Repubblica Italiana

Some more pictures that I took while visiting Italy this autumn.

 

Left to Right:

The iconic Vespa is the Italian brand of scooter manufactured by Piaggio. Born out of Italy's post World War II need for a modern and affordable mode of transportation for the masses, it fast became an international success and today is instantly recognisable in any city street. Although true to its origin, Vespa's largest market today by all measures, still remains to be Italy....

A must place to eat is the well-known Antica Drogheria in Lucca, a hundred plus year old shop and recent pizzeria with its original interior that serves up typical dishes from the area that are prepared along with tastings of local cured meats and cheeses. I could not go pass the wood-fired calzone with fresh ricotta, local ham and homemade pizza dough....

Above:

Buonconvento is a comune (municipality) in the Province of Siena, still enclosed by the walls built by the Sienese in 1371. There are plenty of gastronomic delights to try in this small town but it is locally reknown for the white truffles from the Sienese clay hills....

Left to Right:

The Basilica of Superga was built to commemorate the liberation of Turin from the French but now makes for a delightful picnic spot for lunch, overlooking the city of Turin and the surrounding Alps....

Two local fisherman captured on Lake Como, fishing just north of 'Villa Oleandra' in the small and peaceful village of Laglio. This luxurious waterfront property was once owned by the Heinz family but became infamous in 2001 when George Clooney became the new owner and infrequent resident. In the window of the local village store, hangs a proud collection of magazines with the Hollywood actor on each of the covers....

Above:

One of the highlights of my trip back to the Italian Republic, was an afternoon at the open (and completely free) cascade of Terme di Saturnia where the water is a constant 37.5C (99.5F). According to local legend, the hot springs of Saturnia were created when the Roman god of agriculture and harvest, Saturn, threw his staff into the earth in a rage. You just have to love a little wrath and fury from time-to-time!