Doge's Palace

Venice is my favorite city in the world.  The history, the architecture, the art and everything else that's unique to Venice.  These columns on the Doge's Palace show a definite Moorish influence.  Several decades ago they were black with soot and grime.  Today, thanks to modern technology, they have been restored to their glistening white beauty.

"Doge's Palace"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Taking a Break - Boboli Gardens

After having climbed more stairs than I thought possible, I understood why this couple was taking a break.  No one told me that Boboli Gardens was built on a hillside but if it was good enough for the Medici's it was good enough for me.  I can't believe they climbed all those stairs very often.  But there was a great view of Florence from the top.  I guess all good things come at a price.

"Taking a Break - Boboli Gardens"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

No. 15

Italian house signs can be plain or fancy.  But the blue on white ceramic numbers was something I found all over Italy.  The spray painted version isn't as attractive but does serve a purpose.  The flowering vine adds an artistic touch.

"No. 15"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Night Time in Vernazza

The small towns on the Cinque Terre in Italy are quaint and charming but at night they take on a different feel after the tourists are gone.  Quiet and peaceful, it's a pleasure to stroll the streets, stop at an outdoor cafe for a drink or coffee and enjoy the ambiance.


"Night Time in Vernazza"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Roman Amphitheater

Roman amphitheaters can be found all over Italy and in many European countries but this little treasure sits just below the hilltop town of Volterra in Tuscany.  Known for it's alabaster, the small town of Volterra has this hidden treasure that many tourists miss. In fact, many tourists miss seeing the town as it's quite small and a bit out of the way.  But I assure you that it is worth the visit.

"Roman Amphitheater"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Gondoliers at Night

Day or night, you can always find a gondola in Venice.  These are wearing the traditional outfit, black and white striped shirt and straw hat with ribbon trip.  Only problem is they usually take their hats off once they have a fare and are out in the canals.  Guess they don't want to lose it in the water.

"Gondoliers at Night"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Dinner on a Side Canal

Venice is one canal after another.  No streets, no cars, just canals as a means of moving about the city.  Most tourists stick to the main channels such as the Grand Canal.  But the treasures of the city can be found by taking a less traveled path down the smaller side canals.  I came across this restaurant on a "Ghost Tour" of Venice one evening.  It was fun and gave us a glimpse into another side of the city.

"Dinner on a Side Canal"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Italian Paint Job

What a taxi!!   I spotted this in downtown Florence, Italy.  If nothing else it should make you smile.  And there isn't a bare spot on this PT Cruiser.  

"Italian Paint Job"      © Kathy Dunham 2011

Vicious Door Knocker

Having this character as a door knocker would be enough to scare away most peddlers and solicitors.  He looks pretty mean.  I wonder if it really works?

"Vicious Door Knocker"      © Kathy Dunham 2011
 

Sunset in Vernazza

It had been a stormy day along the Italian Cinque Terra with no hope of any decent light for photos.  I had dinner plans with friends so rushed back to the room to change then scooted down to the water's edge to meet them when I came upon this scene.  Needless to say, I was late for dinner but it was worth it to get this shot. 

"Sunset in Vernazza"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Lots of Peppers

The open air produce market in Venice is a wild cacophony of color.  Tomatoes, onions, squash, zucchini blossoms and of course, lots of peppers.  Get there early if you want the pick of the crop.  And most of the vendors are gone by noon.  But everything is so fresh from farms on the nearby mainland. 

"Lots of Peppers"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Marcella's Lavanderia

It looks like this Italian laundry shop is hanging out the wash.  I don't know if that's supposed to be an advertisement for the quality of work or just a neighbor drying their own laundry.  Probably the latter.

"Marcella's Lavanderia"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Rainy Day Dining

The umbrellas come out, rain or shine, for outside dining in Vernazza, Italy.  This quaint seaside town along the Cinque Terra is one splash of color after another.  Even on overcast days, the town displays color where ever you look.

"Rainy Day Dining"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

What is It?

Some might call it green cauliflower but it's actually a cross between broccoli and cauliflower.  Botanical name....   Cavolo broccolo 'Romaniesco'.  We found this specimen in Italy and it made a wonderful appetizer one evening.  It tastes more like cauliflower but it's the unusual patterns that make this a fascinating piece of nature.

"What is It?"     © Kathy Dunham 2011

Italian Hibiscus

I'm always fascinated when I find plants native to one part of the world growing profusely in another part.  Like this hibiscus.  It was growing in a small hilltop park above the harbor in Sorrento, Italy. Noted for growing in the tropics, hibiscus can be found in native habitats ranging from Africa, to Argentina, to Jamaica.  Some are even hot-climate varieties. 

"Italian Hibiscus"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

So Serious

This little guy was all over the waterfront in Vernazza, Italy.  It was hard getting a shot of him as he never stopped moving.  His dad ran the Pensione we stayed at and was a great host.

"So Serious"    © Kathy Dunham 2010

Fishing Fleet

I never actually saw anyone finishing in these boats but they are picture perfect and they were all in pristine condition.  These were some of the best kept boats I've seen in a long time.  Next time you're in Vernazza, Italy check to see if you can find any fishermen.

'Fishing Fleet"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Chess Anyone?

I don't play chess but an always fascinated but unusual chess sets.  This one is of the large variety.  I'd say each piece was about 2-3 feet tall.  No one was playing but they presented a unique look on the walk next to the harbor in Portovenere, Italy.

"Chess Anyone?"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Santa Maria della Salute

Since we're doing church tops I thought I'd add another.  This one is in Venice, right on the point across from St. Mark's piazza and at the entrance to the Grand Canal.  I love the "curls" just below the dome.  John Singer Sargent did a wonderful painting of this church, as has many other great artists.  I haven't yet but plan to some day.

"Santa Maria della Salute"      © Kathy Dunham 2010

Santa Maria della Scala

This is the dome of the beautiful duomo in Siena, Santa Maria della Scala.  The exterior is an architectural festival of green, white, pink and gold and dates back to 1215.  Inside you'll see the heads of 172, who've reigned from Peter to the 12th century peering down from above.  It's a spectacular church with many art treasures from Michelangelo to Bernani.

"Santa Maria della Scala"    © Kathy Dunham 2010