The Grottoes of Castellana, Puglia

These grottoes of the town Castellana in Puglia, Italy were discovered in 1938 by Prof Franco Anelli.  We took the long itinerary (3 km) which took about 2 hours, and we reached the magnificent "white cave". A wonderous trip indeed!

An elephant in Sardegna

Driving through the northern area of Sardegna, not far from beautiful Castelsardo, you may be surprised to come across an elephant.

Sicilian Cart

The traditional Sicilian Carts are becoming rarer and rarer to find.  This beautiful one was on display at the entrance to a contemporary art exhibition in Siena in September 2016.

Medici in Siena

On a wall of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, at the centre of Siena in Piazza Salimben,
 is a sculpture which looks remarkably like a Medici stemma (coat of arms).  Just a little different!

An Indian in Florence: Maharaja of Kolhapur

Prince Rajaram Chhatrapati

Cascine Park is a beautiful large green oasis in the centre of Firenze/Florence, a relaxing spot (at the far end away from the market) for a stroll, walk or run when a space to slow down is needed. http://www.ciaobellatours.com.au

Around 150 years ago 21 year old Prince Rajaram Chhatrapati had left India with his wives and entourage to visit England.  Whilst there he was advised to visit Firenze on the way home.

Unfortunately he acquired a sudden illness while is was visiting and died soon after.  In keeping with Brahmin traditions he had to be cremated and his ashes had to be scattered where two rivers converge.  There is only one spot where this could happen in Firenze, so the ceremony took place at the convergence of the Arno and Mugone rivers.

The memorial(foto at above) is near the place where his ashes were scattered.

And now it's also the place where a single span bridge of 200metres was built in 1978, now called the Ponte all'Indiano. It has two levels, one for vehicles and the other for walkers.  A little piece of somewhat secret history.

And the shrub? Who knows what it is?

Crossing the Grand Canal in Venice, local style

The Grand Canal is a 3800metres long snake, weaving its way to the lagoon. With only 4 bridges crossing this canal , it can be very frustrating  getting around, trying to find the best bridge to cross to get to see the sights or do the shopping.
Its not exactly a secret, but certainly not well known unless you actually live in Venezia, there is a local way to cross the canal.  Use a gondola!  Not just any gondola,  but a specific type, with their own little stations.  It will cost you Euro2. And you have to stand up! Well, that's not actually compulsory, but the locals do stand up for the crossing.

crossing the canal, local style standing up

il VOLO con PLACIDO DOMINGO, Firenze

 Three young tenors aged between 21 and 23, and from 3 different Regions of Italia (Sicilia, Emilia Romagna, Abruzzo), Il Volo, performed a Tribute Concert in Piazza Santa Croce, Firenze on July 1, 2016.

The first photo shows a much younger group, early in their career.

Second photo, Il Volo with Placido Domingo.

Third photo, the day's free insert into local newspapers.

Fourth, grazie mille Patrizia.  What a wonderful farewell evening!

Fifth, arriving at our platea seats after a very hot day in Firenze, but a glorious warm evening to enjoy the music.  The last one, around 11.30pm.

The backing orchestra from Teatro Massimo di Palermo, conducted by Placido Domingo.