The Farnese Hercules
The Farnese Hercules is a classic masterpiece in Naples’ Archeological Museum. A Roman copy of a bronze Greek statue created by in the 4th C BC, the statue depicts a weary Hercules leaning on his club, over which is draped the skin of the Nemean Lion. Behind his back Hercules holds the Apples of Hesperides, and so both the first and last of his twelve labours are represented.
The Marble Quarries of Carrara
The marble quarries above Carrara have been mined from before the Romans. Both the Roman Forum and Michelangelo’s David used marble from here.
A Traveller Not a Tourist in Rome
Visiting Rome can be exhausting - there is always more to see than time allows. Yet there’s much to do and see away from the usual tourist route, as well as hunting for the perfect coffee.
A Garden in Fiesole
Thoughts as I sit in a garden in Fiesole, overlooking Florence
Finding Leonardo in Fiesole
Above Florence is the delightful town of Fiesole, once home to the Etruscans (and a summer retreat for the Medici). In the hills above the town a plaque marks the spot where Leonard, using one of his creations, once tried to fly.
A Walk With Dante in Florence
Dante began writing The Divine Comedy while exiled from his beloved Florence. The pain of banishment weaves through his work. The poet never returned to his native city; even the tomb built for him in 1829 in Santa Croce remains empty. Yet were Dante to return to Florence today, much of the city would be familiar to him.
Wandering in Venice
No matter how lost I became, I always found something to see in Venice. Simply walking her streets with no destination in mind is an absolute delight.
An Apartment in Florence
Thoughts on staying in an apartment in Florence above the San Lorenzo Markets. Of course food became a central part of the stay, with the Mercato Centrale just around the corner. Plus the place came with a clothesline hanging out the window.
A Gondola U-Turn
Two gondolas trying to pass, as one does a u-turn in a narrow canal; only in Venice!
The Lions of Venice
Representing St Mark, the patron saint of Venice, statues of lions are to be found throughout Venice, including atop the column standing in St Mark’s Square.
The Piazza Limbo, Florence
The Piazza Limbo, near the Arno in Florence, marks where unbaptised babies were once buried. Charlemagne, apparently, laid the foundation stone of the church here in 786 AD
An Angel, A Florentine Painting, and My Novel.
Sometime around 1252, a monk fell asleep and an angel finished his painting. If only the angel would do the same for my novel.
A Small Green Door
Behind this little green door was my home in Venice for a short while; just outside the door, this magical city waited to be explored
Gardens in Venice
Gardens are everywhere in Venice, but often hidden from the casual eye.