Looks Like Canaletto

Doors and Windows

Divas in Hot Weather

There is no explanation for why I like this. I guess the theme is once a diva, always a diva.

Ponte Vecchio

This would be a really fantastic picture if the ponte vecchio weren't in restauro.

The Lord is my Lighting Assistant

In San Giovanni we have Jesus holding a pole of flood lights. On second thought since we are in San Giovanni, it's probably John the Baptist.

Addio Firenze

San Miniato

San Lorenzo

San Giovanni

Santa Maria della Fiore


Palazzo Vecchio



Sunrise from the roof of Hotel Medici.

Cops

I can't say much for these pictures.  The outfits are remarkably varied, but all look pretty good.  The first two are Florence, the last two Rome.  The weather for all of them was astoundingly hot.

San Marco

View from inside.

This is my favorite art in Florence--Fra Angelico annunciation and nolo me tangere.

Trip Around Capri

Our trip to Capri included a boat trip around the island.

Various celebrity villas were pointed out as we went along.
In the left rock is a hole the boat sailed through.
The Italian announcer explained that for good luck at a precise spot one is to kiss one's beloved. Then later he said, "basta," enough kissing.

It is curious to me that I completely understand Italian only when they are talking about love.

Store Windows 2010

There were others, but this is definitely my favorite.

26 July

The 26th of July is the feast day of St. Anne, the mother of Mary. This is celebrated with a procession in Florence, a procession that moves through the Piazza Signoria.

One of our group rented an apartment in the Piazza Signoria, the one in the center with the balcony.

From there we could look down on the activities below.

If you want to rent the apartment, it looks something like this.

The procession went right below his window.

He was a gracious and very generous host.

Street Performers

The first two performers are taking advantage of the captive audience in our street.

In other parts of town are this excellent singer near Piazza Republica.

This guitarist in Piazza Signoria.

This dancer who stands still until you give her money.

These two guys serenade your table until you give them money.

All the way out of town are this group in San Geminiano.

And I see the Statue of Liberty Lady is still working the same spot in the Piazza Navonna.

Interiors

Basement of the Pitti Palace.


Piazza Santo Spirito.


Sorrento.

Is the Colosseum falling over?

More People with Dogs

Looks Like Joseph Mallord William Turner

This, of course, is the burning of the houses of parliament.

Santa Maria Novella

The church Santa Maria Novella is near the train station and has the only original facade of the churches of Florence.

The treasures inside include the crucifix by Giotto,
and the Trinity by Masaccio. These two paintings have been recently restored and photographs of them are strictly forbidden. Oops.  They're really bad pictures, so maybe it's OK.

The crucifix hangs at exactly the spot where it would have stood atop the rood screen of the middle ages, a barrier that prevented ordinary people from seeing the mass. The only church I've seen that still has a rood screen is San Marco in Venice.

The Masaccio painting is considered the first Renaissance painting for its use of perspective.