Colosseum, exterior

Of course, any visit to Rome requires a stop by the Colosseum. Here are a couple of exterior views. To say it is a massive structure is an understatement. Yes, it is large but it is massive in the sense that it is a huge pile of brick and stone, well-constructed to last centuries.

DSC_3435In fact, later generations used the Colosseum as a quarry for stone to build other buildings through the centuries. Moving slightly closer:

DSC_3383The design has survived the ages, forming the basis for most large public venues in the modern era. The Romans figured all this out and stuck with it almost two thousand years ago. The next post will show the inside. Stay tuned.

Published in: on November 9, 2018 at 12:11 pm  Leave a Comment  
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Pompeii, painted walls

While visiting Pompeii, you’ll find plenty of marvels, from the theater to the villas to the brothel, not to mention the technological wonders like the baths. What strikes the eye, however, are the interior decorations of the villas, specifically the painted walls.

DSC_3154One gets the sense of how the Roman people adorned their living spaces.

DSC_3186The scenes can be quite lively or rather mundane, no doubt based upon the resident’s taste.

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The artists of the era must have been extremely busy because there were paintings after paintings covering large walls in all the villas. And these are only the ones recovered from the disaster. Surely there were more.

Published in: on October 30, 2018 at 11:20 am  Leave a Comment  
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Cool pet ride!

I spotted this handsome BMW motorcycle on a street in Florence, Italy. It featured some unique storage gear.

DSC_3507Note the carrier on the rear of the motorcycle.

DSC_3505Looks like a specific build for “Pedro.” Here’s a closer look:

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There is a blanket in there and leash to keep Pedro ensconced in the unit while on the roll. A great piece of equipment from someone who surely enjoys travel with the pet.

Published in: on October 27, 2018 at 11:27 am  Comments (1)  
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Cristo de la Luz, Toledo, Spain

Not the largest religious building in Toledo Spain, the Church of Cristo de la Luz, was originally built in the year 999. That’s right, more than a 1,000 years ago.

DSC_2975The facade features the interesting “moorish” architecture.

DSC_2986Inside, you’ll find the remains of some frescos:

DSC_2978And more:

DSC_2977This building is definitely worth a stop while in Toledo as it shows the continuity from one culture to another as it evolved in this area. Do a little homework before you go and you’ll discover the details more easily.