Rocco Galatioto, nice photos and good food

Cremona in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is the undisputed capitol of string instruments. Suffice to sat that Stradivari, Guarnieri and Amati were all from here. Today the art is still carried on by a number of small craftsmen. This small city is a real gem and is a must stop if one is in the area. There's also the superb food but this is for another day

There's no reason not to enjoy a wintry day. When the sun is shining one feels re invigorated by the crisp air; it makes one feel super alive. A great place to go for me is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden where there's something to enjoy, not to mention photograph, in any season.

Naples is one of the most fascinating cities in Italy and along with Palermo, it offers incredible cultural and historic diversity. Palermo has more varied  and older architecture  but Naples has greater vitality. The music alone makes it a true cultural treasure. The so called Spanish quarter is one of the most interesting places to visit. It's narrow streets and varied courtyards leave one fascinated. The sounds one hears are pure music to the ear while it's great and yet unassuming restaurants are in a class by themselves. I could go on, but I can just say that I love this great city. If I weren't Sicilian, I would certainly want to be Neapolitan. It's is my second choice, but not by much.

These photos were shot in  Kyoto, Japan in June of 1971. We were luck to be there for the Gyon festival. The camera was the Canon Ft with the  Canon 50mm F 1.4 FL lens.    

The only word to describe Versailles is majestic. One can also use excessive or other not too pleasant terms. But no matter what, the visitor is astounded and even awed by the grandeur. This image captures the large expanse that precedes the entrance. A huge piazza that must be trans-versed before one reaches the entrances. It sort of makes one feel puny. No matter what, anyone going to Paris must go there. It's actually right at the outskirts of Paris and is accessible by the Metro. BTW, entrance to the gardens is free. What you see in the background is an incredible number of touris buses.

This one, not as celebrated as the one in Pisa, is in Venice on the canal parallel to the famous one that has the bridge of sighs. Although rather pla in, it does make for an interesting photo. It is surprising that not all towers in Venice are leaning and are still standing.