tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78252733202391938642024-03-13T15:20:05.464-04:00The EuroTravelerChronicles of European journeysJeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-70224307474635537552015-12-01T20:46:00.001-05:002019-03-25T18:58:51.355-04:00test<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VccIqYjxhvA/Vl5DAAMMDXI/AAAAAAAAK14/H-JOvR7KrYA/s1600/Germany%2BRhine%2BView%2Bof%2BRhine%2BValley%2Bfrom%2BMarksburg%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A voyage to the past and present on the Rhine River in Germany. This view of the River and the village of Spay on the opposite bank was taken from Marksburg Castle. All photography is the property of EuroTravelogue™. Unauthorized use is prohibited." border="0" height="426" is="" prohibited.="" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VccIqYjxhvA/Vl5DAAMMDXI/AAAAAAAAK14/H-JOvR7KrYA/s640/Germany%2BRhine%2BView%2Bof%2BRhine%2BValley%2Bfrom%2BMarksburg%2B2.JPG" title="A voyage to the past and present on the Rhine River in Germany. This view of the River and the village of Spay on the opposite bank was taken from Marksburg Castle. All photography is the property of EuroTravelogue™. Unauthorized use is prohibited." width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A voyage to the past and present on the Rhine River in Germany. This view of the River and the village of Spay on the opposite bank was taken from Marksburg Castle. All photography is the property of EuroTravelogue™. Unauthorized use is prohibited.</td></tr>
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<div class="powr-slideshow" id="a45c0e80_1553554175"></div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-85243032585852715062012-12-16T15:10:00.001-05:002012-12-16T15:10:41.383-05:00Santa Maria Maggiore<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Santa+Maria+Maggiore&aq=&sll=41.893853,12.483134&sspn=0.010782,0.026157&t=f&ie=UTF8&hq=Santa+Maria+Maggiore&hnear=&radius=15000&cid=17848703187621262714&ll=41.897358,12.498837&spn=0.022361,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=Santa+Maria+Maggiore&aq=&sll=41.893853,12.483134&sspn=0.010782,0.026157&t=f&ie=UTF8&hq=Santa+Maria+Maggiore&hnear=&radius=15000&cid=17848703187621262714&ll=41.897358,12.498837&spn=0.022361,0.036478&z=14&iwloc=A" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-87547554768928549372009-05-30T23:17:00.017-04:002009-05-30T23:52:28.790-04:00Driving in Italy -- The EuroTraveler goes for a ride under the Tuscan sun<div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341825160355610194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH5rl89flI/AAAAAAAAAzE/sgcZ130tftU/s400/DSC02288.JPG" border="0" />To live "under the Tuscan Sun" is a life-long dream and on this journey from Florence to Montepulciano, we got a real taste of the Tuscan countryside and experienced life as France Mayes describes in her memoirs that collectively form the basis for her world renowned book and movie, one of my personal favorites! To tell the truth, the very thought of driving on foreign roads scared me to death because of how fast the cars travel the narrow roads that wind their way through the Tuscan hills. However, I am happy to report that my fears did not get the best of me and we were off!<br /><br />In preparation of the road-trip, we actually booked our little Opal, standard shift, months before we left home to ensure we would have a car available for our journey south. We would have preferred an automatic, but they didn't have one available so although I've driven a standard shift for years, the thought of driving on the steep hills made me a little nervous not to mention how inconvenient it was going to be as well.<br /><br />In the morning, we called to confirm and were delighted when we found that an automatic Mercedes had just been returned, a hard commodity to come by in Italy, so we told them to hold it for us. After a very short taxi ride from our villa to the Avis car rental on the edge of the Arno River, we checked in, got our keys, a few maps and some great advice from the representative about what else to see while traveling to Montepulciano. We were on our way! </div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341828573326478690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH8yQQoDWI/AAAAAAAAAzU/0SAwRMj5fMo/s400/DSC02314.JPG" border="0" /><br />With a still slightly nervous hand, I turned on the ignition, heart still pounding, and drove out of the garage. This is it, we're driving in Italy. I couldn't believe it. We found our way out of Florence and crossed over the A-1 highway, and arrived on SR2, our country roadway that would take us through the winding hills and landscapes of Tuscany. Montepulciano is about 1 ¼ hour to 1 ½ hours south if you take the super highway, A-1, however, I couldn't see justification for renting a car and driving down a highway to miss all the scenery which was the very reason why we wanted to drive in the first place. So needless to say, we took the back roads all the way and what a journey it turned out to be! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341827858125786434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH8In7fjUI/AAAAAAAAAzM/mLd9gwob74g/s400/DSC02243.JPG" border="0" /><br />Driving south, we followed the two-lane roadway through the Tuscan countryside. With so many wonderful and ancient cities to explore, we wanted to stop and visit each one but we knew one day was never going to be enough to see it all properly so we chalked it up to our next visit to Italy when we would rent a villa in southern Tuscany and drive around for a week. There we were and I still couldn't believe we were really driving around Italy. The last time we were here, we would have never dreamed of driving our way but this was truly an adventure, the freedom to explore what we wanted and for as long as we wanted without the time constraints of a tour guide or a jam-packed bus. The countryside was ours for the taking and we were going to savor every moment! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341829335374016706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH9enG6sMI/AAAAAAAAAzc/326Z45HL3LM/s400/DSC02315.JPG" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341824536718615890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH5HSuUJVI/AAAAAAAAAy8/vwfeUsq2jqI/s400/DSC02284.JPG" border="0" />Stopping along the way every now and then, I grabbed my camera to capture the scenery I couldn't let escape. Neatly plowed fields where the sunflowers were just harvested, rows upon rows of olive groves and vineyards offering their bountiful harvests, and hillsides with winding roads bordered with Cyprus trees that lead to hilltop farmhouses warmly lit by the golden Tuscan sunlight. Up ahead in the distance, Siena, perched high atop a hill with its Duomo and campanile stretching to the clouds. That's another trip another day. Of course I had to stop and take a picture or two of the city. This was all so incredible. Oh Tuscany, how I long to become part of this world! </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341823945613088018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH4k4rxlRI/AAAAAAAAAy0/QclY1B_KXjw/s400/DSC02318.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341823826887011298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH4d-ZRa-I/AAAAAAAAAys/Rc03MIZgXDg/s400/DSC02316.JPG" border="0" /><br />After being on the road for nearly two hours, and having to stop for directions because there were no signs, no roadway markers, nothing to indicate what road we were driving on, we could finally see the city of Montepulciano rising above the hilltops. We made it.<br /><br />You'll have to read my next posting for our adventure in Montepulciano. For now, I need to impart some advice. The roads in Italy, at least the ones we drove on, were not marked very clearly. You must keep your eyes open at all times and pay attention to the posts with all of the blue-arrow signs labeled and pointing in the direction of your destination. As long as you continue to see these signs, you know you're heading in the right direction. Don't bother looking for road signs, there aren't any. There may come a time when you fail to see your destination, however, don't panic. Stop by a local store, get out your translation guide and ask for help. The Italians are extremely friendly and willing to offer their help despite the fact that many of them living out in the country do not speak English. Thankfully, we had to do this only once but thank God we were only about a kilometer or two away. Oh, that reminds me, speed limits and speedometers are metric which is cool because the speed limit is 90, kph that is.<br /><br />Happy motoring.<br /><br />Next stop: Montepulciano! <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341822908445220098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SiH3og7r3QI/AAAAAAAAAyc/iQSA1LHwIro/s400/DSC02255.JPG" border="0" /></p>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-2306256565596705192009-03-25T23:55:00.025-04:002009-03-26T15:53:43.917-04:00The EuroTraveler's Journey to the Florence Baptistery and Through the "Gates Of Paradise"<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317344318591685442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsAfDoZU0I/AAAAAAAAAgY/7Lm_Q8xTq4U/s400/DSC01301.JPG" border="0" />Located just outside the front doors of the Florence Duomo, is a weathered old building, octagonal in shape and Romanesque in design that beckons tourists to come and discover its rich history and inner beauty. Literally a diamond in the rough, upon closer inspection, you'll discover bronze doorways that glisten in the Florentine sunshine and contained within its eight walls, the brilliance of gold shimmering down from the heavens! But what is this place? It is the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Baptistery of St. John</span></strong> or the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Battistero di San Giovanni</span></strong> and it has stood upon this ground for over 1000 years!<br /><br />Lesser known for its rich history that dates back to the 4th and 5th centuries, the building we see today was consecrated in 1059 as a temple for Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Before that, a structure built in the 9th century stood here to honor Mars, the god of war. War and Peace…And even before that, there is evidence of earlier baptisteries dating back to the 4th century. How incredible is that? Also, at the time of consecration, a Roman cemetery actually surrounded the Baptistery filled with sarcophagi used by the prominent Florentine families. And, upon the exterior walls, there are granite pilasters that are believed to be from the Roman Forum in Florence that stood in the area known today as the Piazza della Republicca.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsA1a82eBI/AAAAAAAAAgg/50EsZ2kRuIc/s1600-h/DSC01302.JPG"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsCzGzblAI/AAAAAAAAAhY/j0zkRfBROkg/s1600-h/Baptistery+-+Ghiberti+Eastern+Doors.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317346862063916034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 394px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsCzGzblAI/AAAAAAAAAhY/j0zkRfBROkg/s400/Baptistery+-+Ghiberti+Eastern+Doors.jpg" border="0" /></a>Ah, but it is the <strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">"Gates of Paradise"</span></strong> that adorn the doors on the eastern wall facing the Duomo, that make the Baptistery an attraction unto itself and the reason that tourists swarm this particular side. Named by Michelangelo because of their sheer magnificence and brilliance, the Gates of Paradise were completed in 1452 by <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Lorenzo Ghiberti</span></strong>. They were the result of a contest for a commission in which Ghiberti competed against Brunelleschi, the renowned architect who designed the dome structure for the Duomo. The panels, ten in all, represent scenes from the Old Testament and each is a real tribute to the mastery of relief by Ghiberti. He introduced a new technique where successive scenes appear simultaneously in the same panel and he also applied perspective, a relatively new technique at the time that was originally introduced by none other than Brunelleschi. In one of the panels, "Jacob and Esau," Ghiberti even sculpts a self-portrait, showing a balding man about age 60. He even signs the panel in relief as well. Because of damaging erosion, vandalism and floods, replicas replaced the original panels which were then moved to the Museo dell'Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore in 1990. The museum lies just the east of the Duomo.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsBqFrE3fI/AAAAAAAAAgo/gOTrN3iw_SI/s1600-h/Baptistery+-+Ghiberti+Eastern+Door+Closeup.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317345607629987314" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsBqFrE3fI/AAAAAAAAAgo/gOTrN3iw_SI/s400/Baptistery+-+Ghiberti+Eastern+Door+Closeup.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Gates of Paradise are not the only set of ornate panels adorning doorways. Panels on the southern side, produced my Andrea Pisano in 1329, consist of 28 quatrefoil panels. Twenty of them depict the life of St. John the Baptist and the remaining eight show the eight virtues of hope, faith, charity, humility, fortitude, temperance, justice and prudence.<br /><br />On the northern side, Ghiberti can be seen again but this time, he was only 21 years old when he competed in 1401 and won the commission against the likes of Brunelleschi, Donatello and others. Ironically, it took him 21 years to complete the 28 panels of which 20 depict scenes of the New Testament and the eight lower panels show four evangelists and the Church Fathers Saint Ambrose, Saint Jerome, Saint Gregory and Saint Augustine. <p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317346024367344082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 180px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsCCWJASdI/AAAAAAAAAg4/ZD46yQZp8l8/s400/Baptistery+-+Ghiberti+North+Doors.jpg" border="0" /><br />At the time each set of panels was completed, they were featured on the eastern doors and then moved to make way for the new.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317346202157444722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsCMsdd7nI/AAAAAAAAAhI/ow1Zd0u7ay8/s400/Baptistery+-+Interior.jpg" border="0" /><br />After waiting for no time at all, we entered the Baptistery to gaze upon the heavens and appreciate the astounding mosaics that adorn the ceiling. The masterpieces are the work of Venetian craftsman during the Byzantine era or the early 13th century. Without going into too much detail, the focal point is Christ in the Last Judgment where He is surrounded by his Angels of Judgment. Souls of the saved appear at Christ's right hand and those of the damned, at His left. Other sections depict the Choirs of Angels (Thrones, Dominations and Powers), stories of Genesis, stories of Joseph, stories of St. John the Baptist and finally stories of Mary and Christ. Surrounding the figures and what gives the ceiling its shimmering brilliance, is the glass with goldleaf painted on the back. Florence spared no expense. There is a lot to see at ground level as well but I will let you discover that for yourself. Check out this <a href="http://firenze.arounder.com/florence_baptistry/VR000006156.html" target="blank">virtual tour</a>. This site is incredible and you can see everything. Be sure to click on both windows at the bottom of the screen so you can change between exterior and interior. Pan around and have fun!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317346283894898082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 349px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsCRc9MfaI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/Pj3P-RZNfJI/s400/Baptistery+-+Interior+Ceiling.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317346134500719218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 296px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/ScsCIwa2OnI/AAAAAAAAAhA/nteR8zWTYNM/s400/Baptistery+-+Ghiberti+Sculpture+above+Eastern+Door+Baptism+of+Christ.jpg" border="0" /><br />But the most amazing part of my journey to the Baptistery was how the experience affected me spiritually. Upon entry, we received a little brochure about the Baptistery and included was a little anecdote that provided a history of the building and why most baptisteries are 8-sided buildings. All of this was complete news to me and affected me so profoundly, that I will forever remember my moments here. Baptisteries as we all know were/are a place to be christened, but also, these eight-sided buildings represent the "eight days of man." When I read this, I thought to myself, the eight days of man? Well, after reading on, I discovered that we all know the 7 days of man from Genesis in which God created heaven and earth but what I didn't know was that on the 8th day, when we are baptized, we enter into "paradise" or into eternity with God; eternal glory, love and light everlasting. From this moment, our 8th day extends forever! How glorious! How moving! How wonderful!<br /><br />I just had to run back to my journal and write all of this down so I would never forget and now I impart my wonderful news to all of you. If you remember, earlier in this posting, I mentioned that the Gates of Paradise were coined by Michelangelo, however if you think about it, isn't the Baptistery itself the manifestation of the Gates of Paradise where you enter into the 8th day of our Lord, into "Paradise" for eternity? To this day, it is not known which meaning Michelangelo intended when he spoke of them.<br /><br />As you can see, the Baptistery is truly worth a visit. Such a small building so often overlooked, speaks volumes of history that span over a thousand years. It offers so much to discover and enjoy. Bask in its glory on your next visit to Florence and once inside, gaze unto the heavens where you'll find Christ Himself waiting to welcome you through His Gates of Paradise, into your 8th day, into an eternity of everlasting love and light.<br /><br />To learn more about this magnificent place, I found another great resource, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Baptistry" target="blank">Wikipedia</a>. There, you will find all the facts and descriptions of the three doorways, their panels, descriptions of the interior mosaics, marble and statuary, and pics of them all too!<br /><br />Ciao from Florence!Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-22122604047157275242009-02-22T15:55:00.032-05:002009-03-08T16:27:42.335-04:00Santa Maria del Fiore (aka Florence Duomo) is steeped in history spanning 1600 years!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305729276262463090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaG8qnIDtnI/AAAAAAAAAa8/_OmPk-K48Y8/s320/DSC01271.JPG" border="0" />One can't help feeling humbled and quite frankly, dwarfed as you stand beside Florence's Duomo with <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Brunelleschi's</span></strong> dome rising boldly to the heavens or next to Giotto's campanile standing alongside since 1333. Imagine for a moment, what life was like before the Duomo when an ancient Christian basilica stood on these grounds in the late 4th century when this colony of Rome, known as Florentia, was bustling with Roman denizens? Come with me to explore this Piazza del Duomo which has been the religious center of Florence for over 1600 years and we'll examine the monuments that stood the test of time, those that didn't and we'll uncover the mysteries that lie beneath. Did you know that one of these edifices still holds the world record for the largest brick and mortar dome that has come to define and dominate the skyline of this Renaissance City of Florence? Care to have a guess?<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaG8-aQfCcI/AAAAAAAAAbE/TMpX5NkbCrI/s1600-h/DSC01197.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305729616405531074" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaG8-aQfCcI/AAAAAAAAAbE/TMpX5NkbCrI/s320/DSC01197.JPG" border="0" /></a>Our journey started after our fabulous half-day tour in Fiesole, when en-route to our hotel, we toured the magnificent and cavernous cathedral of Florence, Santa Maria del Fiore or more commonly known as the Duomo. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Santa Maria del Fiore</strong></span> translated means Saint Mary of the Flower, with the flower being Christ Himself as the fruit of our salvation. Designed by <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Arnolfo Di Cambio</strong></span>, construction began in 1296 and completed, sans the dome, in 1348. It wasn't until 1436 that Brunelleschi's "dome within a dome" was completed and finally capped off with his lantern 10 years after that. Containing holy relics, the gilt copper ball that adorns the top of the lantern was added in 1471. This marked the end of a construction period that spanned 170 years. Quite an astonishing feat!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305737294084500018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHD9T1y6jI/AAAAAAAAAcs/fpveZagddeU/s320/DSC01350.JPG" border="0" /> <div><div><div><div><div><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305730947324406066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 228px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaG-L4URaTI/AAAAAAAAAbM/DMW60LF4aBY/s320/Duomo+Cuppola.jpg" border="0" />Truly a sight to behold in person, this titanic structure stretches 153 meters (502 feet) long, 90 meters (295 feet) at its widest point and 90 meters from floor to the top of the dome. Covered in green and pink marble framed by white marble strips, the façade of this great cathedral wasn't completed in the 15th century, but nearly 400 years later by <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Emilio De Fabris</strong></span>. Look carefully and you'll see statuary adorning the niches along the sides, Mother Mary enthroned with a flowered scepter over the front door and various mosaics depicting scenes of Christ, St. Mary and St. John the Baptist, local artisans and merchants, and other prominent Florentine figures over the remaining doors. Truly a stunning sight from any angle and the perfect Kodak moment.</div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305732864749220018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaG_7fR-MLI/AAAAAAAAAbk/ilcnyWbczlo/s320/DSC01189.JPG" border="0" />To this day, Brunelleschi's dome remains the largest brick dome in the world and no picture of Florence is complete without it. </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305731612723529058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaG-ynHyRWI/AAAAAAAAAbU/0P6PjiaNKrs/s320/Duomo+-+View+from+the+Campanile.jpg" border="0" />Only the Pantheon in Rome is larger but is composed of concrete so there's no contest. Speaking of contests, back in 1419, the city of Florence conducted one for the best dome design that would top off the basilica's octagonal base. Brunelleschi, a local artist and architect, competed and won against Ghiberti, the artist whom Brunelleschi lost to in an earlier competition for the bronze <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHAT-PGW5I/AAAAAAAAAbs/7UWYrferKIw/s1600-h/DSC01302.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305733285375531922" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHAT-PGW5I/AAAAAAAAAbs/7UWYrferKIw/s320/DSC01302.JPG" border="0" /></a>panels of the <strong><span style="color:#cc9933;">"Gates of Paradise",</span></strong> the eastern doors of the Baptistery (my next posting). </div><br /><div></div><div>The contest specifically called for a dome design that would span 42 meters (140 feet) and could not contain flying buttresses which were shunned by the Italians. With the support of Cosimo de Medici, Brunelleschi presented his idea, a "dome within a dome" design that would not require flying buttresses and amazingly enough, not even scaffolding surrounding the exterior. The concept was to build an internal dome made of lightweight materials which would then provide support for the outer shell construction composed of more weather resistant materials. Overall, this would be the first octagonal dome ever built and because the recipe for concrete had been lost since the age of the Pantheon, Brunelleschi would have to build his dome with bricks and mortar, hence, the explanation for the world record. Today, you can climb the 463 steps and see firsthand, this unique method of construction. Sounds daunting, yes, however, the view of surrounding Florence and Tuscany from high atop the dome, is amazing and definitely worth every huff and puff upon arrival. Take a look at the view from the top of the campanile...click on <a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/florence/the_dome_of_brunelleschi.htm" target="blank"><strong><u>Italy Guides</u></strong></a> for a sweeping 360 degree panorama!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHAZBk6FDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/I9dbr78zPjk/s1600-h/DSC01303.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305733372171654194" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHAZBk6FDI/AAAAAAAAAb0/I9dbr78zPjk/s320/DSC01303.JPG" border="0" /></a>Compared to the highly adorned exterior of the cathedral, the interior is more reserved in its design and features frescos painted by the Florentine masters in the 14th and 15th centuries. Along the walls, you'll discover frescos by Paolo Uccello, Adrean del Castagno, a painting of Dante and his "Divine Comedy" by Domenico di Michelino and sculptural portraits of Giotto and Brunelleschi. Later in the 19th century, busts were added of Arnolfo di Cambio, the original cathedral designer, and Emilio De Fabris, the 19th century exterior designer. Adorning the interior walls of the dome, 295 feet into the air is Vasari's "Last Judgment" which was ordered by Cosimo de Medici. Brace yourself, the painting is 295 feet away and neck strain is inevitable but worth it nonetheless. The artist, Vasari, was mentioned in my previous posting about the Uffizi Gallery and he is the same man who designed the "Vasari Corridor" that stretches from the Uffizi Gallery to the Pitti Palace on the other side of the Arno. I suggest you rent an audio guide for your journey as you tour around the interior of the cathedral and examine the art. It's only three Euros but worth every one. </div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305734672840275842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHBku8eN4I/AAAAAAAAAb8/QmSLnvlpXKM/s320/DSC01307.JPG" border="0" />To our surprise, after our audio tour concluded, we were on our way out the front doors when we noticed a stairway descending to a lower level just inside and to left of the cathedral's front doors, or to the right when you come from the front. This was our gateway and could be yours to the past, to the end of the 4th century and beyond. There was a nominal charge but it was worth it! But what was down here?<br /><br />Well, after the major renovation of the Duomo in 1966, the remains of an ancient Christian basilica were unearthed just 4 meters below the floor of today's Duomo and were later identified as <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Santa Reparata</span></strong>, built during the late 4th and early 5th centuries in what was known then as the Roman colony of Florentia. Before construction could begin on today's Duomo, the city of Florence during the 13th century, first had to raze Santa Reparata or most of it because of its state of disrepair after having stood for close to 900 years. The population of Florence was outgrowing the capacity of this ancient place of worship and the city wanted its own cathedral, grander in design than its neighboring city states of Siena and Pisa. Thus, the Duomo was born.<br /><br />After you descend and pay the admission fee, you enter into this subterranean wonderland. We couldn't believe our eyes and were so amazed that we knew nothing of this place until we arrived. You can walk down the nave to the altar...,</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307717466923270210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SajM6igZAEI/AAAAAAAAAdE/9JTip7KbW3M/s320/DSC01338.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305735260518642530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHCG8N6c2I/AAAAAAAAAcE/jQdN16nMFjA/s320/DSC01319.JPG" border="0" />examine the mosaic flooring..., <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305735891327706866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHCrqKg5vI/AAAAAAAAAck/a_J02I01l-0/s320/DSC01331.JPG" border="0" />columns that used to support the ceiling, ancient frescos still in tact..., <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305735422428737410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHCQXYSb4I/AAAAAAAAAcM/3p-IkW-jFN8/s320/DSC01321.JPG" border="0" />tombs...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305735725151617202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHCh_HDALI/AAAAAAAAAcc/uxwkQNY4fWM/s320/DSC01333.JPG" border="0" />and other fascinating remnants of the ancient structure. In addition, the steps leading your descent are actually the remains of a stairway that lead to the choir in the ancient basilica. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305735568839174274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaHCY4zQaII/AAAAAAAAAcU/VZqM4GDK1dA/s320/DSC01330.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307717335939711218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SajMy6jegPI/AAAAAAAAAc8/Ea7MKlhgjVk/s320/DSC01332.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307717591465928338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SajNBydrJpI/AAAAAAAAAdM/clHbHM0MP84/s320/DSC01342.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307717206324675938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SajMrXs2BWI/AAAAAAAAAc0/GvaS6ewU870/s320/DSC01329.JPG" border="0" />It's a fascinating journey into the past that I strongly recommend you take. The diagram below provides some perspective from the present day cathedral to that of Santa Reparata, the smallest footprint.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305731907844858610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SaG_DyiMYvI/AAAAAAAAAbc/__1T87wlCjU/s320/Santa+Reparata.gif" border="0" /> Back outside, there are two remaining buildings of this Piazza del Duomo, the Baptistery and Giotto's Campanile. We will explore these in more detail in my next posting.<br /><br />For over 1600 years, the site of Santa Maria del Fiore and all that came before it holds wonder and fascination for all who visit. It's a journey of the soul to the past and present. When you plan to go, don't worry about getting there early in the morning when lines are at their longest, wait until the afternoon, providing the cathedral and bell tower remain open, and then visit. The lines may look long but not as long as they are in the morning and they do move quickly. I urge everyone to include this in your itinerary when planning your visit to this Renaissance city.<br /><br />Ciao from Florence! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-45622481880974786222009-02-14T23:10:00.027-05:002009-06-13T16:00:15.575-04:00A "Taste of Tuscany" and the Journey to Fiesole<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZeaNuQ-iqI/AAAAAAAAAZU/Xk3_BEs-lzQ/s1600-h/DSC02197.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302876646800263842" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZeaNuQ-iqI/AAAAAAAAAZU/Xk3_BEs-lzQ/s320/DSC02197.JPG" /></a>Well, it's time to move out of the city centre for a short break from history and into the sun drenched hills of Tuscany. This is our journey to Fiesole, a town that lies just west of Florence beyond Oltrarno, the other side of the Arno. While still in close proximity to Florence and actually only five kilometers away, Fiesole seems like a world away from the historic city centre. You climb high in hills under the Tuscan sun along narrow winding roads framed by the Cyprus trees that have come to define Tuscany and where scenic vistas beckon you forward into this Tuscan way of life. Whether you're bypassing olive groves, expansive vineyards that seem to stretch to the horizon or those classic Italian villas that sprout from the hilltops, every view is a landscape painting waiting for the artist to capture on canvas. Just take a look at this!<br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 385px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302877069803606786" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZeamWE1UwI/AAAAAAAAAZc/nTWA0YENXyI/s320/Tuscany+Cypress.jpg" />This is our story of our "Tastes of Tuscany" tour. Sounds yummy, doesn't it. I simply couldn't refuse when I found it on <a href="http://www.italy.artviva.com/italytravel_best_tours_tour/tuscany_tour/taste_of_tuscany_at_the_villa" target="blank"><span style="color:#006600;"><strong><u>Italy Tours</u></strong></span> </a>and it was very reasonable. The half-day tour includes a guided walk through Villa di Maiano, a Renaissance estate once owned by the Pazzi family and it just so happens that this is where "A Room With a View" and "Tea With Mussolini" were both filmed. However, the real highlight of this half-day excursion is the delicious Italian lunch that is served villa-side and includes a variety of antipasto, three delectable pasta dishes, breads, wine of course, and a spectacular view overlooking the hills of Tuscany! And if you're worried about all of those calories, don't, because after lunch, it's time to burn them off; for the tour concludes with a vigorous walk down the Tuscan hills past those scenic landscapes until you reach the town of Fiesole. Upon arrival, you embark on transportation back to Florence. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302877709105225794" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZebLjqN4EI/AAAAAAAAAZk/KRgKCkL16Ag/s320/DSC02192.JPG" />Before we embark, I really should provide a brief history of Villa di Maiano for all you who may not have visited this place. Originally built in the 1400's and once known as "Palagio degli Alessandri", the villa was completely destroyed by a hurricane in 1467 which forced the owner at the time, Bartolomeo degli Alessandri, to sell his family homestead to fund reconstruction. Then, in the early 16th century, the house was occupied by the Sforza family, then the Buonagrazia family and finally in 1546, the Pazzi family bought the estate. You may recall the Pazzi family for their notoriously planned conspiracy to murder Lorenzo de Medici (Lorenzo the Magnificent) and his brother, Guiliano, as they were leaving high mass from the Duomo in Florence. Only part of their plan succeeded, Lorenzo's brother, Guiliano, was indeed murdered and the Pazzi family paid dearly for their mistakes.<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302880899707097074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZeeFRk-z_I/AAAAAAAAAac/7ndkMHcPjgc/s320/DSC02185.JPG" />Nearly 300 years later, the Tolomei family, wealthy merchants from Siena purchased the villa. Then, it was Sir John Temple Leader from England who occupied the palace and because he wanted to add medieval architectural elements to the estate, he enclosed a central courtyard and constructed the tower you see today that rises through the center of the villa. Take a look.<br />Finally, in 1903, a surgeon from Florence, Teodora Stori and his wife Elisabetta Corsini, purchased the villa. It is said that Elisabetta had such a passion for the historical building that she devoted much of her time and energy on maintainng the place. Presently, her neice, Countess Lucrezia Miara Fulcis dei Principi Corsini, who inherited the estate upon Elisabetta's death, continues to manage the property to this day. If you want to read more and see some spectacular images of the interior rooms, visit <a href="http://www.fattoriadimaiano.com/en/villa/en_storia.php" target="blank"><span style="color:#006600;"><strong><u>Villa di Maiano</u></strong></span></a>. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302878160338090402" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZebl0og-aI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/6YpcmAT9br4/s320/DSC02199.JPG" />Ok, enough about history and back to the details of the tour. At 10:00am, we met our tour guide, Alice, originally from Australia, at via Sasseti in Florence on the other side of the Duomo from where we were staying at the Monna Lisa. From there, we boarded vans and headed high into the Tuscan hills where we arrived at the magnificent Villa di Maiano and proceeded on our tour of the estate and gardens. We saw rooms of such grandeur and opulence and yes, the famous piano from "A Room With a View" is located just inside the front door. Outside we strolled into the gardens and eventually were lead to a verandah at the edge of the property where we were seated at a large table with all of the other folks who were on tour with us. We were completely surrounded by the most scenic views of the Tuscan hills that seemed to roll on forever. It was simply breathtaking. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302877886787483154" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZebV5k99hI/AAAAAAAAAZs/txGly3XkEb8/s320/DSC02189.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302878388998958386" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZebzIdg7TI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/yDLBzBSr7so/s320/DSC02203.JPG" />Alice, as we found out, was not only an amazing tour guide, she was quite the hostess and wine connoisseur. She introduced us to a variety of Italian wines of which we tasted of course while other servers brought in various bruschettas with prosciutto, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and more. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZeb-0GAQ2I/AAAAAAAAAaE/4sY46FyBMn4/s1600-h/DSC02212.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 288px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 371px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302878589690069858" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZeb-0GAQ2I/AAAAAAAAAaE/4sY46FyBMn4/s320/DSC02212.JPG" /></a>We all toasted to an amazing day and to the dining experience in which we were all to partake. After the breads, it was on to the antipasto replete with salamis, cheeses, olives, peppers and other delicious Italian fare. Gee are you hungry yet because my mouth is watering just typing all of this. How amazing is this? Here we are, in a 15th century villa high in the hills, eating a fabulous Italian feast and taking in the surrounding beauty of the Tuscan landscape. The sun is warm, the breeze is mild and it's an absolutely perfect day!! Now this is paradise!! But wait, there's more. After the first courses, came three types of pastas dishes with alfredo, marinara and an olive oil sauces, some with chicken, some with prosciutto, and all came with the fresh aroma of garlic wafting in the air. How wonderful. These Italians really know how to cook. We dined and dined until we could eat no more and then wrapped up with espressos and Italian pastries.<br /><br />After lunch, as I mentioned earlier, we traversed the hills down to the Fiesole town centre where we caught our transportation back to the Duomo. </p><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302879541740235666" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZec2Owc65I/AAAAAAAAAaU/XQ_mkvsNFas/s320/DSC02224.JPG" />We said our good-byes, offered a tip to our Alice, and then boarded the bus back to Florence. All transportation, admission, food and wine are included in the price. I really enjoyed this tour for its little bit of history, the tour of the scenic countryside outside Florence and mostly for the delectable lunch. It was perfect in length because by the time we arrived back at the Duomo, it was still early enough in the day to tour the Florence Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore….my next posting. If you find yourself seeking a brief departure from the historic sights and landmarks, I strongly urge you to indulge in the mouthwatering <span style="color:#ff0000;">Tastes of Tuscany!</span><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5302879467540165522" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SZecx6Vxs5I/AAAAAAAAAaM/vy-218-oMUI/s320/DSC02221.JPG" />Arrivederci from Fiesole! </p>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-89561405742795109802009-01-25T01:16:00.014-05:002009-06-13T16:10:43.533-04:00The Galleria dell' Accademia and Michelangelo's David: Absolute Perfection!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwEBo4gkaI/AAAAAAAAAYM/csQOv_4p_S0/s1600-h/250px-Michelangelos_David.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295111688081674658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwEBo4gkaI/AAAAAAAAAYM/csQOv_4p_S0/s320/250px-Michelangelos_David.jpg" /></a>Another profound and wondrous moment in my life was to gaze up at the David, a colossal sculpture of perfection, without question, and beauty! Actually, it's quite humbling to stand before another Michelangelo masterpiece and be moved so spiritually, so intellectually, so artistically. I have waited 18 years since college days of attending art history courses and writing my final paper on this magnificent piece of sculpture, to see David and now, we were just moments away. My heart was pounding!<br /><br />After our morning walk and introduction tour in Florence, we were on our way to the Accademia Gallery to finally see the David. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by yet, another long queue of tourists that stretched beyond the eye could see. However, as I mentioned in the Uffizi posting, we were on a tour so we already had reservations. I recommend you do the same. So, we went to the other side of the main entrance, a very short queue, and were whisked in shortly thereafter.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwEdY5Z_qI/AAAAAAAAAYU/dJAqfOfXMoU/s1600-h/david.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295112164826807970" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwEdY5Z_qI/AAAAAAAAAYU/dJAqfOfXMoU/s320/david.jpg" /></a><br />We entered the museum and immediately in front of you, at the end of a long hallway flanked by giant unfinished sculptures, more on those later, is the David, rising boldly above the throngs of tourists who are bees to honey around the base of the pedestal. See what I mean? It stands in the Tribunal, a room designed and purpose built specifically to house the statue which up until 1873, stood in the Piazza della Signoria, outside the Palazzo Vecchio. Due to weathering and erosion, the city of Florence moved the David here and in 1910, a replica was placed to stand where David stood for over 300 years.<br /><br />Of course, I need to digress and provide a little background for those not familiar with its origin. After completing his famous "Pieta" in Rome in 1499, discussed and pictured in a previous posting, Michelangelo completed the David in 1504, age 29, and on September 8th of the same year, it was presented to the city of Florence. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwGcq_-CiI/AAAAAAAAAZE/fTCCxNvcsfo/s1600-h/DSC01247.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295114351529560610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwGcq_-CiI/AAAAAAAAAZE/fTCCxNvcsfo/s320/DSC01247.JPG" /></a>From what started out as a 18 foot block of marble cast aside due to another sculptor who thought he damaged the stone beyond repair, Michelangelo saw the piece as an opportunity to free his David from his prison of stone. The statue was originally intended to be one of twelve Old Testament sculptures to sit atop the Duomo or Santa Maria del Fiore however, the final resting place would be outside the Palazzo Vecchio and the location was decided upon by a committee that included Leonardo Da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. Can you imagine being surrounded by of the proliferation of creative genius in Florence at this time?<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwErBxf1TI/AAAAAAAAAYc/IhqbV6cgnvM/s1600-h/david+torso+and+neck.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 117px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 131px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295112399137789234" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwErBxf1TI/AAAAAAAAAYc/IhqbV6cgnvM/s320/david+torso+and+neck.jpg" /></a>Like many of the sights I have seen throughout my travels thus far, this one took my breath away yet again. The colossal statue is poised on a giant pedestal and rises 17 feet. To see the chiseled body rendered in such beauty, such unbelievably exquisite and realistic detail is beyond words. Michelangelo captures the moment when David first lays eyes on his foe and with mounting tension in his outstretched neck, he reaches back with his slingshot to slay the mighty Goliath. Look carefully at the musculature, the veins in the arms and hands, the overall grace of his physique. Truly, not another sculpture before or after, has ever surpassed the David. Take a look. It's inconceivable that this was once thought a useless piece of marble.<br /><br /><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 122px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 139px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295112807060611330" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwFCxZ4IQI/AAAAAAAAAYk/izT3UCLMMmA/s320/david+face.jpg" />This statue is actually one of three David's that reside in Florence. There is the replica in the Piazza della Signoria that I mentioned above and the other stands high atop the hills in Oltrarno, other side of the Arno, in the Piazzale Michelangelo. Check it out. </div><div><br /></div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 209px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295113203062921234" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwFZ0oL2BI/AAAAAAAAAYs/_finNoYaz34/s320/david+piazzale+michelangelo.jpg" /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwFrgCcIgI/AAAAAAAAAY0/rzrJzOxfZxA/s1600-h/DavidPrisoners+Hallway.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 319px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295113506773541378" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwFrgCcIgI/AAAAAAAAAY0/rzrJzOxfZxA/s320/DavidPrisoners+Hallway.jpg" /></a></p><div>Before we arrived at the David, we had to pass through the hallway contained the "unfinished" sculptures that Michelangelo completed in the latter part of his life. Paling in comparison, but nonetheless not be overlooked, these "Prisoners" or "Slaves" or "non-finito" sculptures were originally intended for the tomb of Pope Julius II. However, some scholars believe that Michelangelo intended to leave them unfinished and today, it's debated to the point of exhaustion. In either case, you really get a sense of the extraordinary amount of work that goes into sculpting. If you look closely at these, you can see the marks left by various sculpting tools that after time, "freed these prisoners from their tombs" of marble as Michelangelo often liked to put it. After Michelangelo's death, the statues were given to Cosimo I who placed them in the Boboli Gardens at Pitti Palace, where they stood until 1909. </div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 90px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295113763408934226" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXwF6cFFdVI/AAAAAAAAAY8/ckgNCf4Yutg/s320/David+prisoner.jpg" /><br />Other paintings and sculptures are here as well including a Pieta previously thought to have been carved by Michelangelo but later discovered to be the work of one of his students. How disappointing. Remember, leave your cameras back in your villa, no pics allowed. I had to borrow these from a few websites. And, most importantly, make your reservations for tickets before you leave home!<br /><br />After an amazing journey through time once again, my stomach in the present was getting very hungry and it was time for one of my favorite lunches in Italy, a Caprese sandwich with spinach, tomato and mozzarella between two slices of focaccia bread and warmed in the oven. So very yummy. After lunch, it was time to do some shopping at the Ponte Vecchio and nearby shops where I purchased a new gold earring and on the way back to the Monna Lisa for our afternoon Cappuccino, I stopped in a real "mom and pop" store to purchase a tanned leather briefcase, something I have wanted for ages! Two items and too much money spent. Oh well, it's vacation and who cares about money.<br /><br />Ciao!! </div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-38144288506421790372009-01-17T15:41:00.027-05:002009-01-19T01:04:42.963-05:00The Uffizi Gallery in Florence: The EuroTraveler Studies the Works of the Masters.Care to journey back with me to the 13th century to study the masters in one of the most famous art collections in the world? To get really up close and personal with Giotto, Raphael, Michelangelo, Bernini and Caravaggio? To travel through time from Gothic, to Renaissance, to High Renaissance, to the Baroque with the <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Medici</strong></span>? Well, read on to see how we spent our first day in the Renaissance City of Florence!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJDcgstQzI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Ovr4qtMr9s4/s1600-h/DSC01233.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292366669206602546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJDcgstQzI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Ovr4qtMr9s4/s320/DSC01233.JPG" border="0" /></a>We started out at the Uffizi Gallery at 8:30am, the time of our reservation. What do I mean by reservation? Well, after reading this posting you will understand fully. When we arrived at the Uffizi courtyard, the center of a giant "U" which is surrounded by the three wings of the museum, we found the entrance line stretching from Entrance #1 on one side of the street, winding down toward the Arno and then back up the other side of the street to Entrance #3 where you actually enter the museum to begin your tour. If you don't have a reservation in hand or are not part of a group, this line will eat up 2-3 hours of your day. This is exactly why we had ours. And to help you avoid wasting precious moments of vacation time, I will explain how to get your reservations. But you'll have to wait to the end of this posting. Needless to say, we bypassed the line and arrived at Entrance #3 where we picked up our actual tickets and proceeded to the museum entrance. We were inside in less than five minutes. Ha!<br /><br />Before we begin our journey through the museum, let me give a little history on the Uffizi Gallery. Established by the Medici in 1581, this world famous museum was originally commissioned by <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Cosimo I</span></strong> in 1560, the patriarch of the Medici family, <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJEA1HOwoI/AAAAAAAAAWU/xNGf2bGzcOo/s1600-h/200px-Cosimo_di_Medici_%2528Bronzino%2529.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292367293161849474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 249px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJEA1HOwoI/AAAAAAAAAWU/xNGf2bGzcOo/s320/200px-Cosimo_di_Medici_%2528Bronzino%2529.jpg" border="0" /></a>and designed by Georgio Vasari, a very well known artist of the day and one of Cosimo's favorites. The edifice was intended to serve as offices or uffizis for the high-ranking magistrates of Florence. Over time, the Medici amassed a large collection of artwork; either purchased or commissioned, and stored them here in especially elaborate rooms such as the Tribuna, the red walled octagonal shaped room that houses some of the Medici's most prized collections. More on that later. When the Medici fell out of power, Anna Maria Luisa, the last Medici heiress, established the museum through a family pact that stated all of her possessions were never to leave Florence and then opened up the museum to the public in 1765. The rest, as they say, is history.<br /><br />We began our journey a little winded after ascending 3 very long staircases to the top landing where you are greeted by the "family", the Medici Family that is. Busts of the prominent members surround you and it's at this point you begin your tour and understand just how influential this family was in Florence of the day.<br /><br />After surrendering your ticket, you begin in the 13th century <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Gothic</span></strong> art rooms. Like the Vatican, the Uffizi too has quite a collection of this fascinating two-dimensional artistic style of painting that features prolific amounts of gold throughout the works. Lacking in the art of this time period was perspective, an idea born of a Renaissance man some 300 years later – <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Brunelleschi</strong></span> in the 15th century and demonstrated later by <strong>Masaccio</strong> in his <em>Holy Trinity</em>, a fresco on the inside wall of the Santa Maria Novella. <div><div><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292375162652942706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJLK5QHYXI/AAAAAAAAAW8/wVc9bqOjZ_4/s320/Gothic+Uffizi.jpg" border="0" />From here, the rooms travel through the centuries and we discovered <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Botticelli's</strong></span> "Primavera" and "<strong><span style="color:#006600;">Birth of Venus</span></strong>" of which we purchased a print and had framed beautifully upon our return to the States. Stunningly beautiful, the "Birth of Venus" is rich in color and tells the story of Venus who arrives on this first day of creation, floating in a shell with the winds, Zephyr and Aura blowing her ashore. To her right, is one of the Three Graces, who is ready to offer her capes to cover her modest state. See for yourself. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292374735937326402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 394px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 255px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJKyDnLzUI/AAAAAAAAAW0/LfWcHbljGmo/s320/Birth+of+Venus.jpg" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292369870565718962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJGW2sMu7I/AAAAAAAAAWk/gr7t0ollUvw/s320/doni+tondo.jpg" border="0" />As you continue your journey, you will come upon <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Michelangelo's "Doni Tondo</strong>",</span> a painting of the Holy Family completed in the early 16th century and during the transitional phase from the "Renaissance" period to that of "Mannerism", around 1520. Giotto, Lippi, Carravagio, Raphael <em>(Self Portrait),</em> <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Leonardo</span></strong> (the unfinished <em>Adoration of the Magi</em>, <em>Annunciation</em>), <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Titian</strong></span> (<em>Venus d'Urbino</em>) <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Piero Della Francesca</strong></span> (<em>Duke of Urbino</em>), <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Parmigianino</strong></span> (<em>The Madonna of the Long Neck</em>) and countless others throughout. There are also rooms of Italian sculptures where you'll find <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Bernini's</span></strong> statue of <em>The Martyred St. Lawrence</em>, <span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>The Tribuna Room</strong></span> where the Medici kept their most treasured and valuable pieces of their collection. We continued through the ages and ended up in the 18th century. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292375485123447042" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJLdqjEyQI/AAAAAAAAAXE/qpbZI6KoAZE/s320/Raphael+Self+Portrait.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292375687064501634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJLpa1kvYI/AAAAAAAAAXM/ZN56DEbsDIY/s320/Venus+d%27Urbino.jpg" border="0" /></p><p>As you weave in and out of all of the connecting rooms, be sure to notice the ceilings in the outer hallways. What are known in the artistic world as <strong><span style="color:#006600;">"grotesques", </span></strong>not because of the subject matter but of the origin of the art form itself, are frescos painted in the 16th and 17th centuries. This style of painting derives its name from where they were first discovered, on the ceilings of grottos, hence "grotesques".<br /><br />At last, we have almost completed our tour. There is one fascinating element of this museum that I want to share with you, a spectacular corridor, known as the <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Vasari Corridor,</strong></span> which was designed by the artist in 1565 as a wedding present to Francesco I and Joan of Austria. This "secret passageway" stretches from the Uffizi Gallery, down along the <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Arno River</strong></span>, across the river via the Ponte Vecchio, and finally adjoins the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens ("The" Medici Palace of Florence and the topic of a later posting). It was reserved exclusively for the Medici who traveled this kilometer long passageway by pulling themselves by hand along its entire length. Dismaying as it may be, this clandestine corridor is not open to general public. However, if your one of the lucky ones who may traverse its path as part of a special group or school tour, you'll be in for a real treat. If any of you have made this journey, I am jealous so please send me a comment so I can live vicariously through you! Check it out. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5292375771395483826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 173px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SXJLuU_paLI/AAAAAAAAAXU/EM508I8qy70/s320/Vasari+Corridor.jpg" border="0" />Now that we are at the end of our first tour in Florence, allow me to impart a few essential tips. Before we left for Europe, I investigated a lot of the places we planned to visit online and in the books I recommend on this site. I also checked many tour websites that featured group and private tours of the city, the churches, the museums and other popular sights. Only a few hours in length, these tours are a great introduction if you're a first time visitor.<br /><br />We booked our tour, almost a full day, through <a href="http://www.tours-italy.com/florence-city_tours-day_tour_florence.htm#/" target="blank"><b><u><span style="color:#cc0000;">Avventure Bellissime</span></b></u></a> . One of their most popular tours features a guided city walk in the morning to learn about the architecture, the historical sights, the Medici and the role that Florence played in one of the most influential and reawakening periods in history, the Renaissance! Following our morning walk, was the guided tour of the Accademia to see Michelangelo's David. Later in the afternoon, we all met up at the Uffizi Gallery. I strongly recommend this tour and it's well worth the price because not only do you get a great introduction to the city and learn the significance of the architecture, the popular sights, etc, you don't have to worry about the price of museums nor the strongly recommended advanced reservations. If a whole day doesn't appeal to you, then book a shorter tour of one museum. The site offers a variety. Take a look.<br /><br />Now, if you want to skip the tour, it's understandable since the cost may be more than you want to spend, however make your reservations for the museums at the very least. There's a small fee but it's well worth it. I think I have made my point here. And be sure to rent an audio guide. We did that on our last trip there. I do have one last secret to share but be sure you don't tell anyone! Ask your hotel to make the reservations for you. Since you are a paying customer, you will find they are most amenable. Our friend, Miriam at the Monna Lisa, was only too happy to oblige when we asked her to book the Uffizi and Academia. Oh and leave your cameras in your rooms because no pictures allowed.<br /><br />It's time to head to the Accademia to see Michelangelo, The Florentine's, "David" – my next posting.<br /><br />Arrivederci!!!!! </p></div></div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-33904283093035436442009-01-11T16:21:00.045-05:002009-11-22T15:11:53.671-05:00Florence – The EuroTraveler seeks out to discover the art and architecture of the city that gave birth to the Renaissance.<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290154887552313410" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWpn139aKEI/AAAAAAAAAU0/GwdTKJZhG50/s320/DSC01270.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 276px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 373px;" /> The Art of the Renaissance is everywhere in Florence and lies awaiting discovery and scrutiny by all whose curiosity is piqued by the masters' creative genius. Guided by skillful hands, these gifted artists created masterpieces on canvas, in marble, in writing and in the design of some of the most inspiring architecture in the world - monuments and buildings designed by Michelangelo - the Florentine and Brunelleschi, a "Divine Comedy" by Dante, the master strokes of Botticelli and let's not forget the Medici, the leading family driving the Renaissance and their generous and outpouring support of the arts. Imagine all of this right here in Florence! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWptOyDPD3I/AAAAAAAAAVs/GIzBDBwEYhE/s1600-h/DSC02330.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290160813021007730" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWptOyDPD3I/AAAAAAAAAVs/GIzBDBwEYhE/s320/DSC02330.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 240px;" /></a>What else does Florence have to offer? Well for starters, there's the Duomo in the city center - Santa Maria del Fiori with its largest brick and mortar dome ever built even to this day (Pantheon is larger but made of concrete); the Baptistry and its <span style="color: #cc9933;"><strong>"Gates of Paradise";</strong></span> the shopping at the <strong><span style="color: #006600;">Ponte Vecchio</span></strong>; the sculpture collections at the <span style="color: #006600;"><strong>Bargello Museum</strong></span>, the art of the Uffizi and Accademia (my next posting); the <span style="color: #006600;"><strong>Medici Chapels</strong></span> in San Lorenzo; <strong><span style="color: #006600;">Santa Croce</span></strong> where Michelangelo lays to rest; the <strong><span style="color: #006600;">Piazza della Signoria</span></strong>; the <strong><span style="color: #006600;">Pitti Palace</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color: #006600;">Boboli Gardens</span></strong> just across the Arno River; and there's so much more. Want a bird's eye view of most of this? Visit <a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/florence/the_dome_of_brunelleschi.htm" target="blank"><b><u>Italy Guides</u></b></a> and have a look around high atop Giotto's campanile. It's breathtaking!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWppUMQN4gI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Cqh3JDP2w8I/s1600-h/DSC01301.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290156507907613186" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWppUMQN4gI/AAAAAAAAAVU/Cqh3JDP2w8I/s320/DSC01301.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 240px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a>We will explore these places plus others in upcoming postings so by the time we leave Florence and Tuscany, you and I will have relived the wonderful memories and maybe learned a thing or two as well. And then we can reflect on how the city that gave birth to the Renaissance, resurrected the classics and lead the way for the world out of the Dark Ages and into the light! <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWpk_wcnf0I/AAAAAAAAAUc/sruWC1r1was/s1600-h/DSC01238.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290151758799535938" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWpk_wcnf0I/AAAAAAAAAUc/sruWC1r1was/s320/DSC01238.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 223px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 156px;" /></a>To discover all that this Tuscan city has to offer seems Herculean, however, if you properly plan your visit before you leave home, you are sure to make the most of your time. Just remember, you're never going to do it in one trip so don’t try lest you'll end up disappointed and exhausted. Instead, take your time, go slowly through the sights and know you can always return again. Actually, that's a most comforting thought, to return to Florence! So, come with me as we journey together to seek out all that Florence has to reveal. <br />
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<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290165090270412066" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWpxHwC9fSI/AAAAAAAAAV0/rQvTHZcofp0/s320/DSC02168.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290165486833584882" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWpxe1W_SvI/AAAAAAAAAV8/5QQoB9bixs0/s320/DSC01290.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /> <br />
<img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290159808169413826" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWpsUSr8jMI/AAAAAAAAAVk/yowZGmT9q1A/s320/DSC02157.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" />Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-6442526021722235742009-01-02T23:39:00.040-05:002009-06-13T16:04:06.256-04:00EuroTraveler Catches the Train to Tuscany!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV78xKr0Y7I/AAAAAAAAATU/wdoUomuzqEE/s1600-h/DSC01298.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286940934191473586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV78xKr0Y7I/AAAAAAAAATU/wdoUomuzqEE/s320/DSC01298.JPG" /></a>I am so excited to be writing about Tuscany. Now that I have shared some of our Roman holiday memories and now that the winter Holidays are coming to end, it's time for me to get back to telling more tales of our journey in Europe. This time it's off to Tuscany and I have so much so share with you! Overall, we were in Florence for 6 days and explored most of the architecture and fine art in the birthplace of the Renaissance; tasted the fine cuisine of course; and were awe-struck with the breathtaking Tuscan landscapes as we went touring through the hills. I tell you it's just as you see it in books, online, in movies, but this time it's in living color with your own eyes! I couldn't believe my own!<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWA1_YNKHfI/AAAAAAAAAT0/bUU0fEbD5gk/s1600-h/DSC01384.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287285325478632946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWA1_YNKHfI/AAAAAAAAAT0/bUU0fEbD5gk/s320/DSC01384.JPG" /></a>But first let me back up to tell you a little about how we got there. Early in the morning on the day of our departure, we caught a cab and headed for Rome Termini train station to board our train for our 1 ½ hour to journey to Florence. Have you ever traveled by train in Europe? It's wonderfully convenient and best of all, provides a respite from those busy touring itineraries left behind in Rome and yet to come in Florence. Once on board with your luggage, ugh, find your seat and sit back, relax and watch the landscapes roll by from the comfort of your own seat. It may be some time before a conductor stops by to stamp your biglietto so don't worry, he will come. I need to digress and mention how important it is to book your seats ahead of time so you are guaranteed seating on the train. If you don't, you risk standing for the duration and that would really be inconvenient, to say the least. Before we left the U.S., I went to <a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-3297904-10357859" target="blank"><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><u>Rail Europe</u></strong></span></a> to book all of our city-to-city train tickets and had them in hand before we left. Very convenient and no need to stand in long lines at the station. <img border="0" src="http://www.awltovhc.com/image-3297904-10357859" width="1" height="1" /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV79FwB6kFI/AAAAAAAAATc/9SydduQpQ5s/s1600-h/DSC01383.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286941287813648466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV79FwB6kFI/AAAAAAAAATc/9SydduQpQ5s/s320/DSC01383.JPG" /></a>Finally Firenze! We're here! It's 12:15 and we're on our way to our most favorite place to stay in all of Europe, The Hotel Monna Lisa in Florence. Yes, the spelling is correct, two "n's". I stumbled upon this place while planning for our first trip to Europe on <a href="http://travel.ian.com/index.jsp?cid=252810" target="blank"><b><u><span style="color:#990000;">hotels.com</span></b></u></a> and immediately went to the site to book it. It's exactly the kind of place I wanted to stay while in Florence and it's convenient to the Duomo and Baptistry, the Uffuzi, The Accademia, the Ponte Vecchio, and more! Although a little pricey, it's worth every penny as far as I am concerned. You really must check it out: <a href="http://www.monnalisa.it/" target="blank"><u><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Hotel Monna Lisa</strong></span></u></a><strong>.</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV73AbngtcI/AAAAAAAAASk/-ACCw-I2O_E/s1600-h/DSC01380.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286934599365080514" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV73AbngtcI/AAAAAAAAASk/-ACCw-I2O_E/s320/DSC01380.JPG" /></a>Although not much to look at from the front when your taxi arrives at the front door, and actually, that's all you see, is a front door, it's a complete transformation once you're inside! First, you walk through what was once a living room of some sort but it's vacant and all you see at the other end of the room are glass doors welcoming you to the hotel lobby. After you check in, it's off the to main building that houses the bar, the breakfast garden room and sitting room, all with views into an enchanting courtyard that's filled with fragrances of flowering trees, citrus and olive. Each building has public sitting rooms with desks and no matter which building you're in, each is quaint and completely charming! See for yourself.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV79Y0UwhSI/AAAAAAAAATk/SXCKN5kv1Sk/s1600-h/DSC01382.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286941615383938338" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV79Y0UwhSI/AAAAAAAAATk/SXCKN5kv1Sk/s320/DSC01382.JPG" /></a>Talk about steeped in history, this hotel has a history dating back to the 1300s when this palazzo was originally a convent. Later in 1439, it was owned by the Ferrantini Family and then the Nerri family in the early 1500's. After that, it changed families until the present-day owners, the Ciardi Dupre Family, converted it into a hotel in 1956. I know this sounds like a commercial, but I recommend calling the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Hotel Monna Lisa</span></strong> your home next time you're in Florence and even while you're touring throughout Tuscany as well. It was our base while we ventured under the Tuscan sun to <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Siena</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Montepulciano</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Pienza</span></strong> and <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Fiesole</span></strong> (those stories in later postings) and it was so nice to come back in the early evening and relax in the courtyard with a cappuccino before dinner. This is when I loved to journal the day's experience.<br /><br />Here's a pic of a cozy little bar off the lobby area.<br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287285649937699170" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWA2SQ6OkWI/AAAAAAAAAT8/V0ZOJ5x6j-Q/s320/DSC01388.JPG" /> The Breakfast Garden Room just off the courtyard...<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287286133479073586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SWA2uaPeZzI/AAAAAAAAAUE/gkfaiphGoyM/s320/DSC01386.JPG" /> <p align="right"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV79rLHrH5I/AAAAAAAAATs/kes_ei7IpbI/s1600-h/DSC01381.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5286941930740719506" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SV79rLHrH5I/AAAAAAAAATs/kes_ei7IpbI/s320/DSC01381.JPG" /></a></p><p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Our room is #5 every time we go because it has a balcony that overlooks the lush and fragrant courtyard that the hotel surrounds on three sides. To the left is a convent. Breakfast is included every day and is served in the garden room. Nice huh?<br /><br />Well, I will leave you to your exploring the website and taking in the snapshots. I can't tell you enough how wonderful this place is. You will just have to find out for yourself.<br /><br />Next time, we set out to explore the city.<br /><br />Arrivederci!!</p>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-4388611071195207512008-12-30T00:50:00.008-05:002008-12-30T01:13:14.578-05:00What are the Twelve Days of Christmas?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVm37-RHnYI/AAAAAAAAAR0/CxjwjrmYdY8/s1600-h/epiphany.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285457878650953090" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 246px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVm37-RHnYI/AAAAAAAAAR0/CxjwjrmYdY8/s320/epiphany.jpg" border="0" /></a>Before we investigate the origins, the meaning and the traditions surrounding the Twelve Days of Christmas, let me dispel a common misconception in that when we speak of the "Twelve Days of Christmas", we should refer to the 12 days or nights that FOLLOW Christmas not lead up to Christmas.<br /><br />The <strong>Twelve Days of Christmas</strong> or the Twelve Nights of Christmas, whichever you fancy, begin on the evening of December 25th or the day of December 26 th. From there, they continue and conclude on <strong>Twelfth Night</strong> (the evening of January 5th) or on the day of January 6th. This day marks the <strong>Epiphany</strong> and represents the arrival of the three Wise Men to the manger bearing gifts for the Baby Jesus. This day is also celebrated as <strong>"Three Kings Day."</strong><br /><br />There are several traditions and customs that celebrate part or all of these twelve days. In Latin America, they celebrate Christmas on Christmas Day but save January 6th, <em>el Dia de los Tres Reyes</em>, as the day of exchanging gifts. Several Dutch also celebrate in this fashion. Others may give gifts on each of the twelve days. Still, eastern orthodox traditions (Russian and Greek) celebrate Christmas on January 7th followed by the Epiphany or <strong>Theophany</strong> on January 19th or when God revealed himself to us as Jesus Christ. Why January 19th? According to the Julian Calendar as originated by Julius Caesar in 45 B.C., this marks the first day of the year. Now that's a lot of celebrating.<br /><br />Another interesting factoid is that Twelfth Night is celebrated by some with a feast and the removal of Christmas decorations. The French and English include a King Cake in their feast to celebrate the Three Kings or Magi. Only in the southern U.S. during Mardi Gras, is the King Cake enjoyed outside the Twelve Days of Christmas.<br /><br />Regarding the song <strong>"Twelve Days of Christmas",</strong> it is usually thought of a children's nonsense song for the holidays. However, some historians believe that the song's origin can be traced back to the 16th century when it was taught to children as a mnemonic device for learning the various aspects of Christian faith. For example, "My True Love" refers to God and the "me" is every baptized Christian. Continuing, the "Partridge in a Pear Tree" represents the Baby Jesus whom God gave to the world on the "first day of Christmas." The second day brought "Two Turtle Doves" or the "Old" and "New" Testaments. On the third day, "Three French Hens" represent the three religious virtues of Faith, Hope and Love. "Four Calling Birds" embody Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Still, some others…"Five Golden Rings" are the first five books of the Bible known as the Torah. "Six Geese-A-Layin'" represent the 6 days of creation. "Ten Lords-A-Leapin'" are the Ten Commandments and finally "Eleven Pipers Pipin'" represent the 11 Apostles sans Judas.<br /><div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVm7zg3Qd8I/AAAAAAAAAR8/zS3gPs5JlHw/s1600-h/ChristianChristmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285462131365410754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVm7zg3Qd8I/AAAAAAAAAR8/zS3gPs5JlHw/s320/ChristianChristmas.jpg" border="0" /></a>What is the true meaning? I leave that up to you to decide but know this, Christmas is a time when we celebrate the Glory of God and the one gift He bestowed on us to bring forth good will and peace for all men!<br /><br />Hope you enjoyed this little history lesson and that you learned something new!<br /><br />The EuroTraveler continues to wish you a Happy Holiday Season on this 5th Day of Christmas!</div></div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-14255341927785524532008-12-27T17:51:00.004-05:002008-12-27T21:26:19.764-05:00Who is Father Christmas? The EuroTraveler goes to Germany to seek out an answer.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVaxsAng6SI/AAAAAAAAARM/L6xPASapLHY/s1600-h/Odin.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284606582403950882" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 218px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVaxsAng6SI/AAAAAAAAARM/L6xPASapLHY/s320/Odin.jpg" border="0" /></a>According to folklore, back before the Germans converted to Christianity, they celebrated Yule, a pagan religious festival, surrounding the winter solstice, that ran from late December to early January. At the time, it was believed that the god Odin the wanderer, or Wodan, would host his annual Yule hunting party with fellow gods and travel the skies at night with his horse, Sleipnir. Children in the villages below, would fill up their boots with straw, carrots or sugar and place them near the chimney so that Sleipnir could come down to eat during his midnight rides. Odin would then reward these kind children by replacing the food with gifts and candy treats.<br /><br />Sounds very similar to Sinterklaas, don't you think? The striking difference between these two legends is in their physical appearance. Odin, like Sinterklaas, was depicted as an old man with a white beard; however Odin, the warrior god, is missing his left eye. Wouldn't make a very nice "Yule" card, would it?<br /><br />After Christianity spread to this region, Odin evolved into Saint Nicholas and the Germans, Belgians and Dutch passed these new traditions down from generation to generation. When the traditions came to America via New Amsterdam or New York, the boots that were once placed by the chimneys became socks or stockings.<br /><br />Hope you learned a little more about the traditions of Christmas. I know I did.<br /><br />Happy Holidays!<br /><br />The EuroTravelerJeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-78139143903981096532008-12-23T22:11:00.029-05:002008-12-24T00:02:47.879-05:00EuroTraveler Discovers Christmas in Pictures<em><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong>Star of Wonder, <span style="color:#009900;">Star of night</span></strong>….</span></em>what inspiring words on the most holy night of the year. I want to share some pics I received in an email as well as a few more I added of European cities during Christmas time. I hope you enjoy them and are inspired by their spirit. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Merry Christmas...</span><span style="color:#009900;">Veselé vánoce...</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Vrolijk kerstfeest...</span><span style="color:#009900;">Joyeux Noël...</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Frohe Weihnachten</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">...</span><span style="color:#009900;">Καλά Χριστούγεννα...</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Buon Natale...</span><span style="color:#009900;">С Рождеством...</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Feliz Navidad...</span><span style="color:#009900;">God jul...</span><span style="color:#ff0000;">Glædelig jul...<br /></span><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>Amsterdam, Holland...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283197044391781426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVGvuGVdpDI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/yNr6iA4tSjI/s320/Amsterdam+square+during+Christmas.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Vatican, Rome, Italy...</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283194980496282338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 346px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVGt19ubkuI/AAAAAAAAAOw/wxFO9w1WPfY/s320/Christmas+at+the+Vatican.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>London (Trafalgar Square)...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283207547698781554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 339px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVG5ReM_nXI/AAAAAAAAAQM/mdSAfaq2JB4/s320/Christmas+in+London+(Trafalgar).jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>Gubbio, Italy (Umbria)...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283195285483566994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 355px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 273px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVGuHt5EN5I/AAAAAAAAAO4/BmuplklYRsQ/s320/Christmas+In+Gubbio,+Italy+(Umbria).jpg" border="0" /></div></div><div>Karwendel, Germany...</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283195439979746322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 353px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 369px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVGuQtb01BI/AAAAAAAAAPA/GutvAPGXkQ8/s320/Christmas+in+Karwendel,+Germany.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>Venice, Italy (Murano)...</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283205980399197938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 380px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 288px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVG32Pjp3vI/AAAAAAAAAQE/qmvNgzW3TTg/s320/Christmas+in+Venice+(Murano).jpg" border="0" /> Prague, Czech Republic...<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283195574346825058" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 391px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 299px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVGuYh_bvWI/AAAAAAAAAPI/hqxnMqbz-bg/s320/Christmas+in+Prague+Old+Town+Sqaure.jpg" border="0" /> Notre Dame, Paris...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283200324798496754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 406px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 303px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVGytCzXv_I/AAAAAAAAAPY/hYsFZKEj6PQ/s320/Christmas+in+Paris+Notre+Dame.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>Vienna, Austria...</div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283211719377855714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 389px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVG9ES6ypOI/AAAAAAAAAQs/8z56uP1YBOg/s320/Christmas+in+Vienna.jpg" border="0" />Florence, Italy...<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283203898979607346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 416px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 343px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVG19FqjYzI/AAAAAAAAAP8/s-Q5OFp1QGc/s320/Christmas+in+Florence+Lights.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div>Munich, Germany...<br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283209252965449650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 295px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 358px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SVG60u0P_7I/AAAAAAAAAQU/cT1viFFgaV4/s320/Christmas+in+Munich.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><div><span style="color:#3366ff;">O, Holy Night...</span></div><br /><div><span style="color:#ff0000;">Joy to the World, The Lord Has Come...</span><br /><div></div><br /><div><span style="color:#009900;">Silent Night, Holy Night...</span></div><div> </div></div></div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-51836981022845073302008-12-21T01:06:00.019-05:002008-12-21T21:59:28.965-05:00EuroTraveler Journeys to the Netherlands to find Sinterklaas…<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3d7onM1PI/AAAAAAAAANg/Bt9hg9OBzlI/s1600-h/AmsterdamChristmas2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282121954559317234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3d7onM1PI/AAAAAAAAANg/Bt9hg9OBzlI/s320/AmsterdamChristmas2.jpg" border="0" /></a> Last week, one of my very good friends in London shared with me the legend of Sinterklaas or Saint Nicholas and how her family celebrates the tradition in the Netherlands. I found the whole story fascinating because although very similar to our Santa Claus, Sinterklaas has his own story based in fact as well as legend. Come and discover with me the traditions, the stories and the truths of Sinterklaas, the patron saint of children.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3eG9sG5iI/AAAAAAAAANo/oqORqtFKNNo/s1600-h/Sinterklaas2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282122149195605538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3eG9sG5iI/AAAAAAAAANo/oqORqtFKNNo/s320/Sinterklaas2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Every year on the eve of 5 December or the morn of 6 December, the Dutch and Flemish celebrate Saint Nicholas who is celebrated less for his role as bishop and more for his generosity and benevolence. He is thought of as a kind of Godfather whose good will is remembered and celebrated with traditions of gift giving and feasts and good ol' fashioned storytelling.<br /><br />Fact or fiction or both? Well, yes Virginia, there really was a Saint Nicholas. Actually, he lived from 271 to 6 December 342 or 343 and was born into a wealthy family. Tragically, he lost his parents to an epidemic and later donated his material possessions to the poor and needy to become a priest. He went on to become Archbishop of Myra in Turkey and it was during this time of his life that news of his good deeds spread throughout the lands. Later, he became the patron saint of sailors and it is because of these legends that Saint Nicholas reached the North Sea and the Netherlands in the 12th and 13th centuries and the reason why Amsterdam adopted him as their patron saint of the city.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3gLGaGUTI/AAAAAAAAAOI/arMlHZ8_288/s1600-h/Sinterklaas+and+Peter.jpg"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3gZ_0sNyI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/QlaGesNuSE8/s1600-h/Sinterklaas+and+Peter.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282124675209246498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3gZ_0sNyI/AAAAAAAAAOQ/QlaGesNuSE8/s320/Sinterklaas+and+Peter.jpg" border="0" /></a>According to legend, many European children believe that Saint Nicholas lives in Spain. Throughout the year, he watches over all the children of the world to see who's been naughty and who's been nice and records his note in his "Big Red" book. Sound familiar? Every year in the beginning November, Sinterklaas' helper, Black Peter, assists him with gathering up the gifts for the journey to the Netherlands. As the story goes, Saint Nicholas grabs his sack full of presents and rides his white horse also named Peter, with his helper, Black Peter, and the three of them embark on a steamship headed for a different port town each year in the Netherlands. By the time mid-November rolls around, the trio arrives and is greeted with a country-wide celebration and parade. It's this moment that marks the beginning of "Sinterklaas" season.<br /><br />The legend tells us that at night, Sinterklaas and his gang fly through the skies of the Netherlands to deliver their gifts. Once alighted on the rooftop, Saint Nicholas listens at the chimney with his horse, Peter, who climbs down to make sure a carrot and straw are replaced with gifts.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3eUHviqwI/AAAAAAAAANw/8UTNb2_bKLg/s1600-h/Amsterdam+square+during+Christmas.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282122375232662274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 202px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3eUHviqwI/AAAAAAAAANw/8UTNb2_bKLg/s320/Amsterdam+square+during+Christmas.jpg" border="0" /></a>After Sinterklaas has come and gone, everyone finds their packages which are hidden all over the house and found by various clues. According to tradition, they must be wrapped or disguised in some way and accompanied by a fitting poem for the recipient. The poem is particularly interesting in that it gives the gift giver an opportunity to write something funny, embarrassing, or generally unknown about the recipient and it's read aloud to the rest of the family. All is done in good fun and the gift giver goes unknown because all presents are really from Sinterklaas.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3gklkYTJI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Rk6BKesnEsc/s1600-h/Amsterdam+Christmas+Eve.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282124857140071570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3gklkYTJI/AAAAAAAAAOY/Rk6BKesnEsc/s320/Amsterdam+Christmas+Eve.jpg" border="0" /></a>I hope you enjoyed this journey to the Netherlands as much as I did and I hope you discovered something new. I found it fascinating and striking because of the similarities to our own Santa Claus. If you want to read more about Sinterklaas and the real Santa Claus and find out more about Holland, go to <a href="http://www.thehollandring.com/sinterklaas.shtml" target="blank"><b><u><span style="color:#ff0000;">Holland Ring</span></b></u></a>. So, you better watch out, and better not cry, better not pout, I'm telling you why, Sinterklaas is coming to the Netherlands! <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SU3ee9aFKRI/AAAAAAAAAN4/qEiN_DmWt8E/s1600-h/Amsterdam+Christmas+Eve.jpg"></a>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-6594022829524356302008-12-20T01:32:00.007-05:002008-12-21T22:25:30.461-05:00Joy to the World…The EuroTraveler discovers Christmas traditions in Germany<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SUyRlotiUHI/AAAAAAAAANI/gtSgvV4tAzg/s1600-h/Christmas+in+Frankfurt-Market2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281756538768347250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 428px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 163px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SUyRlotiUHI/AAAAAAAAANI/gtSgvV4tAzg/s320/Christmas+in+Frankfurt-Market2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>During this festive time of year, I am going to take a break from my travels in Italy and France to discover Christmas in a whole new light. How do Europeans celebrate Christmas? There must be a myriad of traditions that come alive during Christmastime and I am going to seek them out and share them with you. Living in Florida, I pine for the mountains, a gentle snow fall and the aromas of fresh baked goods and hot chocolate wafting through the crisp air of Christmastime. Now, come along and journey with me through Christmas and to the Epiphany to discover the cities of Europe steeped in Christmas traditions and aglow with brilliant lights during this joyous time of the year. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SUySOK-ZElI/AAAAAAAAANY/QbORFFruL1w/s1600-h/Christmas+in+Frankfurt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281757235160617554" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 310px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SUySOK-ZElI/AAAAAAAAANY/QbORFFruL1w/s320/Christmas+in+Frankfurt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I haven't yet, but someday soon, I plan to take a Christmas tour through the villages and the cities to experience Christmas with the people of these lands and share with them a bit of their own traditions during this time when the spirit of the Christmas shines upon them in their city squares.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SUyR7TdN-mI/AAAAAAAAANQ/-6qcHhpxHsE/s1600-h/Christmas+in+Frankfurt-Market.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281756911019883106" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 306px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SUyR7TdN-mI/AAAAAAAAANQ/-6qcHhpxHsE/s320/Christmas+in+Frankfurt-Market.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our first stop is Frankfurt, Germany. For over 600 years, there has been a Christmas market in the historical city centre. As you wander around the beautifully decorated stalls, the aromas of grilled sausages, baked pastries, roasted nuts, mulled wine and of course, ginger bread float through the air to make this truly a multi-sensory experience! And with all of the handcrafted and imported goods, there's a lot shopping to be had and you're sure to find something for everyone. Enjoy the pictures and come back soon to discover more Christmas traditions. </div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-87959698973339745532008-12-07T00:42:00.018-05:002008-12-07T15:18:10.900-05:00A EuroTraveler Guided Tour through the Roman Forum<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276925059333888514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtnYhP0GgI/AAAAAAAAALo/BLGR3aOq6hY/s320/DSC01138.JPG" border="0" />Now that we've traveled 2000 years back in time to the age of the Gladiators and when Rome ruled the civilized world, it's time to continue our journey and discover the center of civic and economic life, the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Roman Forum</span></strong>. Across the square from the Colosseum are the gates that lead to <strong><span style="color:#006600;">via Sacra</span></strong> or <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Sacred Way</span></strong> which is the ancient road that follows through the heart of the Roman Forum and stretches from the Colosseum to the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Capitoline Hill</span></strong>. You are surrounded by ancient and imposing remains of structures that at one time were the centers of life for all of the citizens of Rome. Our travels will take us to a few of these ancient sites and as we tour, I will provide a little history and background on those mentioned. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtnpqYaC2I/AAAAAAAAALw/RYLEfYcH2Sc/s1600-h/DSC01115.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276925353843624802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtnpqYaC2I/AAAAAAAAALw/RYLEfYcH2Sc/s320/DSC01115.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Before we made our way inside the gates of the Forum, I want to point the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Arch of Constantine</span></strong> that stands to the left as we exited the Colosseum square. The arch was erected in 312 A.D. to commemorate Constantine's victory over his brother, Maxentius, at the battle at the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Milvian Bridge</span></strong>. It was during this battle over who would rule Rome that Constantine destroyed a bridge over the Tiber river while Maxentius and his armies were fleeing Constantine's army. Needless to say, all on the bridge perished. The arch shows reliefs depicting various scenes of the battle.<br /><br />Now, at the time we visited the Forum, there was no admission charge to enter however, times have changed. I discuss those details at the end of my posting along with other tips to help you make the most of your time there.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtn7XX013I/AAAAAAAAAL4/YjMr2TYR6es/s1600-h/DSC01131.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276925657978558322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtn7XX013I/AAAAAAAAAL4/YjMr2TYR6es/s320/DSC01131.JPG" border="0" /></a>Once inside the gates of the forum and starting our journey along via Sacra, we passed under you second of the three arches known as the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">The Arch of Titus</span></strong>. The Roman Senate constructed this arch after the death of the emperor in memory of his conquest of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.<br /><br />Further down via Sacra and up to the right, rises the remains of the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Basilica di Massenzio (or di Constantino)</span></strong> begun by Constantine's brother, Maxentius, in 306 -312 AD who met his end as discussed above. Today, only one side aisle of this imposing basilica remains but you can get a true sense of the magnitude of the place when you stand in the open field with the remains on your right, because at this point, you are standing in what was the central of three naves of the structure. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STto05nuFZI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Cd3On8REiFI/s1600-h/DSC01120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276926646424573330" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 296px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 217px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STto05nuFZI/AAAAAAAAAMA/Cd3On8REiFI/s320/DSC01120.JPG" border="0" /></a>The building in its day was gargantuan! Do not confuse this basilica as a place of worship because at the time, basilicas were constructed to house public meetings and this particular building was one of many in the Forum alone. However, the architecture demonstrated here inspired the great architects of the Renaissance including Bramante's St. Peter's Basilica so basilicas were destined for religious significance after all. Note that there are many guidebooks sold around the entrances to the ancient sites that show you the before's and after's of many of the ancient sites. I strongly recommend them because it provides a glimpse of the current day remains overlaid by images of what these places looked like in their day. Very cool!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtpLtQc6jI/AAAAAAAAAMI/dqeqhgC6XLs/s1600-h/DSC01141.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276927038242744882" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtpLtQc6jI/AAAAAAAAAMI/dqeqhgC6XLs/s320/DSC01141.JPG" border="0" /></a>After exploring the basilica we headed back down the hill and to our right stands majestic columns that belong to the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Temple of Antonius and Faustina</span></strong>. The Emperor constructed this building in memory of his wife in 141 A.D. and today, it is one of the best preserved buildings in all the Forum. During the middle ages, this building was converted into a church, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">San Lorenzo in Miranda.</span></strong><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Due volte in una vita…..</span></strong>Just to digress for a bit, I must tell a story of incredible coincidence that took place at "Antoinette's Column." What is the historical significance? Well, during our first visit in 2005, we met a tour guide here just across the Temple of Antonius and Faustina, by the remains of an old column. Her name was Antoinette and although we doubted her credentials as an authentic tour guide, we decided to hire her for an hour tour based on her incredibly vast knowledge of the Forum and her somewhat manic descriptions she imparted about every structure, every column, every statue and any other remains we happened upon. She told us the history, the age (Imperial, Republic, etc.), the ruler of the time and so very much more. Her knowledge was not only her passion but I believe an obsession. For reference materials, she carried a little plastic bag with old books and scraps of papers to show us how life was and how the buildings looked in their day. Actually, we believed she lived in the Forum because of her obsession. In 2005, we paid her for her services and bid our farewell.<br /><br />When we came back during this visit, we thought how funny it would be if we ran into her again. For the two days in Rome, Matthew searched high and low in the Forum in hopes of finding our Antoinette. So, came the time for this visit and once inside the gates, we made our way to "Antoinette's Column" in hopes that we would meet up with her again. Prior to this moment, Matthew was constantly asking all kinds of people if they knew Antoinette but no one did. Suddenly, at the column, Matthew looked around and yelled out her name and as I turned around to see who he was talking to this time around, to my astonishment, there Antoinette was! What an amazing coincidence! What are the chances after a whole year had passed that we would run into her again?! I simply couldn't believe my eyes! She didn't remember us but it didn't matter, we told her we certainly remembered her though. Although we didn't officially hire her for a tour this time around, we got one anyway so we gave her money and bought her a guidebook to replace some of the same scraps she still carried around in her little plastic bag. And, I must say that she did look so much more cleaned up this time. I guess her tour guide business was paying off. That column will always be known to us as "Antoinette's Column". God Bless her!</em><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtps2ja_zI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/qXzhYJbls70/s1600-h/DSC01152.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276927607673913138" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 182px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtps2ja_zI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/qXzhYJbls70/s320/DSC01152.JPG" border="0" /></a>Now, back to our tour. After Antonius and Faustina, we made our way to the remains of the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Temple of Vesta</span></strong>, the home of the Vestal Virgins who guarded the sacred flame. The building dates back to 8th century B.C. and was originally built to guard the Palladium and other sacred objects brought to Italy by Aeneas. Six virgins were selected to live here and if one of them let the flame burn out, she was buried alive.<br /><br />Continuing our way down via Sacra, we happened upon the remains of the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Temple of Caesar</span></strong>, built by Octavian in memory of his uncle, and the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Temple of Castor and Pollux</span></strong> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtp_Fs0wNI/AAAAAAAAAMY/UY70DITM-_c/s1600-h/DSC01162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276927920977526994" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 171px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 253px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtp_Fs0wNI/AAAAAAAAAMY/UY70DITM-_c/s320/DSC01162.JPG" border="0" /></a>built in 484 B.C. The three Corinthian columns (refer to the Colosseum posting for more information about column design) are from the 1st of 2nd century A.D. Further down on the left is the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Temple of Saturn</span></strong> on the left and the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Curia Julia</span></strong> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtqZ0gGY9I/AAAAAAAAAMg/j4ymk8rxLgc/s1600-h/DSC01164.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276928380217222098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 176px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 243px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtqZ0gGY9I/AAAAAAAAAMg/j4ymk8rxLgc/s320/DSC01164.JPG" border="0" /></a>or Senate Building on the right. The green doors on the façade are replicas because the original doors now adorn the San Giovanni in Laterano basilica mentioned in my Hidden Treasures posting.<br /><br />Finally, at the end of via Sacra, stands the third and final in the series of the Roman Forum arches, The <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Arch of Septimius Severus</span></strong> for the Emperor who ruled in 193-211 A.D. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtqrvGmrTI/AAAAAAAAAMo/40Pys9jz0sY/s1600-h/DSC01176.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276928688005754162" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 187px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtqrvGmrTI/AAAAAAAAAMo/40Pys9jz0sY/s320/DSC01176.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Up the hill on the right is the exit to <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Capitoline Hill</span></strong> where you can find <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Romulus and Remus</span></strong> standing tall in the piazza designed by Michelangelo. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtrJWjSv5I/AAAAAAAAAMw/hrzpW1Y7itY/s1600-h/DSC02006.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276929196811272082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 183px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/STtrJWjSv5I/AAAAAAAAAMw/hrzpW1Y7itY/s320/DSC02006.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So this wraps our tour of the Forum. Now some tips. When you add the Roman Forum to your Roman Holiday itinerary, be sure to take along a guide book or purchase one there, or better yet, hire a tour guide so you can appreciate the structures and understand the roles they played so long, long ago. Lots of guidebooks are available at the Colosseum as well as the entrance to the Forum.<br /><br />Also, in March 2008, the city of Rome closed the Forum to the public and now charges admission to fund ongoing restoration efforts, a very worthy cause. You can purchase a combo ticket that includes access to both the Colosseum and Forum and depending on the exchange rate; the tickets usually cost approximately US $17-$18. I strongly urge you to pre-purchase your tickets online before you go because the queues can usually grow quite long for the Colosseum. Believe me. When we toured a couple of years ago, we waited for about half an hour.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Arrivederci!</span></strong>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-11194582363482374382008-11-25T22:42:00.031-05:002008-11-26T00:11:37.429-05:00Rome: The EuroTraveler Uncovers Hidden Treasures of AntiquityI know I promised to share our visit to the Roman Forum in my last posting, however I want to share some hidden treasures often overlooked and await discovery by those curious enough to venture off the beaten track.<br /><br />Just around the corner from the Roman Colosseum, await many hidden treasures that are often bypassed along the way to the next "popular tourist sight." Those unfortunate travelers have no idea what they are missing! On our last journey to Rome, we strayed off the beaten path to discover some amazing sights just as ancient as the Roman Forum, just as sacred as St. Peter's Basilica and just as spiritual as the Sistine Chapel. I invite you to visit again with me, these places of historical and religious significance.<br /><br />Our first stop is San Giovanni in Laterano, a short way to the west of Colosseum. This basilica, constructed by Constantine, was the first built in Rome and was dedicated to the Savior on November 9, 313. Later in the 10th century, Pope Sergius III added St. John, the Baptist to the dedication and in the 12th century, Pope Lucius II added St. John, the Evangelist.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzOtZadTOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/AKy9Ej1g-70/s1600-h/798px-Facade_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_2006-09-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272816543055301858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 278px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 198px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzOtZadTOI/AAAAAAAAAKo/AKy9Ej1g-70/s320/798px-Facade_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_2006-09-07.jpg" border="0" /></a>Despite quite a tumultuous history of destruction and rebuilding, the most interesting fact about this basilica is that it was the original seat to the Popes before they left for Avignon, France, in 1309 under the direction of Pope Clement V. When they returned to Rome in 1377, the Vatican became their new home.<br /><br />Inside and out, the basilica resembles St. Peter's a great deal especially the facade and the statuary adorning the top on the outside as well as the nave and baldacchino on the inside. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzN4D-BvaI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ZSLv9wvEAQw/s1600-h/DSC02091.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272815626765843874" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzN4D-BvaI/AAAAAAAAAKg/ZSLv9wvEAQw/s320/DSC02091.JPG" border="0" /></a>Actually, at the top of the baldacchino, built in 1369, lies a reliquary that supposedly contains the heads of Saints Peter and Paul. If you look closely at the front doors and providing you know a little history of the Roman Forum, you will discover that the bronze doors, <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzPVAjn7DI/AAAAAAAAAKw/ZC1qnksZoEY/s1600-h/360px-Bronze_doors_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_2006-09-07.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272817223577627698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 126px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 207px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzPVAjn7DI/AAAAAAAAAKw/ZC1qnksZoEY/s320/360px-Bronze_doors_San_Giovanni_in_Laterano_2006-09-07.jpg" border="0" /></a>oxidized green<br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272817609504937826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 189px; TEXT-ALIGN: left" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzPreP3V2I/AAAAAAAAAK4/BQLUzZ2N_5E/s320/DSC02020.JPG" border="0" />presently, are actually those of the original Senate building in the Forum. Today, there are replicas on the Senate house.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzSFAlJGoI/AAAAAAAAALA/FX0iGAK5zcc/s1600-h/499px-Scala_Santa_1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272820247240972930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzSFAlJGoI/AAAAAAAAALA/FX0iGAK5zcc/s320/499px-Scala_Santa_1.jpg" border="0" /></a>We move from San Giovanni to just across the street to a very non—descript building that houses the "Holy Stairs" known as Scala Santa. Held most sacred by devout Catholics, these steps were sanctified by Jesus Christ himself during the Passion and at a time when they were originally located in a palace owned by Pontius Pilot. You will find that some worshipers traverse the steps up and down on their knees. Others can walk up if they so choose while still others just kneel and pray at the bottom step. Talk about a spiritual experience and truly, something to behold by all.<br /><br />Traveling back to the east toward the Colosseum is the Basilica de San Clemente. Dedicated to St. Clement, the fourth Pope after St. Peter, this church is built on three levels. At the lowest level, you will find buildings from the 1st century including a pagan temple that is home to the Altar of Mithras. Then ascending to the level immediately above, you will discover a 4th century basilica containing ancient frescos from the 8th century as well as the nave still in tact. Finally at ground level, lies the 12th century basilica with a magnificent nave and 15th century frescos adoring the walls. Lots of history awaits the curious traveler in San Clemente. There is an amazing website that shows all the history that awaits the curious and adventuresome traveler. <a href="http://www.basilicasanclemente.com/" target="blank"><b><u>Learn more.</b></u> </a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzUbwH19JI/AAAAAAAAALI/cGQdO-BNHes/s1600-h/San_Pietro_in_Vincoli_interior.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272822836983362706" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 362px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 269px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzUbwH19JI/AAAAAAAAALI/cGQdO-BNHes/s320/San_Pietro_in_Vincoli_interior.jpg" border="0" /></a>Finally, just north of the Colosseum, is San Pietro in Vincoli or St. Peter in Chains. The basilica's name originates from a relic housed in the altar that is reputed to contain the actual chains that bound St. Peter during his trials in Jerusalem. Built in 432-440, the basilica is home to Michelangelo's famous Moses statue that was supposed to the centerpiece of the tomb of Pope Julius II but because Julius died before its completion, the tomb was left unfinished. Moses' face is believed to be a portrait of the master sculptor himself. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzUsxy-hkI/AAAAAAAAALQ/FcFiidMBQe8/s1600-h/400px-Moses_San_Pietro_in_Vincoli.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272823129490490946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 378px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzUsxy-hkI/AAAAAAAAALQ/FcFiidMBQe8/s320/400px-Moses_San_Pietro_in_Vincoli.jpg" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzU_tmO_YI/AAAAAAAAALY/XPIY2S4pqW0/s1600-h/583px-Roma_san_pietro_in_vincoli_catene.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272823454780816770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 236px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 191px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSzU_tmO_YI/AAAAAAAAALY/XPIY2S4pqW0/s320/583px-Roma_san_pietro_in_vincoli_catene.jpg" border="0" /></a></p><p>Hidden treasures such as these mentioned here, as well as countless others await all of us adventurous explorers who are daring enough to stray off the beaten path! While the casual tourists are crowding the famous sites, these places offer very little crowds so there is plenty of time and space to get up close and personal to all that awaits our curiosity.</p>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-46460786832280330872008-11-16T21:52:00.040-05:002008-12-06T01:21:31.071-05:00The Roman Forum and Colosseum: A Guided Tour<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDisc3DuXI/AAAAAAAAAJU/thPWExnjjVc/s1600-h/DSC01127.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269460817312725362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 201px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDisc3DuXI/AAAAAAAAAJU/thPWExnjjVc/s320/DSC01127.JPG" border="0" /></a>Care to journey back with me 2000 years to Imperial Rome? Did you ever wonder what it was like to attend the Colosseum or Flavian Ampitheatre in its heyday? How about walking via Sacra or Sacred Way through the Roman Forum to attend any number of public events? Well, come along and discover those amazing sites that have survived over 2000 years. In this posting and the one immediately following, I will highlight some of the most interesting facts about these places and share some amazing photos! Journey back with me now.<br /><br /><strong>First stop, the Roman Colosseum.</strong><br /><br />Also known as the <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Flavian Ampitheatre</strong></span> because it was built by three Flavian Emperors, the Colosseum opened to the public in A.D. 80. It is uncertain how this structure came to be known as the Colosseum but two theories prevail. The first is for one very apparent reason which has to do with its gigantic size. The second and lesser known but more commonly believed derives from the "colossal" statue of Nero that stood outside the theatre of which only the base planted with five trees remains to this day.<br /><br /><div>When you first walk up to this amazing building, it's hard to believe that it has been there for almost 2000 years and difficult not to be struck with awe as you gaze around the super structure and try to take it all in. Imagine, 80,000 spectators came to this very place and watched as gladiators battled to the death, public executions were held and all kinds of animal hunted. I stop here with those details. </div><div></div><div><p>First, let's examine the facade and then move to the interior. I am sure you will be as fascinated as I was and be sure to check out <a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/rome/ancient_roman_empire/roman_colosseum.htm" target="blank"><b><u>Italy Guides</b></u></a> for more exciting information and photos. <p></p></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDjGUssyQI/AAAAAAAAAJc/UqkMHVVzEFg/s1600-h/DSC01102.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269461261798394114" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 323px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDjGUssyQI/AAAAAAAAAJc/UqkMHVVzEFg/s320/DSC01102.JPG" border="0" /></a> <p></p>Standing at the outer most area of the surrounding park, you will note that three of the four levels that comprise the outer facade of the Colosseum are adorned with increasingly ornate columns as you ascend from the first level to the third. <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Ionic</strong></span> columns, the simplest in design, grace the lowest level. The second tier is decorated by <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Doric</strong></span> columns which feature more ornate capitals. The third level features the most ornate of all, the <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Corinthian</strong></span> columns. These by far, are the most decorative of the three and feature highly fashioned capitals at the top of the main column. Inside each archway on the second and third levels stood a statues from Classical mythology unfortunately, nothing remains of them today. Finally, the top level or the attic as it is referred is decorated with Corinthian pilasters and it was at this level that an enormous awning protected the specators from the sun and rain. It was engineered with ropes and pulley systems. Incredible! </div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDj0IX7aSI/AAAAAAAAAJk/EwSL5Lh3gLM/s1600-h/DSC01106.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269462048764029218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 361px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 271px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDj0IX7aSI/AAAAAAAAAJk/EwSL5Lh3gLM/s320/DSC01106.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>After making our way through the main entrance, we ascended to the upper tier to begin our audio tour. If you're not on a guided tour, I strongly recommend the self guided audio tour because it's simple to use and very informative. It explains in detail exactly what you're looking at. You start at the top and then work your way down all the time following directions to the next marker that designates the start of your next commentary. Very important - before you begin the audio, be sure to take a good, long look around the interior view. It is absolutely amazing! <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDklS7dgWI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6lC1gi5OQVw/s1600-h/DSC01117.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269462893411008866" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 343px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDklS7dgWI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6lC1gi5OQVw/s320/DSC01117.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div><p>Look down and you can see where the wooden floor that covered the pens that housed the gladiators and animals was located. When we were there, part of the floor was reconstructed so you could see how it appeared in the day although at that time it was covered with dirt. Take in all the details. If you've never visited this ancient site, it's not cliché to do so. Actually, it's very important that you do! It is a "must-see" that should be included in all Roman Holiday itineraries.</p></div><br /><div></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDmIhxHbdI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/04EXH9gRWmo/s1600-h/DSC01118.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5269464598201200082" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SSDmIhxHbdI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/04EXH9gRWmo/s320/DSC01118.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Tip: Be sure to pre-purchase your tickets online to avoid the long lines and allow for plenty of time to tour this and the Forum together.<br /><br />Next stop is the Roman Forum.</div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-44771795663271060312008-11-09T18:15:00.038-05:002009-03-15T23:15:44.924-04:00Introducing Rome with Angels Guiding Your WayDuring our second full day in Rome, we started out on an Angels and Demons Tour, a guided tour based on the highly acclaimed novel by Dan Brown. After searching for tours of Rome when I was planning our visit, I happened upon this one particular tour and thought it sounded like loads of fun not to mention the fact that it would be a great introduction to some of the most famous sights. So I booked it. Check it out! <a href="http://www.angelsanddemons.it/" target="blank"><u><b>Angels and Demons</b></u></a>. Do you dare to walk in the "Path of Illumination"? If so, then read on as this posting will recount our tales as we too, followed the in the footsteps of Robert Langdon as he set out on that mysterious and courageous journey guided by angels and demons to save the kidnapped Cardinals not to mention the Vatican from impending doom. So our tour too was to be guided by those same angels. Here, I will point out each one on our scavenger hunt across Rome and some really interesting sights.<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdwJzDE4LI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Fmr-qUlWoMQ/s1600-h/DSC01049.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266801602857328818" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 231px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 171px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdwJzDE4LI/AAAAAAAAAHM/Fmr-qUlWoMQ/s320/DSC01049.JPG" border="0" /></a> Our first stop was <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Santa Maria del Popolo</span></strong>. Before I proceed any further, let me back up to give a little background on how we got here when the book starts out in the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Pantheon</span></strong>. If you remember, Robert and Vittoria began their tour at the Pantheon, the 2000 year old building in Rome designed originally by Agrippa in 27 BC but then later burned and was rebuilt in 125 AD. What remains to this day as Rome's oldest standing domed structure was designed for the ancient gods of Rome. However, the building was later consecrated in 609 as Santa Maria dei Martiri and currenly holds masses to this day. It was at the Pantheon that Robert Langdon made his first stop on his quest to save the four cardinals. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdwYJclNiI/AAAAAAAAAHU/_YtS5hvigsM/s1600-h/DSC01052.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266801849388054050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 181px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 142px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdwYJclNiI/AAAAAAAAAHU/_YtS5hvigsM/s320/DSC01052.JPG" border="0" /></a>Because he incorrectly deciphered the clues from the Vatican library, he and Vittoria headed to this location believing they would be there in plenty of time to save the first kidnapped cardinal. Despite their unswerving efforts, they were too late because as the story goes, they didn't realize in time that Raphael's body was later moved from the Pantheon to Santa Maria del Popolo even though all clues pointed here including the demon hole or occulus at the top of the structure.<br /></u><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>We raced over to Piazza del Popolo on the other side of the Tiber River to begin our tour at 9:30. There, we met our private guide, Michaela, whom to this day, remains a close personal friend. After introductions, we began our journey along the "Path of Illumination" which includes visits to the Pantheon, the four churches or "Altars of Science" mentioned in the book and Castel Sant'Angelo. The churches form a giant cross over Rome with <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Santa Maria del Popolo</span></strong> to the north, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">St. Peter's Basilica</span></strong> to the west; <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Santa Maria della Vittoria</span></strong> to the east and finally; <strong>St. Agnes in Agony</strong> to the south (across from Bernini's <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Fountain of the Four Rivers</span></strong> in <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Piazza Navona</span></strong>). As the story unfolds, these churches correspond to the four scientific elements of earth, air, fire and water which represent how each of the kidnapped cardinals was to meet his end. </div><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdv0rTNvLI/AAAAAAAAAHE/34wpH6DMCk4/s1600-h/DSC01009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266801240000281778" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 216px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdv0rTNvLI/AAAAAAAAAHE/34wpH6DMCk4/s320/DSC01009.JPG" border="0" /></a>Now, back to Piazza del Popolo. Michaela pointed out the Egyptian obelisk in the center of the piazza which <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdwnbLQ7gI/AAAAAAAAAHc/1YR-HjlU6dA/s1600-h/DSC01014.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266802111845297666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 190px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 154px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdwnbLQ7gI/AAAAAAAAAHc/1YR-HjlU6dA/s320/DSC01014.JPG" border="0" /></a>formed a giant ellipse, one of the keys to indentifying this first church in their journey along the "Path of Illumination". We went inside to the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Chigi Chapel</span></strong> and discovered the demon hole or the ossuary annex in the floor. No wonder history calls this a "<span style="color:#006600;">demon hole</span>". Needless to say, this location represented "earth", the first of the four elements. As the story goes, Langdon was too late but we weren't. We toured around the rest of the church and before leaving, scouted out our first angel who is positioned with Habakkuk in Bernini's <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Habakkuk and the Angel</span></strong> sculpture. So, look closely. Which way is he pointing? <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdw03ZgzpI/AAAAAAAAAHk/RGv7FWH9J04/s1600-h/DSC01018.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266802342759550610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 155px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 204px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdw03ZgzpI/AAAAAAAAAHk/RGv7FWH9J04/s320/DSC01018.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><br /><div>We left the church and headed due west to St. Peter's Basilica. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdxAWK9yFI/AAAAAAAAAHs/SctBfSuo840/s1600-h/DSC01024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266802539998595154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 193px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 158px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdxAWK9yFI/AAAAAAAAAHs/SctBfSuo840/s320/DSC01024.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Our next stop was Piazza San Pietro or St. Peter's Square, where we discovered our next angel, representing "air", the second of the elements, at the base of the Egyptian obelisk located in yet another giant ellipse that is St. Peter's square. This is where the second cardinal met his end. If you want to read more history about this location, read the St. Peter's Basilica posting below. </div><br /><div align="right"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SReWZ-pxgoI/AAAAAAAAAIs/ObmideDQuRE/s1600-h/DSC01029.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266843662292189826" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 153px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SReWZ-pxgoI/AAAAAAAAAIs/ObmideDQuRE/s320/DSC01029.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div>The "air" angel seems to be blo<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SReYuRBshfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/nRo0ufHmOwE/s1600-h/DSC01031.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266846209845003762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 202px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SReYuRBshfI/AAAAAAAAAI0/nRo0ufHmOwE/s320/DSC01031.JPG" border="0" /></a>wing east to <strong>Santa Maria della Vittoria</strong> where the third cardinal was to meet his doom in fire. Dedicated to St. Paul and known as San Paulo,<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdxtTl3DgI/AAAAAAAAAH8/030mhyhgh2Y/s1600-h/DSC01031.JPG"></a> the church was built in 1605-1626. Later, it was rededicated to the Virgin Mary. Once inside, we recounted Langdon's experience and then directed our attention to the Bernini sculpture, The Ecstasy of St. Teresa where we would find an amazingly realistic rendition of St. Teresa expressing sheer ecstasy for her love of God while an angel stands close by pointing south his spear of fire. You must see this in person because pictures do not convey the brilliance of the golden beams nor do they really show you her face. Here's a glimpse. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SReefUQ0PpI/AAAAAAAAAI8/dvmrYnHRBmY/s1600-h/DSC01038.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266852550085459602" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 185px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 244px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SReefUQ0PpI/AAAAAAAAAI8/dvmrYnHRBmY/s320/DSC01038.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdx5XzDdgI/AAAAAAAAAIE/soVtA9Xg2JE/s1600-h/DSC01038.JPG"></a>The angel in this church then lead us to our next stop on the tour, <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Piazza Navona</strong></span> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdy9JEUAXI/AAAAAAAAAIk/dvLFq2QzPFw/s1600-h/250px-Vierstroemebrunnen_Piazza_Navona_Rom.jpg"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRefNjuVZ0I/AAAAAAAAAJE/myonH1Cgv5g/s1600-h/250px-Vierstroemebrunnen_Piazza_Navona_Rom.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266853344509781826" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 186px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRefNjuVZ0I/AAAAAAAAAJE/myonH1Cgv5g/s320/250px-Vierstroemebrunnen_Piazza_Navona_Rom.jpg" border="0" /></a>where the 4th cardinal would meet his doom in Bernini's <span style="color:#006600;"><strong>Fountain of the Four Rivers</strong></span> in the middle of the piazza. The fountain represents the four great rivers in four continents at the time it was designed by Bernini in the Renaissance. Surrounding Triton are the Nile in Africa, the Ganges in Asia, the Danube in Europe and finally the Rio de la Plata in America. Rising from the center of the fountain is a gigantic Egyptian obelisk hence another clue for Langdon. By the way, this famous piazza is usually a "must see" on everyone's Roman itinerary because it was the site of ancient Roman chariot races. Then in the 15th century, it was redesigned as a public space with contributions from Bernini and and Girolamo Rainaldi who designed the church of St. Agnes in Agony. Today, it is home to these glorious buildings and sculptures and very tempting cafés around the perimeter. It's a great place to grab an espresso and people watch, however, be warned that the cafés are absolute tourist traps that feature overpriced and often mediocre food so stick to coffee and maybe a pastry. Go and seek your main courses elsewhere.<br /><br />At this point in the book, the four cardinals are gone and now Langdon must rescue Vittoria which brings us to our final stop in the story and tour, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Castel Sant'Angelo</span></strong>. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266803732421182866" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 212px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdyFwSqhZI/AAAAAAAAAIM/dnHoTORN17s/s320/DSC01074.JPG" border="0" /> Originally designed as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian whose ashes along with those of his wife, were indeed buried here, the structure built in 135-139 AD, was converted into a fortress in 401 that ultimately housed many a Pope after it was converted into a castle in the 14 century. There is one very interesting fact about the "connection" between this structure and the Vatican itself. Not accessible to the public but nonetheless there, is the Il Passeto, a secret passageway that provided an escape route for Popes from the Vatican to the safety of this massive fortress. In the story, the cardinals were kidnapped and lead out of the Sistine Chapel via Il Passeto.<br /><br />We arrived at the entrance and walked around the curving ramps inside the castle to the top for a breathtaking view of the Tiber River and surrounding Rome. Lots of history to see here and a model of the structure before and after the conversion from mausoleum to fortress. </div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdykDKw1vI/AAAAAAAAAIc/M8TgqYSTRWU/s1600-h/DSC01089.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266804252884391666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 280px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 203px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRdykDKw1vI/AAAAAAAAAIc/M8TgqYSTRWU/s320/DSC01089.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Our story and tour are coming to an end and so we bid you arrivederci from the top of Castel Sant'Angelo. Needless to say, Robert does save Vittoria and then rescues the Vatican from the threat of destruction. Michaela rescues us with a treat to some coffee and a pastry at a nearby café before we departed. Yum yum. So, we journeyed along the "Path of Illumination" guided by our angels and demons and experienced a lot of the famous sights in Rome while reliving the fictional world of Dan Brown. What fun!! I strongly recommend it to anyone who has 4 hours to spare in their Roman holiday. You can do a private tour where you are shuttled by your guide via taxi or a group tour in a mini-van. I recommend the private tour! Have fun!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-38684779509823367932008-10-30T23:52:00.031-04:002008-11-06T14:47:20.107-05:00The Wonder, the Glory, the Agony and the Ecstasy of La Cappella Sistina (Sistine Chapel).<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqFNmfn3nI/AAAAAAAAAF0/ZpfaSqO4JBI/s1600-h/DSC00844.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263165583253823090" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqFNmfn3nI/AAAAAAAAAF0/ZpfaSqO4JBI/s320/DSC00844.JPG" border="0" /></a>Have you ever wondered what it was like to visit the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican in Rome, Italy? Do you dare to be overcome with humility and awe as you stare unto the heavens? As you decipher the panels and journey through the story of man and time? Well, when you experience the majesty of Michelangelo's masterpiece painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, these are just a few of the thoughts that run through your mind. Journey with me as I tour the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel and share some insights and cool web sites so you too, can virtually visit one of the most magnificent places on earth. It is indescribable!<br /><br />Well, where do I start? How do I begin to tell the tale of what was truly one of the most wondrous and moving experiences of my life? I do know that before I share my story, I really should back up and start at the beginning of our tour through the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Vatican Museum</span></strong>. Actually, I think I will start a little earlier because in order to get into the museum, which happened to offer free admission on the day we planned to go, we had to ensure that we were in line at 7:30 AM which meant that we had to get up at 5 - the agony. Imagine, getting up that early on your vacation. Well we did and boy, was it worth it!<br /><br />Because our hotel didn’t serve coffee until 7:00, I had to hike a few blocks to find the only open coffee shop at 6. Grabbed 2 cups of Italian café and some pastries and ran back to the hotel to eat and drink up. After getting ready, we were on our way and in line at the Vatican at 7:30 AM. When we arrived, surprisingly enough, the line was already around the corner from the main entrance and halfway down the block. We found our place and then watched as buses followed by more buses pulled up to drop off literally hundreds of tourists all seeking their own space in line. We watched the line grow longer and longer and eventually out of sight.<br /><br />By the time we reached the door, it was only 9:00 and we had until 2:30 to see the entire museum, not much time considering all that there is to see. However, we made the best of it. Be careful when you plan your itinerary because the hours of operation fluctuate tremendously from opening late, to closing early or being closed altogether so be sure to check before you arrive. Also, be sure to check which days offer free admission because that means you’ll have to arrive that much earlier to ensure your entrance. Visit <a href="http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html" target="blank"><b><u>Vatican Museums</u></a></b> to help you on your way. This is an amazing site that allows you to virtually tour the highlights of the museum and to examine up close, the details of the collection of artwork in fantastic resolution.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqGE1dhozI/AAAAAAAAAGE/uVmEipFgKBU/s1600-h/DSC00886.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263166532164363058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 279px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 216px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqGE1dhozI/AAAAAAAAAGE/uVmEipFgKBU/s320/DSC00886.JPG" border="0" /></a>Awe-inspiring works of art, some of epic proportions, await visitors to the Vatican Museum. Inside is a vast collection of paintings, tapestries, sculpture and frescos designed by the masters including <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Raphael</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Caravaggio</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Michelangelo</span></strong>, <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Leonardo DaVinci</span></strong> and countless others. Around every corner, timeless collections reaching back to pre-Gothic times and moving forward through the Dark Ages, the Renaissance, the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">High-Renaissance</span></strong> and finally the Classical. It could take days to see it all so it is best to be prepared knowing what you are interested in and then plotting out your course. There are informative guide books for sale at the entrance so I strongly recommend purchasing one to help you navigate the way.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqF1U3kdTI/AAAAAAAAAF8/iaf4neDIeh0/s1600-h/DSC00851.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263166265717191986" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 206px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqF1U3kdTI/AAAAAAAAAF8/iaf4neDIeh0/s320/DSC00851.JPG" border="0" /></a>We began our tour through Gothic art which dated back to the 11th and 12th centuries. We examined ancient Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts, Greek and Roman antiquities, tapestries kept in very dark rooms and finally arrived in the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Stanze di Raphaello</span></strong>, or the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Raphael Rooms</span></strong>. Covering the walls of four rooms that comprise what was intended to be a suite of apartments for <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Pope Julius II</span></strong>, are some of the most exquisite frescos ever created at the beginning of the early 16th century. Pope Julius II commissioned Raphael to paint these enormous works of art at the same time he commissioned Michelangelo to paint the Sistine. See a virtual tour of the rooms here: <a href="http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/x-Pano/SDR/Visit_SDR_Main.html" target="blank"><u><b>Stanze di Raphaello</u></a></b> or you can go to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_Rooms" target="blank"><u><b>Wikipedia</u></a></b> for a more concise showcasing of the frescos. Personally, my favorite is the “School of Athens”. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqGeapN4II/AAAAAAAAAGM/gKns7e9Uy6I/s1600-h/DSC00944.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263166971642241154" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 195px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqGeapN4II/AAAAAAAAAGM/gKns7e9Uy6I/s320/DSC00944.JPG" border="0" /></a>Pictured here are famous philosophers and mathematicians including Plato, Socrates, Pythagoras and others. Even Raphael himself makes an appearance in the lower right-hand corner of the fresco. <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqH15uuDjI/AAAAAAAAAGc/6Qp1GNvmS0o/s1600-h/DSC00943.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263168474635439666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 139px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 177px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqH15uuDjI/AAAAAAAAAGc/6Qp1GNvmS0o/s320/DSC00943.JPG" border="0" /></a>There is also a portrait of Heracleitus who was done in the likeness of Michelangelo whom Raphael admired greatly.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqHUUYbTwI/AAAAAAAAAGU/4_5gE6WKlZ0/s1600-h/DSC01970.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263167897674141442" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 218px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQqHUUYbTwI/AAAAAAAAAGU/4_5gE6WKlZ0/s320/DSC01970.JPG" border="0" /></a>More anxious than ever now, it was time to see the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Sistine</span></strong>. We followed the little signs on the walls that pointed right and then pointed left. They lead to grand staircases and tiny hallways that turned every which way in what seemed to be a giant maze. When you visit, you will know exactly what I mean, however stay the course, you are on the way to Glory!<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRNJELvNYkI/AAAAAAAAAG0/GSYw5UGOjN8/s1600-h/ceiling-adam-wga-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265632725545345602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 164px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRNJELvNYkI/AAAAAAAAAG0/GSYw5UGOjN8/s320/ceiling-adam-wga-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>We finally arrived at the threshold of the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">la Cappella Sistina</span></strong>. I couldn’t believe I was finally here after all the years of dreaming about it. As I glanced into the cavernous chapel, my eyes wandered toward heaven literally as I took in the pure majesty of it all. Such beauty, such wonder, such awe-struck amazement, I said slowly to myself, “Oh my God!” These are the only words that came to my mind and then suddenly, I was filled with such profound emotion, I was moved almost to tears. Imagine, Michelangelo painted here 500 years ago! Inspired by God, each stroke of his brush moved with God’s grace and flowed to create the most profound images the world will ever see and know. But do not take my word for it, see for yourself. <a href="http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/CSN/CSN_Main.html" target="blank"><u><b>Sistine Chapel</u></a></b>.<br /><br />Now, emotions aside, let me tell you a little about what you will see but first, allow me to make one small plea. When you go, don’t be a tourist. Make sure you heed the Vatican’s request not to take any pictures when asked and that includes inside the Sistine. Although some choose to ignore this request, take the high road and refrain. Besides, there are numerous postcards, posters, books and such that capture the frescos in much better detail and light than your cameras anyway.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRNJkqQlVlI/AAAAAAAAAG8/-EAFbtctF38/s1600-h/last-judgment-wga-350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265633283494205010" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 288px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SRNJkqQlVlI/AAAAAAAAAG8/-EAFbtctF38/s320/last-judgment-wga-350.jpg" border="0" /></a>As you look into the chapel and starting from just above the Michelangelo’s <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Last Judgment</span></strong> at the back wall, the story of <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Genesis</span></strong> unfolds with 9 panels of which three depict the creation the world, three more depict man and the final three, man’s sin. In addition to Genesis which takes up the center of the ceiling, Michelangelo paints the Prophets and the Sibyls prophesizing the coming of the Messiah on the outer edges. In the four corners there are panels or spandrels that show the salvation of the people of Israel. Finally the remaining panels are filled with architectural designs, columns and such, nudi or the nude figures in extremely contorted positions and other ancestors of Christ. To think that one man designed all of these figures with such realism and immense proportions, boggles the mind. One man, inspired by God, driven by Pope Julius II, persevered through years of trials, failures, successes all of which lead to sheer perfection!<br /><br />As far as the rest of the chapel and painted by a number of other artists, lie more frescos that tell the stories of Moses on the north wall, of Jesus on the south wall and on the back wall behind the altar, is yet another contribution by Master Michelangelo – his Last Judgment. Surprisingly enough, this fresco was completed approximately 30 years after the ceiling and is very different in tonality in that he painted during such a tumultuous time at the end of the Renaissance and before the Sack of Rome in 1527.<br /><br />Again, I find myself wanting to write and again, I find myself having to stop lest my posting may go on and on for eternity. So, some more advice for you. Throughout your tour, take your time to examine the masters’ work, to recount the stories they tell and to imagine the inspiration of these feats of pure majesty.<br /><br />Until I make the pilgrimage to the Vatican again, my story ends here. I hope I filled you with a sense of wonder, amazement and curiosity. I hope you too, have the opportunity to make this journey for the soul someday - the ecstasy!</div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-21811923094267841852008-10-18T23:55:00.048-04:002008-11-02T15:49:10.733-05:00Rome at last…and San Pietro or St. Peter’s Basilica<div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq_AchExLI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ymov3x4IqMk/s1600-h/DSC01024.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258725529284297906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq_AchExLI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/ymov3x4IqMk/s320/DSC01024.JPG" border="0" /></a>After our overnight flight in business class and having gotten a good night’s sleep, we arrived in Rome’s Leonardo Da Vinci Airport. We deplaned and found our way to a taxi to take us to our hotel, Atlante Garden on via Crescenzio . It’s a very nice hotel and within walking distance of so many of the popular sights including St. Peter's Basilica and the rest of Vatican City, Piazza Novona, Castel St. Angelo, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, the Roman Forum <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQ4SMQcNCtI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Q7L1t6Sc9UM/s1600-h/DSC01162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264165016223681234" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SQ4SMQcNCtI/AAAAAAAAAGs/Q7L1t6Sc9UM/s320/DSC01162.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq-TKAxf1I/AAAAAAAAAEI/YZujA1fQXJs/s1600-h/DSC01171.JPG"></a>and more! If you’re touring to sights farther out such as the Colosseum, a taxi may be the preferred transportation however, if you’re in the mood to walk, there are so many historical places to stop along the way of which I will discuss in later posts. We checked in to our room and began our journey of this first day.<br /><br />Our first excursion was a private guided tour of Vatican City including <a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/rome/roman_catholic_church/church_in_rome/vatican/st_peters/saint_peter_s_basilica1.htm" target="_blank"><u>St. Peter’s Basilica</u></a>, (click here for an amazing virtual tour of the inside of this cavernous basilica) the Vatican Museum, the gardens and of course, la Cappella Sistina or the Sistine Chapel. A life-long dream about to come true, I have wanted to visit the Sistine since my days in art history courses in college and experience the majesty and breathtaking beauty of one of Michelangelo’s greatest achievements! And it really does take your breath away! More to come on that in a later posting.<br /><br />After walking a few blocks, we arrived in the enormous Piazza San Pietro, a huge oval shaped piazza flanked by two “<a href="http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/rome/roman_catholic_church/church_in_rome/vatican/st_peters/st_peter_vatican.htm" target="_blank"><u>colonnades</u></a>”, (click here to see for yourself), of tall and mighty columns that cascade from the opening of the piazza to each side of the Basilica. These sweeping embracing arms of the colonnades were designed by Bernini and completed in 1666.<br /><br />At last, the basilica. There is such a lengthy history about this place however I will keep it brief in that the basilica as you see it was started by Bramante in 1506; briefly managed by da Sangallo brothers and Rafael; Michelangelo served as “Commissioner, Director of Works and Architect for Life”; and finally consecrated in 1626, exactly 120 years after the work had begun. Even more astounding is the fact that it was exactly 1300 years since the consecration of the very first basilica in 326 by Constantine.<br /><br />High atop the façade are 13 statues of Christ, St. John the Baptist and 11 Apostles excluding St. Peter because his is to the left of the steps leading up to the doors. Each is 6 meters high with exception to Christ who stands at 7.5m.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq2ArcRwUI/AAAAAAAAADA/95MLjat-OWE/s1600-h/DSC00971.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258715637686059330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq2ArcRwUI/AAAAAAAAADA/95MLjat-OWE/s320/DSC00971.JPG" border="0" /></a>We made it through security and began our tour inside. Our guide from <a href="http://www.romanstrolls.com/" target="_blank"><u><span style="color:#996633;">Roman Strolls</span></u></a>, began our tour by directing our attention to the Holy Door opened only in the year of the Jubilee or every 25 years. Once through the main entrance, immediately on your right, is Michelangelo’s Pietà an astounding accomplishment at the age of 24! It’s behind bullet proof glass, but nonetheless, it’s a sight to behold. Although carved from marble, Christ and Mary are so lifelike that they suspend your disbelief for quite some time.<br /><br />After that, we strolled down the nave, be sure to visit with all of the statuary along the way, to the Baldacchino, a large sculpted bronze canopy designed by Bernini as well, that hangs over the Papal altar. To the right is a statue of St. Helena, Constantine’s mother who holds a cross representing the True Cross relic she discovered in Jerusalem. If you clicked on the first link above, you have seen this mighty altar and the amazing interior of this majestic church that seems to stretch to Heaven especially if you’re looking up into the Michelangelo’s cupola.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258720856002480322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq6wbL3SMI/AAAAAAAAADo/tjG-LtY_Xzs/s320/DSC02065.JPG" border="0" />By the way, if you not faint at heart, I strongly recommend you climb to the very top, elevator to first level for a view of the altar from above </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258719115129912274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq5LF7f-9I/AAAAAAAAADY/j2jlgInjCME/s320/DSC01973.JPG" border="0" />and then up 323 curving steps around the cupola that lead outside<br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5258719997593052466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq5-dXG5TI/AAAAAAAAADg/tHMkGzirisU/s320/DSC01982.JPG" border="0" /></p>to a most breathtaking view of Rome!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SPq3Q_OF7FI/AAAAAAAAADQ/0daLXnMc6gQ/s1600-h/DSC01982.JPG"></a><br /><br />After our journey back down to ground, we toured the remainder of the basilica and wrapped up our adventure with a tour of the Papal tombs. Just to the right of the altar is a set of stairs that lead down to the Vatican Grottoes. Here, you can see the resting places of the Popes including John Paul II and Julius II. There is no admission charge however save this underground excursion for last because it will lead you outside of the church only to have to stand in line for security once again to get back in.<br /><br />Well, I can go on and on about this place but will stop here. I can't emphasize enough that this must be a "must see" on your Roman holiday itinerary.<br /><br />Next Stop is the Vatican Museum.<br /><br />Arrivederci!</div>Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-91988254917227046182008-10-11T23:04:00.023-04:002008-10-31T23:14:28.168-04:00Planning Your Itinerary?Before we begin our journey to far away lands, I want to emphasize how important preplanning is to ensure you get the most out of your vacation experience. With so many resources available, it’s hard to determine which will offer the most effective planning tools and the best advice. From my experience, I think all of the resources discussed are invaluable.<br /><br />One of the most valuable resources out there for just about any popular European city is <strong><span style="color:#006600;">Rick Steves</span> </strong>travel guides or <a href="http://www.ricksteves.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#990000;"><u>ricksteves.com</u></span></a>. Let’s face it, there are millions of guidebooks but Rick knows his subject matter extremely well. Not only does he include detailed descriptions of the cities and the popular sights, he orients you to the layout with maps showing hotels, restaurants, must-sees, and even sorts them based on price and value. He includes locations of travel offices, ATMs, helpful tips for getting around, sample itineraries and more! I have to say that they are not the prettiest books but when you're finished reading them, you have a great introduction to your destination. Also, check out some of the picture books. I really like the <em>DK Eyewitness Travel Guides</em> and <em>National Geographic Traveler</em> guidebooks because these are filled with great shots of the sites. Couple these with Rick Steves and you’re in business.<br /><br />In addition to these fabulous books, I can’t tell you how invaluable the internet was to planning my itinerary from booking airfare, train travel, rental car, hotels, tours and just about everything and anything else we did abroad.<br /><br />First, let’s talk about <strong><span style="color:#006600;">booking transportation</span></strong>. Because I am a big fan of Delta Airlines, that is where I started <a href="http://www.delta.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#990000;"><u>delta.com</u></span></a>. I booked our tickets and we were on our way. Next, there’s train travel to get you to all of those exciting places. Avoid long lines at the stations, broken kiosks, not to mention the overwhelming confusion of trying to determine where you’re going and which train to get on. Book it all before you leave. Start with <a href="http://www.eurorailways.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#990000;"><u>eurorailways.com</u></span></a>. Not only did we book our city to city transport there, I booked our overnight train to Paris on this site as well. It’s very easy and they offer great service. Your tickets are Fedexed to your door so there’s no chance of losing track of them. Now, you’re ready for the station. Find your train and you’re on your way. Renting a car? Avis was our choice of cars for our journey through Tuscany. We got a nice little Benz and the price was right.<br /><br />Next, how do you determine <strong><span style="color:#006600;">where to stay</span></strong>? Well, start with Rick Steves and then use the internet. All of the hotel sites are good but be sure to read the reviews and check out the pictures. Also, note the location and its proximity to all of the places you plan to visit. Very important!<br /><br />Now onto the <strong><span style="color:#006600;">tours</span></strong>. Since we’ve never been to these cities, I prefer to familiarize myself with the lay of the land, so to speak. There’s no better way than to book half-day walking or canal tours that introduce you to the cities. In addition, check out guided tours of museums, the famous sights, specialty tours including winery excursions, castles in the Loire Valley, etc. I am only going to mention a few sites here but will discuss other tours in greater detail as they relate to the cities visited. I experienced great guest service from the sites I list and had no issues upon arrival. Just be sure to print our vouchers and bring them with you just in case.<br /><br />When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Be sure to check out <strong>Roman Odyssey Tours</strong> at <a href="http://romanodyssey.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#660000;"><u>romanodyssey.com</u></span><u></a></u><u><span style="color:#660000;"> </u></span>to find a number of tours in around the Vatican including the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum as well as the ancient sites including the Forum and the Colosseum. Another great site for tours of Italy is <strong>Avventure Bellissime</strong> at <a href="http://tours-italy.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#660000;"><u>tours-italy.com</u></span></a>. When we visited France, we booked a tour to the Loire Valley on <strong>Sight Seeing Tours – Paris</strong> at <a href="http://sightseeing-tours-in-paris.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#660000;"><u>sightseeing-tours-in-paris.com</u></span></a><span style="color:#660000;">.</span><br /><br />Well, I think you have enough to get started. I know it seems like a lot of work but do your homework before you leave and you'll maximize your vacation experience. If you have any questions or comments, please share them with me. I would be very interested in reading your experiences as well!Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-22584578593859782732008-10-05T16:41:00.005-04:002008-11-18T09:32:42.523-05:00Is Business Class really worth it?Well, ordinarily I would say no unless there's a free upgrade of course. However, when you are traveling overseas from the US and plan to sleep through the night to wake up refreshed and ready to go wherever you land, I think Business Class is definitely worth the added expense if your budget allows. I am not talking about the normal $6K - $8K fares, I am referring to the deals available in the fall and when you add in your miles, thank you Delta Airlines and American Express, the $2500 expense is relatively quite reasonable and worth it!<br /><br />Frankly, as far as I am concerned, the benefits far out weigh the cost for those of you who are concerned with ROI. Hey, I am too. Let me tell you a little bit about our experience and then you can decide for yourself. When we arrived at the airport, we checked in at the first/business class check in, no lines, and then headed straight for the Delta Crown Room Club, a private lounge reserved for Business and First Class travelers. These lounges have food, beverages and alcohol, wine for me, and since you have to arrive at the airport 2 hours ahead for international flights, there’s no better place to spend your time.<br /><br />As the hours ticked away, it was finally time to board our 757 and we found our way to our spacious business class seats. Before my first trip to Europe, I had never flown in business class overseas, heck I had never flown overseas, so I was surprised by all the services you receive and how comfy the seats were, <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SOkm_UyeHXI/AAAAAAAAAA0/WsWFnYldcsc/s1600-h/Delta+Business+Class.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253773309658406258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_I9MoXlCH_zc/SOkm_UyeHXI/AAAAAAAAAA0/WsWFnYldcsc/s320/Delta+Business+Class.jpg" border="0" /></a>see image at right, especially when you have the ability to recline fully to go to sleep. As soon as we sat down, we were personally greeted and asked if we would like something to drink and handed menus for dinner and breakfast. Then, we sat back, got comfy and settled in for the night. Dinner came, followed by coffee and ice cream for dessert. Not bad “fare” when you consider airline food. For entertainment after dinner, each seat is equipped with its own video screen so you can watch movies, listen to music or watch the GPS map to track your distance traveled and even check on the temperature outside the plane at any given moment. Brrr…..it’s cold up there. Lights out. When we awoke, we had breakfast and deplaned. Here we are…at last…Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7825273320239193864.post-3271482570162922152008-10-05T00:15:00.001-04:002008-10-05T18:10:59.336-04:00I fell in love with Europe!It was during our first vacation overseas and I couldn’t wait for it to begin. We were about to embark on a journey that would take us to Rome, Florence /Tuscany, on an overnight train, and finally to Paris where we would spend 4 days in the city and French countryside. What a tour!! What a vacation!! May not sound like much, but stay tuned as I tell the tales of all of the exciting places we visited, the glorious hotels we stayed, the adventure of the overnight train, the search for the Holy Grail?, the majestic castles of Kings, collections of some of the world's finest art, the towering Cathedrals with vaults that stretch to the heavens, the awe of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, the Roman Colosseum, Angels and Demons; and so much more. Hold on, I am getting way ahead of myself and need to reach back to where it all began. There are lots and lots of stories to share and you lucky visitors get to relive vicariously, the EuroTraveler’s journey…Jeff Titeliushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08676197139108026548noreply@blogger.com0