The Domes

The view from our rooftop terrace... Best if enjoyed with a beverage and cool breeze. (Originally posted on Facebook.)

The Hype is For Real

DAVID. Yes, his nakedness is apparent. But so are his hands and his head. They're huge.

And his posture. For a man who would become king, who slayed a mighty giant of an enemy, he doesn't stand as a proud, confident warrior. Rather he seems passive, defensive.

But there's something more that draws your eye. Not sure what it is... Perhaps the amazing craftsmanship, the attention to detail and reality... I find what is most striking is his face. His expression. His EYES.

I say all of this as an untrained, unknowing, "gazer" of art. But I understand why this piece of work is so highly treasured. Because it is a treasure indeed.

The Venetian Labyrinth

Venice is a wonderful way to be introduced to Italy. Obviously, with its canals, it's one of the most unique cities in the world. But even more so, because there are no cars or vehicles in Venice, a traveler can be introduced to the intimate setting of Italian life. The buildings are huddled together, with often only narrow alleys two people wide separating them. People chatting over espresso and cigarettes. There's a coziness to the place.

People say to get lost in Venice; you'll see tourists puzzling over their maps. The truth of the matter is that you will, regardless or whether you want to or not. I think my interpretation of their advice is to enjoy getting lost in Venice. It allows you to bond with the city, learning to recognize some of the random turns or canals.

Italian Snippets

I'm trying something new with my travel entries on this trip... Instead of writing epic narratives of each day, I'm going to do shorter snippets of my thoughts and observations. They may fall out of linear order of occurrence or be random musings, but mainly I just want to share some of the experiences of my time in Italia without the length of a novella.