also houses a shrine to Santa Zita, Lucca's saint, whose mummified body is brought out once a year when she may be touched by the devout.

The San Frediano Church

"Piazza Anfiteatro" Piazza of the Amphitheatre

Built on the site of an original Roman amphitheatre, Piazza Anfiteatro is another ‘must-see' in Lucca. Some original Roman elements remain, particularly within the outer walls. This ancient site constitutes one of the most characteristic and original monuments of the city. The ancient amphitheatre dates from the 2nd century A.D. It was built on an elliptical plan with two rows of 54 arcades and a maximum capacity of 10,000 spectators. Beginning in the Middle Ages, houses were built over the ruins. Over the course of time the piazza developed its characteristic elliptical shape, with buildings all around it. The ancient remains are still quite evident today. The colorful piazza was restored in 1830. Enlivened by shops and cafes, it is still at the center of cultural activities, music festivals, and fairs.

I love how this arch frames the piazza enhancing the colours and the blue sky.

Inviting cafe waiting for guests in the Piazza Anfiteatro.

I love how the buildings here are round with beautiful
green shutters many of which have laundry hanging from them.

First cafe in Italy in Piazza Anfiteatro.

Lunch in the piazza yes that is me eating tomatoes
but they are so different in Italy sweet and organic so delicious.

It Brought Tears to My Eyes - Pisa, Italy

As I turned the corner my eyes gazed upon something so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes.

Pisa, renowned worldwide for its Leaning Tower, definitely deserves more than the usual day stop which traditionally occurs on tourist routes. The city boasts an ancient history which was at its most splendid during the era of the Marine Republic. For tourists, Pisa is a treasure chest full of surprises; from the bright Lungarni quays walled by noble buildings, to the web of narrow, medieval alleys leading to the famous Piazza dei Miracoli. Home of Galileo Galilei, Pisa is today an important university city and offers a lively student lifestyle.

One of the things that I found surprising in Italy is the fact that buildings are so close together, I mean really I thought the Leaning Tower was on its own but was pleasantly surprised that it sat against the spectacular Cathedral of Pisa.

What do you say but WOW!

I love how the sun reflects off the Tower and gives a
kaleidoscope of colour. At first I thought there was
something wrong with my camera, not realizing what
was happening. So perfect so beautiful.



Cathedral of Pisa



Can you imagine having these for your front
doors so beautiful Cathedral of Pisa 

Amazing example of  Corinthian Columns.



6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30 Italian Style

Good morning everyone.

My intention during my trip to Italy was to blog the entire experience on the road but as much as we are advanced with technology in North America there is something to be said for the rest of the world. So this is defiantly a delayed Ciao Bella from sunny Italy, where the temperature is a warm 30 Celsius everyday almost, very sunny with fantastic blue skies. Italy has touched all my senses and has opened me to so many fantastic wines, food, and culture. So join me over the next 2 weeks as I celebrate Italy through the eyes of my lens.

6:30 - 7:30 - 8:30 Italian Style

Monday October 3rd, 2011 - Flight to New York, Paris and Florance

I can never say that travel is easy, you would think with today's advances there would be direct flights that didn't require you to take three planes to get somewhere. Thank goodness Delta looked after us so well right from the start and managed to get our luggage directly to Florence without having to drag it every where we went.

Flight was fantastic, it felt like an hour flight once we left JFK, with a layover in Paris day one was spent traveling into another day. As we lined up to check-in I was delighted to see that Ali Edwards was in the same line-up and waiting patiently for her turn. As the group started to gather, both from Canada and the US Ali's friendly face and warmth came over to say hello and welcome us the excitement was starting to begin. Where we actually going to Italy? And was Ali really coming along with us? YOU BET!

My Work Kit

For those of you who know me packing light is not one of my best qualities but for this trip it was essential with so much to bring, camera's, cloths, tablet, shoes, shoes and more shoes. So I managed to bring just a little packed nice and neat in a case plus a few odds and ends. 

First Stop - MONTECATINI TERME

Tuesday, October 4th

After we landed and gathered our bags we boarded our first class motor coach for our short drive to Montecatini Terme.

Our bus towards the end of our stay which was
used for Miss Italia, we got a lot of waves
as we drove around Tuscany

Montecatini Terme is a charming resort town which we used as our base for the first 8 days. Once checked in there was no time for rest as we gathered our cameras and headed into town for a short stroll through the streets of our home base.

There are so many things that I love to shoot pictures of, doors, windows, gates, wrought iron , animals and people. My favorite are door knockers and door bells. I love the old look and feel the rust the bright colours. I love the out of place things, things that create emotion, that leave you thinking and wondering.

The following images are a few of my favorite shots that I took the first day.

As we walked into town just around the corner I discovered this beautiful shutter with a wrought iron railing and screens on the windows so beautiful. I love the colour combinations the earth tones.



What can I say but colour colour colour, the contrast between the absolutely fantastic yellow and the green just scream take my picture and I wasn't disappointed.

I love how the rust plays with the turquoise and the pink and then you have that wonderful chocolate door yummmm. again we have wrought iron, colour and aging what more could you want in a photo.

I love the elegance of this shot,not alot of colour used but the wrought iron manages to stand out so perfectly, like lace.

 

I love how the shadow is reflected on this building adding even more character to it and the railing style is so pretty and elegant another wonderful example of Italian style.

Beautiful sunset starting in a town square, throwing shadows across the building so pretty.

And of course we can't forget to the locals, I don't know how but this little guy was just so darn sweet I had to take a picture. This was the beginning of my discovery of the love Italians have for their four legged friends.