Italy

Pompeii, Campania

Pompeii. What does one even say about this gorgeous lost city, turned tourist destination just outside Naples? A lot.

I was actually not interested in going. I tend to shy away from overpopulated, overrated, overly popular "tourist traps." Also, it kept pouring buckets that morning. However, I was on way my back to Naples from Amalfi and said, "what the hey? I'll stop in." Then I stepped in... And. Chin. On. Ground. Gloriousness. The streets. The stones. the structures. Mah Gawd.
You will need to saunter in and few meters before the majesty that is Pompeii truly hits you. That said, the rain came, but so did the sun. After a downpour hit and cleared these beautiful streets like a Mt Vesuvius recurrence, I decided to rest myself and my worries along the gorgeous stones. Thank you for housing me, Napoli. I’ll take a seat right char...

Clearly I have a "thing" for big rock, stone or brick structures. Should I talk to someone about it? Yay or nay??

Amalfi Coast

Peek-a-boo, I see you. Amalfi, you magical city by the sea.

The view of the village of Atrani when walking down the tiny windy roadway from Amalfi.

Atrani is a tiny sea village nestled right beside Amalfi. I went there to get away from the crowds in Amalfi. The people are incredibly sweet and so is the beach. Both the town and beach are smaller than Amalfi's, making it the perfect hideaway for the person seeking a touch more peace and quiet than the main tourist destinations: Amalfi and Positano. There are a few unassuming restaurants and mini markets tucked in the main square (which is little more than a village alcove). When in these parts, please don't neglect stopping in to say hello to the locals. They are sure to receive you with love, and a warm peck on each cheek.

My first day in southern Italy, the wind was high, but so was I.

Like everyone before me, I was blown away by Amalfi's beauty. So, it was only fair that I blow this magnificent place a kiss back.

Milan/Milano

I arrived in Milan from Porto, Portugal super late and got up entirely too early. I was tired but happy to be there. I hadn't been in Milan in 15 years. Yes,  you read correctly. 15 years. I actually kicked off my sandals... (that's them on the floor in the background) and danced around the flat. Can't you see how giddy I am? Welp, that was before I had to break out and dust off my 15 year-old Italian. *Casts eyes downward* Everyone I encountered was lovely about my language creakiness, though. Not to mention, I spent too much time drinking Brunello and eating pasta to care. Hopefully, when in Milano, you will care less and flow with ease too.

Duomo di Milano

Museo del Duomo

Always imposing and impressive. Zeus.

Ceiling and stained glass.

Chapel at the Duomo

Michelangelo's The Pietà (Christ and the Virgin)

Museo Pietà Rondanini

Not gelato. And not a cone. Limon sorbetto in a small cup did me fine while in the garden at Sforza.

Venice/Venezia

Benvenuti a Venezia! Welcome to Venice!

Ah, me. Acting like I own the place, per the usual.

Santa Croce

Stunning alleyways can be found throughout Venice. No one else seemed to be equally as drawn to them but I became obsessed.​This one is located within Campiello Orsetti in Santa Croce.

Irrationally, hopelessly, deeply in love with this brick.

Grand Canal

While in Venezia, do as the Venetians do...

Mangiare (eat) Lasagne al Forno by the truck load and bere (drink) Aperol Spritz by the gallon at La Zucca 👌🏾

Feeling my own sense of flight, I decided to follow the bird...

Libreria Acqua Alta. High Tide bookstore.

These pics are mine. However, here's an excellent blog post if you want to learn more about the bookstore and see even more of it:  The Most Interesting Bookshop in the World

Venice at night.

The best time to stroll the streets. The tourist crowds have dispersed and the kids have all been put to bed.

Total serenity. Believe it or not, it's an hour before midnight.

Morning view from Zattere in Dorsoduro

Rome/Roma

Parco degli Acquedotti

When you travel across land and sea hoping to get just one kiss from the sun...

Colosseum

When a queen rises, false kings and kingdoms fall...

Fun fact: I was a sweaty mess here. Hardly queenly. Naturally, queens don’t sweat. It was exceptionally hot and I desperately wanted to do a shoot within the interior of the Colosseum at night to capture the sense of foreboding that must have been in the air before the destruction came. Wasn’t possible. I settled for playing with light and shadow in the space and on my face. (The shadows were also meant to cover the sweat sheen that was so becoming. Also why I cropped the shot. You can only cover sweat stains so much).  My head tilt was to give a nod to the heavens/Gods/ancestors/whatever might be in your mythological frame of reference to acknowledge their power and protection despite the tragedy that had befallen the city. In addition, I wanted to honor the possibility for resurrection, that if one possesses inner strength, faith and perseverance, s/he will always rise again.