Lago di Garda - what a view!

Lazy drifting swans and crisp weather were the perfect complement for a waterfront view of Lago di Garda in northern Italy.  With alpine vistas and water stretching for miles all around, the resort town of Sirmione and neighboring Peschiera del Garda are well worth a visit.


Stop by the Tortuga on the edge of town for light snacks, caffe and cocktails with a breathtaking view and tables al fresco.  To taste flavors of the region, order the cheese platter that comes with marmalade, preserved apricot with just a hint of garlic, and luscious honey.  Favoloso!

Tortuga Cafe

Via lungolago Mazzini 2-b
37019 Peschiera del Garda (VR)
045.6401735

Sunday in the park

This shot sums up the perfection of the last weekend before school starts.  Rollerblading, laughing, playing with your dog, stopping for a cool drink - does summer get any better than that?

Can you stand the beauty?

It never fails to take my breath away - that moment when you enter the doors of a centuries-old cathedral so steeped in history you can almost smell it in the air.  You enter the dim space and take in the hush of serenity and reverence, moving slowly into the nave as you absorb your surroundings.  

And then that moment happens - again.  You look up, and you cannot believe the infinite detail and brilliant artistry on display above you high in the vaulted ceilings.

That's the moment when I take a seat to reflect, not only on the magnificence of the artwork but on the men who created it.  How many years did they give of their lives to produce something so spectacular?  Did they know their legacy would inspire worshippers and visitors for centuries to come?  Did they understand the impact their vision would have on future generations of church goers?

It is simply astounding, masterful and awe-inspiring.  This ceiling in the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Bergamo, with its perfect proportions and symmetrical balance, makes me appreciate the architecture, the meticulous craftsmanship, the artistry, and the culture that created the men and women who made it possible.

Enjoy . . .

Bergamo Baptistery

The baptism into the Catholic religion is a sacred ceremony for families everywhere.  But in Bergamo, Italy, the ceremony takes on new importance. 

This spectacular baptismal structure was created by da Campione in the 14th century adjacent to the Piazza Vecchio, the Colleoni Chapel and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. 

Inside the adjacent chapel and mausoleum, magnificent frescoes and sculptures grace the quiet space. 

But the Basilica is a tribute to the best of the best of architecture, art and ornamentation of the era.  With magnificent vaulted ceilings, tapestries, frescoes, tombs and intarsia, it is a special place to reflect.

While we visited the cathedral, we were treated to a Bach concert on the 17th century pipe organ by Organista Stefano Pellini, a native of Modena. 

Here's a view of the Colleoni Chapel as seen from the Piazza Vecchio.  And my sweetie!

Vintage Classic Spotted in Modena

Came across this vintage MG A Type in Modena the other day, top down and ready for a cruise across the cobblestones. 

Perfect for a hot summer day in Italy!

Merriment in Modena

The time is always right for a gelato and a ride on the merry go round. 

The dogs and I walk past this park every day, and it never ceases to make me smile when I listen to the happy laughs of the kids on the dressed-up ponies and pink elephants.

Oh, to be a kid again!

PIZZA!

Every neighborhood has a pizza place to call it's own.  In fact, you'll find a pizzeria on almost every city block - each with a different claim to fame.  Menus serve up dozens upon dozens of varieties of this Italian staple using classic and seasonal ingredients such as brasaola, prosciutto, pomodoro and many other tasty items. 

At this fabulous by-the-slice pizzeria in Bergamo, pizza is baked in brick ovens in huge rectangles. Servers use kitchen shears to snip off delectable pieces baked to perfection. And of course, the shop has quite a selection of sweets to satisfy dolci cravings!