Galatioto Photo

My favorite house

2012-01-28T01:07:00.000-08:00

Situated at the marina overlooking the sea, this wonderful structure is without equal in Castellammare.

Old farm house

2012-01-27T01:17:00.000-08:00

This old Sicilian farm structure overlooking the deep blue sea, used to be shelter for farmers or herders. Not in use anymore, it contrasts nicely with the land, sea and sky.

A REAL JEWEL IN A STORMY SEA

2012-01-26T01:15:00.000-08:00

Castellamare del Golfo is a true gem but at the present time the situation in Italy is at best chaotic. Truckers' strikes, demonstrations and road blockages by angry demonstrators who are attempting to influence a government made up of technocrats. These were not elected by anyone but were approved by the legislature who in Italy is actually elected by the parties. I call this democracy light. It's really too bad as the country is uniquely beautiful and full of artistic and natural treasures, not to mention cultural ones. It's language is the most beautiful of all albeit very difficult to use properly. What can you do, the more you change it the more it remains the same. Yet I love this place especially this beautiful town.

No need for spring fever here

2012-01-25T23:55:00.000-08:00

I took a ride in the country here and it is so lush and springlike that if you did not have a calendar you would think it's spring tome. It's not hot but always above freezing so plants enjoy the winter rain to flourish.

Sicilian scallions

2012-01-24T13:28:00.000-08:00

Maybe it's the fact that this has been sort of a socialist country since the end of fascism that makes many vegetables that are usually white red. I bought these scallions at a local store. They were the last as the truckers' strike has impacted vegetable delivery. My son who is visiting from Turin wanted beef soup so I had to scramble for the ingredients. But these scallions were so pretty that I had to photograph them.

A possible Olympus OM-4? Or just a rumor

2012-01-24T04:44:00.000-08:00

This from our friends at Digital Photography review:
"Kyodo News International, a Japanese news service, is reporting that Olympus will introduce a 16MP camera based on its classic OM series. The news would tie-in with a recent Olympus press advert in the UK that highlighted the letters 'O' and 'M' in the text. The report suggests such a camera would sell for over ¥100,000 (around $1300) and feature 'high-speed autofocus and image stabilization functionality.' Meanwhile, Japanese financial newspaper Nikkei is reporting that Sony is considering investing in Olympus and forming a business alliance. Fujifilm which, like Olympus, has extensive medical interests is also rumored to be interested."

If this were a full frame camera it would allow all the old superb Zuiko lenses to be used.
It could be great news if it's real

A telling tale of a RR station

2012-01-23T13:27:00.000-08:00

In Italy 90 percent of all merchandize travels by trucks. Presently, the nation is totally paralyzed by s trucker's strike that started in Sicily but spread throughout the mainland putting any slim chance of economic recover in peril. All of this while the nation's rail system is almost in total disuse. Here we see the rail road station of Castellammare that looks almost like a cemetery. Freight trains rarely pass by and the passenger trains that do stop are almost empty.
Very sad and misguided. But in Italy planning is really a foreign concept that has never been welcomed. The proverbial shit is about to hit the fan,

Sunset time

2012-01-23T01:23:00.000-08:00

As Castellammare is East of a large mountain chain, there are no real sunsets as the sun sets west of the mountain. Yet the place get a very nice glow and is very colorful on a nice day.

Wash day in Sicily

2012-01-22T01:41:00.000-08:00

Unless it rains, every day is wash day. Clothes are hung outside without the worry of freezing.

Arrivederci Kodak?

2012-01-21T04:19:00.000-08:00

I do not want to say goodby to Kodak but it's future looks dim. I hope it's not the end. It's ironic that it was Kodak whose R&D led to the development of digital photography. Beside inventing the sensor it brought out the first DSLR. How can I ever forget the magic of Tri-X, and Opal V. And what about D-76 and Dektol. It was Kodak that made color film possible with Kodachrome, still the most archival of all color films; and it was Kodak that made color print film possible with Kodacolor. We shall all miss what was American industry and inventiveness at it's best. I hopefully will only say arrivederci.

Re tail hawk from home / Canon G-9

2012-01-21T01:25:00.000-08:00

These photos were sent to me by my wife Marcy who captured them with the G-9 Not too shabby. Actually they are great. This large bird seems to appear in our neighborhood in Queens at this time every year. It's actually somewhat scary and a danger to small animals. The photo with the squirrel is very telling. Nice job, Marcy.

STOP CENSORSHIP, YOU DISGUSTING POLITICOS, YOU MAKE US ALL SICK. WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

2012-01-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

Palermo, Viale Strasburgo

2012-01-20T04:06:00.000-08:00

The Viale Strasburgo is one of the newer avenues in Palermo. This whole area, once the famed Conca D'Oro because its orange groves with their golden fruit, was converted into high rise apartments in the sixties due to collusion between the mafia and the city administration. There was a concomitant neglect of the architecturally fabulous old areas of this magnificent ancient city once the learning center of Europe because of it's Arab, Jewish and Greek populations and roots. Fortunately this trend has been reversed as the old areas are now valued and re appreciated but also gentrified. These photos were taken with my trusty companion the Olympus E PL-2 from the balcony of my aunt and uncle's extremely large condominium.

Arancie siciliane

2012-01-19T13:03:00.000-08:00

Thee are oranges from Ribera in Western Sicily. They are sweet and wonderfully perfumed. When you take the skin off it crumbles in your fingers as these are super fresh. Later on the oranges from eastern Sicily, around Etna will come to the market. These are the Tarocco blood oranges that contain the highest amount of vitamin C than any others. Their flavor is unusual

but equally delicious.

ON STRIKE / SCIOPERO

2012-01-19T04:25:00.000-08:00

I want to share the sentiment against those filthy politicians who cannot keep their greedy hands from the internet . FY. They are shameful but then they have no shame.
Voglio condividere i sentimenti contro questi sporchi ladri politici cui no possono assentarsi da mettere le loro fetide mani sul'internet. Che possano tutti andare a fare in culo. Siete una vergogna ma voi non vi vergognate mai.

An abandonef factory

2012-01-19T01:19:00.000-08:00

In the fifties, in a misguided plan to industrialize Sicily, much money was spent and ultimately wasted. He re we have an example of what is left of Sicilmarmi a huge factory that used to cut and polish marble that came from nearby quarries. Instead of improving agriculture, one of Sicily's great strengths. industry was championed but it went nowhere. Now things are changing as agriculture is seen as a business and a growth area.

Sicilan artichokes

2012-01-18T05:29:00.000-08:00

I bought these at a local fruit store at a cost of 10 for 1 and a half euros. It's artichoke season here. These have long stems that are edible and are of a reddish hue. Of course their flavor is sublime. Later on there will be different ones that are more like the ones in the States. And in the spring, the really big ones with no spines arrive, It's the beauty of eating local vegetables that are in season. Of course super market

s carry all sort of insipid stuff that is out of season.

La vecchia tunnara [la vecchia tonnaia] / E PL-3

2012-01-18T01:32:00.000-08:00

Up to the end of the fifties the tonnaia [tuna fishing bosts]would go to sea. Now all that is left are the rusty anchors from the huge boats that were actually oar propelled. This tonnaia is slightly east of Castellammare across from the rail road station. The imposing building was the staging area and shelter for the boats. It housed all the gear. The owner and his family lived upstairs. It's all abandoned now; a sad reminder of things past.

Contrasts

2012-01-17T01:15:00.000-08:00

One photo, that of the wintry woods is from early January in Pennsylvania while the one of the field with yellow flowers is a week later in Sicily. People here complain when the weather get at around

12 degrees Celsius. What can you do. The houses do get cold and heating is needed at night but for the rest it's very pleasant.

Winter in Sicily

2012-01-16T01:20:00.000-08:00

The middle of January and the countryside is in bloom. It's not warm but not very cold. The middle photo shows a grove of young olive trees that will be in bloom soon. The almonds will follow in February. When spring actually arrives you do not even notice it.

It always looks more beautiful to me

2012-01-15T01:06:00.000-08:00

I took a ride at the marina and took shots that I have taken countless times in all seasons. It always looks more beautiful to me. That mountain that seems ready to come down crushing the town, it's always deep blue sea, its strong sunshine that warms my body and heart and that lovely sky that changes colors constantly. I just love this place; the only place on E

arth where I feel truly at home.

Back to the ranch / E PL-2

2012-01-14T01:41:00.000-08:00

Upon my arrival, I returned to my friend's "horse ranch." Of course I'm using the term loosely as this is very small compared to American ranches. It must be understood that here in Sicily, land is measured in square meters it is that expensive. I like the face of the man who tends the horses so I took a few shota that I want to share.

Monte Spadicio / E PL-2

2012-01-13T05:16:00.000-08:00

This imposing mountain eleven hundred meters high. is the tallest in western Sicily. It is absolutely gorgeous and imposing. Shot on a sunny winter day that for all intents and purposes could

have been a spring one.

Back to Castellammare

2012-01-12T09:10:00.000-08:00

I just arrived to Castellammare so I apologize for the delay in posting. I will post photos as I take them. Here it's not very cold and thr fields are awash with yellow flowers. Absolute delightful.ly

Craft fair / Canon G-9

2012-01-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

Shot at a craft fair in Brooklyn May of 2009 is shows a bored vendor sort of taking a rest.

Very cute child / Canon ID III

2012-01-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

Shat at an event for the Walter K Hoerning Fund, an organization that fosters enrichment programs for inner city children with the ubiquitous Canon 24-105 F

4 L.

My two love birds / Canon G-9

2012-01-09T01:15:00.000-08:00

Goia and Ziggy aka Baby Reka. He is the sweetest and biggest cat I ever had. He is in love with Gioia equally sweet and affectionate. The two have become inseparable. The shot was taken by Marcy, my wife.

Great photos by Marcy / Canon G-9

2012-01-08T01:48:00.000-08:00

What can I say, my wife Marcy can take great photos using a point and shoot. Not any point and shot, however, but the superb G-9. These were shot at thePlanting Fields Arboretum on

Long Island.

Archival scan / Canon FT

2012-01-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

It seems like yesterday, I was actually young then! This shot of a window on the left bank of Paris, was originally made on Afgachrome. It had a speed of 50, one stop greater of Kodachrome II. It may come at a surprise but photos could actually be taken with low ISO speeds. 5

0 was really fast for color slides in those days. The lens was the superlative Canon 50mm F 1.4 FL.

Love at first sight / Nikon D-700

2012-01-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

My cousin's grandson, Simone is visiting NY from Italy and upon arrival for a supper at my home, became madly attached to my oldest cat, coda and my dog Charlie. There's no greater pleasure in seeing children interact pleasantly with animals. When children love animals it presages great character and goodness.

Early snow / Canon 5D

2012-01-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

We all love that early snow on the woods. I also love it although I hate winter. The lens was the Canon 24-105 F4 L.

City hall

2012-01-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

The building on the left with the flags is the municipal buildings Castellammare on Corso Mattarella. It was originally a convent that was expropriated in 1861 following the creation of the unified Italian state. Shot with the E PL-2 on a sunny autumnal day.

Can't get Venice out of my mind.

2012-01-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

It's a balmy 9 degrees Fahrenheit as I post this so I think of warm April days in Venice. Shot with my travel partner the Olympus E PL-2.

Food thoughts

2012-01-03T11:50:00.000-08:00

As winter marches on in all it's ugliness, my thoughts go to food and travel, not to mention spring. This shot was taken in Venice last spring. These superb vegetables were offered by a street vendor. The camera was the Olympus E PL-2.

Is this how the end starts?

2012-01-02T03:50:00.000-08:00

Just as the new year begins, these strange sightings in the sky. Jet vapor? perhaps. Or is is the beginning of the Maya's prediction. Shot with the Olympus EPL-2.

Awaiting for snow / EPL-2

2012-01-02T01:30:00.000-08:00

No snow yet except for a dusting last Thursday night. It was a beautiful New Year's Day in the woods here in North Eastern Pennsylvania.

I love this image / Canon 5-D

2012-01-01T09:57:00.000-08:00

Shot at the Queens Botanical Garden with the Canon EF 24 mm F 2.8 lens.

Happy new year

2011-12-31T03:55:00.000-08:00

Looking forward to another year of great photography.

The Sun and the Moon

2011-12-30T09:54:00.000-08:00

This is what I call this image shot at the Queens Botanical Garden with the Canon EF 24mm F 2.8. I just love this image.

Can't wait / Nikon D1X

2011-12-29T09:48:00.000-08:00

At the Brooklyn Botanic on a glorious May Saturday afternoon with the D1-X and the 17-55 F 2.8 Nikkor.

More spring dreaming / Canon 5-D

2011-12-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

The original 5-D has a charm that fascinates me. As my first FF camera, it has a special place in mt heart. I still have one and prefer it to the mark II version. These were shot on a winter day when I was also spring dreaming. I abhor winter.

It's never too early to think of spring / Nikon D1-X

2011-12-27T13:46:00.000-08:00

It's never too early and it's always a great time to go to the Brooklyn Botanic where this photo was shot with the 17-55 F2.8 Nikkor.

A rainy day in Venice / Canon 5D

2011-12-26T10:18:00.000-08:00

hard to believe but it also rains in sunny Italy. This was an unusually rainy day but in April it wasn't really that unusual. It was that it rained for the whole day. It did create nice atmospheric photos. The lens was the Canon FE 24-85 F 3.5-4.5. Cheap but a great lens for travel photos.

Sicilian colors / E PL-2

2011-12-25T15:39:00.000-08:00

These are the vivid colors of Sicily. I will be there next month and can hardly wait. Everything has more intensity in this glorious island. There was absolutely no manipulation. This is a JPEG out of camera. Only re sized for the post.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

This shot was taken at a Catholic Charities event. The Santa is a FDNY fireman. The toys and Santa arrived in a fire truck. A nice event where the children had a great time. The camera was the Nikon D1-X and the lens was the Tokina 19-35 F 3.5-4.5.

Color for the Season

2011-12-23T14:38:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all.

Buon natale carissimi conpaesani

2011-12-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

I want to wish a Merry Christmas to all my dear

co paesani in Castellammrae or wherever they may reside.
Voglio augurare un Buon natale a tutti i miei cari conpaesani sia al paese o ovunque possano residere nel mondo

Abandoned waterworks / Fuji S1 Pro

2011-12-21T14:19:00.000-08:00

Shot at the old waterworks of Freeport, NY with the S1 Pro and the Tokina 20-35 mm F3.5-4.5. I always like the images that this 3.4 mega pixel camera could render.

A public service

2011-12-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

Kudos to the US Postal Service for this set of stamps. I have done much in this area. Please adopt a pet/ Many animals are waiting for your love. They will give you back more love than you can ever imagine.

Manhattan views / Canon 5D

2011-12-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

These were shot from Harbor Lights Restaurant in the Seaport. Looking north we see Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens on the right distant background. The lens was the Canon 16-35 F2.8 L.

Chilling out / E PL-2

2011-12-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

Under the Rialto Bridge on a sunny morning. The lens was the standard zoom that cames with the camera. Nothing Fancy.

Sleeping beauty

2011-12-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is my Gioia, who continues to do well and is healthy. She has a serious health problem but with lots of care and love will be fine. A true beauty. Shot with the E PL-2.

More great faces / Canon 1D III

2011-12-17T14:43:00.000-08:00

Shot at an event, these portraits were shot with one light on a Stroboframe bracket. As simple as it gets. The lens was the superb Canon 24-105 F4 L.

Seasonal photo

2011-12-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

Shot with the Canon 1D III and the Canon 24-105 F 4 L. Merry Christmas everybody.

Before Photoshop / Canon FT

2011-12-15T09:37:00.000-08:00

This is a photo that was not doctored in any way. Shot in Agrigento, Sicily way back when one could visit the monuments at will, it was shot on Kodachrome X at a speed of 64 with the Canon 50mm F 1.5 FL. Today when people complain about ISO speeds I remind them that one could shoot at 64 instead of 64,000 as people want these days. Actually 64,000 is deemed too little. Give me a break and learn to take photos. A bunch of cry babies with their auto focus ans auto cameras. Good photos could always be taken no matter what the cameras or the technology. People take pictures not cameras.

Another Canon 5D shot,

2011-12-14T11:36:00.001-08:00

There's something special about the original 5D. It was my first FF digital camera and still use it. I prefer it to the 5D II as the latter has files that are really too large, The Lens was the Canon 16-35 F 2.8 L.

The Sicilian Cuisine Blog: Santa Lucia & the tradition: let's find out what when & why

2011-12-13T16:01:00.000-08:00

The Sicilian Cuisine Blog: Santa Lucia & the tradition: let's find out what when & why
www://galatiotophoto.blogspot.com

Merry Christmas / Canon 1D III

2011-12-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

Yes Merry Christmas to all. These were shot this afternoon at at the Bishop's Christmas Luncheon for the foundation that gives scholarships for needy children so that they may attend Catholic schools. The lens was the Canon 16035 F 2.8 L.

All is not glitter / Canon 5D

2011-12-12T13:45:00.000-08:00

This place in Venice has always fascinated me. It is not in use but it was and it must have attracted an interesting crowd. The lens was the 25-85 F 3.5-4.5 Canon SE. Not a fancy lens but a very competent one for travel.

Old digital images / Fuji S1-Pro

2011-12-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

I have raved many times about the IQ of the Fuji S1. These are basically out of the camera JPEG images. These were takes at a back to school event by Keyspan, an old client. The lens was the Nikkor 24-85mm F3.5-4.5.

More summer dreams / Nikon D1-X

2011-12-10T15:13:00.000-08:00

These gorgeous peonies are no longer part of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as some building program caused their demise. A terrible move. I have only the images and great memories.

Dreams of springs past / Nikon D1 X

2011-12-09T10:38:00.000-08:00

Shot at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with the Nikkor 60mm F 2.8 micro. Out of the camera JPEG from the D1 X.

Another archival scan / Nikon Ftn

2011-12-08T12:23:00.000-08:00

This shot was made at the small park in front of the old Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. The lens was the Nikkor 105mm F 2.5. The film was T-Max 400 developed in T-Max Developer.

New American / Leica M-4

2011-12-07T07:58:00.000-08:00

Shot an a swearing in ceremony for persons who had sworn in to become new American citizens at Battery Park in NYC. The lens was the 50mm F2 Summicron and the film was Tri-X developed

in D-76 full strength.

Meet and greet shot / Nikon FTn

2011-12-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

An archival shot from the NYC mayoral campaign of Mario Cuomo. He lost but eventually became a three term Governor of New York State. The lens was the superlative Nikkor 105 F 2.5 that I still use on my digital cameras. Shot on Tri-X developed in D-76 full strength.

An early Christmas shot from the archives. / Fuji S2-Pro

2011-12-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

Shot at a Christmas party for a costumer that ram many social programs on Long Island, this shot proves the great ability of Fuji sensors.

Archival photo / Mamyia 645

2011-12-04T11:53:00.000-08:00

Shot for a Nursing home brochure, this photo captures the vitality of the subject along with her dignity. The lens was the Mamyia 80mm F 2.8. The film was Trix Professional 120 developed in D-76 full strength.

Sicilian mountains / E PL-2

2011-12-03T18:02:00.000-08:00

This range is in Scopello, a section of Castellammare. The mountains in this area are very rocky and appear to be very "serious and mean looking."

Silly abstractions / Canon D 30

2011-12-02T16:24:00.000-08:00

Looking out from my balcony window in Sicily on a sunny day through the curtain. It makes for interesting if silly photos; but I do like the design.

Archival shot / Nikon Ftn

2011-12-01T13:41:00.000-08:00

This is a very sad shot as the woman in bed died a day later. The photo was for a home care brochure. The lens wax the Nikkor 50mm F 1.4. Shot on Tri-X developed in D-76 full strength.

More archival shots / Fuji S2-Pro

2011-11-30T13:43:00.000-08:00

The S2 was my second camera that I used professionally. It's 6 mega pixel sensor continued the excellence of the S1 and it had a much better body. These shots from a Saturday afternoon in the summer of 2002 were shot in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with the Nikkor 60mm F2.8 micro lens.

The Sicilian Cuisine Blog: Oregano and lemon zest, two things I cannot live without!

2011-11-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

The Sicilian Cuisine Blog: Oregano and lemon zest, two things I cannot live without!http://galatiotophoto.blogspot.com

Historical archival photo

2011-11-29T10:03:00.000-08:00

I have posted this before but it bears re posting because of it's "historical" importance on my development as a photographer. It was shot on a borrowed camera, a Kodak retina on Kodachrome II and upon seeing it, I realized that I had the photographer's eye. The capture of the "light" so essential to a photograph still awes me. I know that I'm raving about my abilities but this is a really good photo; it's one that I'm very proud of. The scan came out well and this is attributed to Kodachrome's ability to keep it's colors for a long time. It was a great film and one that I miss very much. Kodak stopped making this several years ago. Too bad. The II was very special, the Kodachrome 25 that came out in 1974 was great but not as great as the II version that it replaced.

Pre winter woods / E PL-2

2011-11-28T09:06:00.000-08:00

These pre winter shots of the woods near my house in NE Pennsylvania are presaging the unpleasantries of winter. What can I do. The woods are actually very pretty at this time.

Fooling around on a winter day / Nikon D1-X

2011-11-27T01:30:00.000-08:00

I take my geraniums indoor for the winter so that I can enjoy their lovely flowers all year long. What do you do on a winter day, you take photos of anything you can preferably indoors. What's better that flowers? They remind me of summer that is always in my mind. Here I used the Nikkor 60mm F2.8 micro lens. As I have stated many times the color of the D1-X was unbeatable.

Merry Christmas

2011-11-26T13:40:00.000-08:00

Now that the horrors of so called black Friday are behind us, let us enjoy the Christmas season with some tranquility. Happy holidays to all. This archive shot was taken at the "tree" with the Leica M-4 and the superlative Summicron 35mm F2. The film was Tri-X developed in D-76 full strength. Printed on Kodabromide F grade II, the print was then scanned.

Autumnal bliss / Panasonic LX-3

2011-11-26T07:12:00.000-08:00

Shot on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River, this scene depicts tranquility and peace.

Too early for spring? Really? / Canon 30D

2011-11-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

It's never too early to think about spring. These flowers bloom very early and are a great remedy for spring fever. The location was the Queens Botanical garden

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

To all my loyal followers and visitors. Have a very nice day. Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for visiting this blog.

Un addio alle rose / E PL-2

2011-11-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

A farewell to the roses. They ares still trying to fight a losing battle as their enemy, the winter, marches in with all of it's annoying qualities. I just detest
the winter. It has no redeeming values for me.

One from the archive / Olympus E-20

2011-11-22T16:36:00.000-08:00

An archival image from some time back. Early digital images with the great Olympus E-20. It had a very nice zoom lens.

I just love New York / Panasonic Lumix LX-3

2011-11-22T07:04:00.000-08:00

The LX-3 another camera commandeered by my daughter gave me excellent images. These shots of Manhattan are from Queens. Shot an a mild early summer
evening.

Autumnal views / Canon 30D

2011-11-21T11:51:00.000-08:00

These autumnal shots were taken on the Delaware River from New York State looking toward Pennsylvania. The lens was the Canon 16-35 F 2.8 L.

Cute kids / Canon 30D

2011-11-20T16:00:00.000-08:00

Shot at a Walter K Hoerning Fund event. This fund raises funds to provide enrichment programs for minority children.

The last foliage

2011-11-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

The fall is rapidly dying out. Although winter is a month away, the foliage shots are hard to get now. This shot with the E PL-2 was

taken in Juniper Valley Park, near my house.

A few more from Erice

2011-11-18T12:29:00.000-08:00

I have posted photos from this lovely mountain town right on the north west corner of Sicily. A place full of history and also of mythological importance.

More from Liguria / Nikon D 200

2011-11-17T07:57:00.000-08:00

These two landscapes are also from the area around rapallo. It was an unusually cloudy day for April but it gave a nice feeling. In Italy sometimes you almost miss a cloudy day.

Italian golf course / Nikon D 200

2011-11-16T12:44:00.000-08:00

It's not what you expect to see in Italy but this golf course is in Rapallo in the region of Liguria. This is a very up scale area with the next town being Porto Fino and one of Italy's most beautiful area.

Nana

2011-11-16T01:03:00.000-08:00

This lovely dog, Nana', is the mascot of the Genoa Football Club Oregina. [Soccer}. The name does not denote some drink but stands for the name of the neighborhood in
Genova.
She is one of the sweetest and most loved dogs around. Also very pretty.

Terrace

2011-11-15T01:00:00.000-08:00

Flowers are very central to Italian life. Windows, terraces and balconies are full of them. This terrace was shot in Genoa,

There's always Venice

2011-11-14T04:08:00.000-08:00

When things get difficult i.e. when photos are hard to find, I always turn to Venice, Here we see masks outside
a store and a shot of Rialto.

Torino

2011-11-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

Torino was the first capital of Italy, the second was Florence anf finally, after the Papal forces aided by the French were defeated on September 10, 1870, Rome became it's capital. This forced the pope to declare himself a prisoner of the Vatican. He should have remained one or better he should have bees sent packing to Avignon. But then Mussolini, needing the support of the Church, signed the Lateran

Treaty and he basically gave away the store but enough of the History lesson.

Late afternoon in Genova

2011-11-12T01:21:00.000-08:00

This is really the city on a mountain. It's original old area is flanked by endless apartment buildings that sit on a curving mountain range. It is amazing how this city grew. From its flat downtown it goes upward in all directions away from the sea. The original city lies on a small gulf that makes for a superb harbor.

Another view from a villa

2011-11-11T01:23:00.000-08:00

Back in Sicily, this is the view from my friend Mimmo's villa. This lovely place

is on a hill overlooking a splendid valley. From the foliage it's hard to believe that it's November.

Back in genova

2011-11-10T00:58:00.000-08:00

After suffering it's greatest flood in memory, the city has bounced back. The flood impacted areas below the mountains as water from the mountains on which the new city is built rushed downward. More dangerous was the overflowing of its three rivers and the high sea levels that would not allow them empty. Saturday, a clean up began as teams of volunteers and civil protection crews began the cleaning up all the mud and removing all the damaged vehicles . When I landed here on Monday it all looked eerily normal. One photo is of Granarolo a hamlet above the city while the other is of the Fiumara district where the name itself denotes a wetland near a river. It is very clean. Here the river had little impact. The weather is naturally not as pleasant as in Sicily nor is the food, although the pesto, farinata and focaccia is excellent. The sea food is also very good. The bread..well that is another story. Sicilian bread is absolutely the best Italian bread in existence

Pomegranate

2011-11-09T01:27:00.000-08:00

Pomegranate trees along with persimmons and quince adorn the Sicilian landscape at this time. The warm red color of the pomegranate with it's surface contrast with the matte greenish yellow of the quince and the neutral orange hue of the persimmon. They do make up a very colorful combination in an area full of colors at this time. It's fall but many plants are in full bloom.

Happy as pigs in,,,,,

2011-11-08T01:14:00.000-08:00

These are boars that are not really wild but raised. They are owned by the farmer whose photo is below.

Sicilian old timer

2011-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

his stoic man owns and tends the farm from which many images I gave posted.

A real view

2011-11-06T04:01:00.000-08:00

This view is the real deal. It's not "The View" seen on American TV hosted by a bunch of aging faccie brutte who are hanging on to life by the chirurgical thread of their face lifts. It's a view that makes you realize that in spite of the Earth's nastiness as witnessed by recent catastrophic events, it still has beautiful places. You can see all the way to the Thyrrenian Sea.These shots are from the villa of My dear friends Nene and Antonella La Torre. Truly wonderful people that show Sicilian hospitality at its legendary best.

Old facades

2011-11-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

These classic building facades, that were ubiquitous throughout Southern Europe have been replaced mostly with more modern ones that lack character.There is now a movement to return to this classic style when rehabilitating old buildings. These images are from the paese's many old building awaiting such rehabilitation.