Sunday, November 27, 2011

Travel Snaps (& a Video), Part 2: Fiesole and Orvieto, Italy

A few days ago, I posted some photos (here) of Florence, Italy. What a place!

Just 9 km outside of that marvelous city is the ancient town of Fiesole, on top of one of the many hills.

The first photo in the following mosaic shows an inviting-looking house at the base of a steep set of stairs, which I descended (and later ascended). I can only imagine that those who live in this area have very strong legs as the entire town provides a beautiful workout.




The shrine reminded me of the one in the book/movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun". Not a big leap on my part, considering I was in beautiful Tuscany at the time, with the fabulous sound of church bells ringing regularly.



This short video gives you a glimpse of the bus ride up to Fiesole. The quality isn't very good, and you'll have to ignore the wisps of my hair blowing in the wind, but it may just give you a sense of the countryside. The landscape, the tile roofs, the bright buildings, the cypress trees...I love them all!



Following my stay in Florence was one night in Orvieto. You know you're in a lovely place when you open the bathroom shutters and see roses blooming in November. (You may have them at this time of year where you live, but not in my corner of the world.)

In the next mosaic, the first photo shows part of the steep hill I had just climbed (towing my suitcase), vowing to make an effort to get in better shape. Looking in the opposite direction is the old walled city. Thank goodness for the funicular!





Imagine narrow streets and pathways, pomegranates hanging over stone walls, colourful pottery, stunning views...



I hope you enjoyed these images, which I'm sharing with Mary at Little Red House for "Mosaic Monday".


I'll post some photos of Rome, Pompeii and a few other places soon, along with more homey pursuits!


Thank you for taking the time to visit.

Warm Wishes,
Karen

26 comments:

  1. Beautiful area of the world...I can see where the inspiration for these mosaics comes from...just beautiful!!

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  2. What a wonderful country to visit. Thanks for the lovely tour. Your photos are beautiful.

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  3. Hi Karen
    I'm enjoying the photos of your trip very much. Beautiful country and vistas.
    Judith

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  4. I am just not a traveling gal. But I so enjoy living through traveling through the photos of others! Gorgeous places!
    Brenda

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  5. Oh how wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful images at MM. :)

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  6. Beautiful pictures of wonderful architectures and flowers! Cathy

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  7. Karen, I love the mosaics but I love the picture of the roses and the one of the alley the best.
    They are all beautiful.
    Barb

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  8. Karen, your mosaics are gorgeous. They bring back beautiful memories of our trip to Italy.

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  9. Thank you for taking us your beautiful trip!
    I wish I could stroll that ancient narrow pathways!!!
    Tomoko

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  10. Oh Karen what beautiful photo's and I LOVED the video. I actually thought your hair was wheat or long grass along side the road and I was trying to figure out what on earth you were riding on that would make you sit that low...now I know LOL! My Sister was there a few years ago but she didn't take a lot of photo's so this is a real pleasure to see yours. Thanks for sharing with us! Have a wonderful week....
    Maura :)

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  11. I love your photos and the video, Karen! It brings back memories of my last trip to Florence and Fiesole. I agree that Italians stay in shape walking up all the hills andstairs in their home towns. My husband's 80+ year old Aunt was able to walk up the hill of their Calabrian hometown as easily as if it were flat ground.

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  12. What lovely places you have visited and great photo mosaics

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  13. Fabulous! Each mosaic was a delight for the eyes.

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  14. Hi Karen, over from Mary's. I loved this post. Always dreamed of getting to Italy and Austria but this old lady's traveling days are over. I could never make it up and down those hills. I will enjoy through your eyes. Thanks for a great photo trip.
    QMM

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  15. Thank you Karen for these fabulous photos of a very beautiful place. The photo with those roses was great especially at this time of year.

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  16. Oh how I love your photos and look forward to some day traveling to this beautiful country! I'll enjoy your photos for now...ahhh! Wonderful! ♥

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  17. What a lovely country! All your pictures were stunning, but I really fell in love with the narrow alley photo.

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  18. Thank you for taking us on a bit of the beautiful journey with you...lovely scenes~

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  19. Just the names are enough to send me dreaming! The thought of pomegranates in the lane way, roses in November....heaven!

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  20. What a shame we never got to meet Karen, maybe another time. :)

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  21. Beautiful countryside! I LOVE the video and your pictures make me wish I was there!
    Merry Christmas!!
    Brenda

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