Olive Trees: Early Morning in Umbria

Olive Trees in Umbria

During our workshop in Italy a few weeks ago, I suggested a daily 5:30 am photo shoot, to take advantage of the soft morning light.  And I find olive trees to be particularly photogenic and Italy-iconic. 

I love the graceful blue/green leaves among the weeds....

And we were fortunate to be there when the chicory was flowering at the base of the trees.

Scenes from Civita di Bagnoregio

Entrance to Civita di Bagnoregio

Located just a short drive from Orvieto, Civita di Bagnoregio is a tiny hamlet perched on tufa rock.  Civita is an old settlement, dating back to Etruscan times.  It was the birthplace of St. Bonaventure and, until a disastrous earthquake in the late 1600's, was the seat of the Cathedral for the area.  Later it was nearly deserted, and is now enjoying a tourist-fueled revival.  The only way to the town is via a long walkway up to the top -- motorscooters are the only means of transportation to and from the neighboring town.  On a hot day, I can attest personally, it's a long walk, but worth it.  The tiny town has restaurants and shops and lots of charm.

Gateway at Civita di Bagnoreggio

It also has cats...

One of many....

Madonnas....

Street Madonna in Civita di Bagnoreggio

 and angels.

Tabernacle of the Holy Oils, in the church

Random Scenes from Assisi

Multiple St. Francis-es

Multiple Madonnas

More Madonnas?

Interesting restaurant decor...

Monks on pilgrimage

Beautiful building detail

Roman Street Madonnas

Street Madonna in Rome

Almost every block in Rome has a Madonna, usually at the 2nd story height.  Some are simply set into the wall, others have an elaborate frame. Many are faded: some can barely be seen through the glass reflections. 

Madonna Under Glass

Roamin' Rome

Pantheon Dome

Spent yesterday wandering through Rome, the back streets and the famous sights.  Having wonderful time, wish you were here!

Vatican, in the heat

One of the popes built a wide ceremonial road to lead to the Vatican from the Tiber, and those 4 or 5 blocks are always blazing hot.  Lots of people at the Vatican -- so many that I opted out of the long line just to get into the church.  Make note: visit in the winter next time...

Madonna in an arch

She was surrounded by a blue sky with stars -- in an archway on the road to the Vatican.

Trevi Fountain at night

Threw my coin in...will be coming back to Rome.

Stucco wall in Rome

These wall photos are my newest passion -- love the texture, the color, the weird stuff stuck in them over the passage of time.

I leave tomorrow morning for the Great Grey East.  One more gelato tonite before I go. Ciao.

Views of Orvieto Duomo, Italy

Orvieto, a medieval town that rises from the plain on a base of tufa, is just an hour out of Rome but another world.  The duomo (cathedral) at Orvieto is reknowned for its grandeur and beauty.  This iPhone shot adds a golden tone, but the structure is banded with white and black, giving the facade almost a modern look.

Detail of facade of Orvieto Duomo, Italy

Early morning light on facade of Orvieto Duomo

Steeple of Orvieto Duomo in morning light