It’s been a bit hectic in my little bubble of the world. Amidst the non-stop, thrill ride that is my life, I’ve been missing the entirely different kind of exhaustion I experienced on my trip to Europe over the summer. It seemed as though people encountered in Portugal were walking a completely different pace. Very simple, humble, kind people that just go about their life and take it as it comes. The weather was optimal, the atmosphere is calm, the historic scenery is beautiful (in it’s crumbling ruins sort of way), and I just really miss that.

Nice kids just loitering around a marvelously, partially-graffitied fountain in one of the many public squares. It actually upsets me that I cannot remember what it’s called because that means it’s been far too long since departure. Old men chuckle amid a Portuguese conversation. Siiigh.

On a side note: lack of updates is caused by intense workarhea combined with relentless, rigid apartment foraging with my super awesome boyfriend (signed a lease Monday – woohoo!) with a side of need for sleep. Dam you, Winter, with your short days and inducing of melatonin.

It’s an absolute fact that my Zia e Zio are the coolest people I know – and we’re blood relatives so that’s just amazing. They live in a small town in Italy called Paluello down the road from my cousins who abide in a lovely little villa since the 70s. This was the first time I had the opportunity to meet them, and for whatever reason, the the closest I ever felt to my grandfather (who passed away prior to my birth; my Zia is his sister). These two are the most lively, scintillating and hands down hilarious people. They don’t speak a word of English save for “hello,” “thank you very much” and “shut up!” These phrases were periodically blurted out through many a conversation or incredible life story. I particularly enjoyed when my Zio would tell my Zia to “Shuttaup!” and she laughingly mimicked him back.

My Zia is an amazing chef. Chris and I started to come down with cough-due-colds and she always had prepared the exact comfort food we didn’t even know we needed. We did splurge out last evening, dining a delectably genuine Italian pizzeria. This was thee most meticulously prepared pie and they just didn’t stop arriving. Since I can’t recall the sumptuous goodness, I invite you to feast your eyes instead. Commence droolage (I’m so hungry right now).

From across the ancient grounds of Palatino, the Colosseum can be seen from many an angle. Walking along Via di San Bonaventura, Chris and I sauntered pass this very formidable and crumbling entryway which apparently leads to a basilica church devoted to Saint Sebastian and a covenant as well.

Surrepitiously, I capture a stranger walking through the free streets of Palatino. One must pay to access the ancient grounds that was home to civilizations since 1,000 B.C.

‘Twas one beautiful eve the night we spent around the Colosseum. For now, I can only revisit in my dreams…

]]> http://www.photodivebar.com/2009/10/21/the-colosseum-desaturated/feed/ 2 http://www.photodivebar.com/2009/10/20/the-colosseum/ http://www.photodivebar.com/2009/10/20/the-colosseum/#comments Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:05:32 +0000 Jess Smith http://www.photodivebar.com/?p=607

There’s not too much that can be said about this structure that hasn’t already been said and I don’t want to sound like a broken record here. But in all seriousness, it is astounding to witness the ingenuity and engineering of the Coliseum in person. This place is SO massive, so entrancing – it’s downright mesmerizing. I mean, c’mon people, it survived the Dark Ages. Granted, the interior is somewhat in shambles, but it’s still standing goddammit. That’s resilience.

You don’t really see substantial construction very often. It’s all birdy now – cheep, cheap! Then again, I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to count on my hand how many worker bees were coerced into the construction of the subject.

Symbols can be quite interesting – little masters of trickery wavering between the boundaries of the esoteric and exoteric. A well-known image of our time, to the untrained eye, appears so familiar, yet it could hold an unusual or hidden meaning. What is truly present, curious or commonplace, is for those with

…eyes to see and ears to hear…

Author’s note – Yes; contrary to popular belief and for those who have passion for Boondock Saints, symbology is, indeed, a real word.

Photographs of strangers and their nuances on a jaunt through Piazza Navona.

Postscript: Sometimes I really wish this theme was vertical-friendly!!!

This was a first for me. I didn’t know that one needed to travel halfway across the world to find a nun riding the bus. I mean, I didn’t even know they TOOK the bus let alone be caught riding it. The joy I took from this cannot be expressed in words. I was so happy I almost cried.

Rome’s street beggars were a peculiar and entertaining folk. It was hard to discern whether these people were legitimate vagabonds. The hobos I’m accustomed to are gruff, dirty, raggedy-clothed types, whereas Roman hobos were considerably well-dressed, awfully put together and appeared to pick up a cup for the hell of it.

I found it a bit suspect when the archaically old ladies bowed their heads to the ground, convincingly dressed in tattered garb, but would quickly glance around to see if anyone was coming before they sured up their act.

We sought vengeance for real vagrants; we gave one woman an American nickel in Euro-laden territory. Muahaha.

Oh, gilded church with your decorative inlaid ceiling, your formidable angelic statues and towering vaulted heights, one could quickly surmise why the meek and meager of a less sophisticated time heeded the power of God.

The golden sky of St. Peter’s Basilica is awe-inspiring to say the least.

Momentary relief from Rome’s searing midday sun atop Castel Sant’Angelo.