Foggy days in monochrome

A last look at Venice. Doesn't Saint Mark's Square look great in black and white and with all that wonderful fog? I like it anyway. Photo taken in February 2004.

To see more monochrome shots, visit the Weekend in Black and White.

Church of Moses

If there's one thing you're certain to see in Italy, it's fancy churches. The Chiesa di San Moisè is no exception. There are so many statues and carvings, it's hard to know where to look! Photo taken in February 2004.

Mr. Sarpi

It's dear old Paolo Sarpi, a famous Venetian known for his battles with the Roman Catholic church. They even tried to assassinate him, but he was a tough dude. Now he's got his own statue to commemorate his life in one of the lovely little squares in Venice. Photo taken in February 2004.

More canals

Another look at the beautiful Venetian canals and all those great buildings along the water. Photo taken in February 2004.

Floating by

Even in the foggy, cold weather of February, you rarely see an empty gondola in Venice.

As you can see, this one wasn't empty for long. He just had to maneuver his boat over to pick up this pair. Photos taken in February 2004.

Foggy days

Foggy days on the Venetian canals make for a great photographic ambiance. Photo taken in February 2004. To see more bridges from around the world, visit Sunday Bridges.

To the dogs

Even our four-legged friends like to get into the carnival spirit in Venice. I'm not really sure how much dogs enjoy wearing these costumes, but he sure is cute! Photo taken in February 2004.

To see more animals from around the world, visit Camera Critters.

Il capitano and the plague doctor

These are two traditional costumes that come from the Commedia dell'arte tradition in Italy. The man on the left represents Il Capitano while the one on the right represents Dottore della Peste. There were many representations of these two in Venice, but this pair was one of the few which agreed to pose for me. Photo taken in February 2004.

More revelers

More costumes from the carnival in Venice. Although they're beautiful, I find the masks a bit disconcerting. I think it's because the faces are so fixed. Photo taken in February 2004.

Carnival secrets

 

Another look at some of the fantastic costumes I saw during the carnival in Venice. This pair of ladies looks like they're sharing some deep secrets. Photo taken in February 2004.

Happy Mardi Gras!

I saw this gentleman at the Carnival in Venice, Italy. I was lucky enough to attend it a few years back and although the weather was terrible (damp and cold) it was worth it! Photo taken in February 2004.

Last look

A last look at the craters and mounts around Etna. It's such an interesting landscape. Photo taken in May 2011.

Silvestri crater

Etna offers many beautiful landscapes. This crater is called Silvestri. We walked the rim of it. It was cold and windy, but worth the views. Photo taken in May 2011.

The Mount

The view of Mount Etna is one of the biggest draws of Taoromina. You can see her in the distance, just behind the clouds. A lovely lady indeed!

To see more skies from around the world, visit Skywatch.

Inviting

This is the very welcoming entrance to the walkers-only city of Taoromina. Just walk up those steps, pass through the arch and you're in a pedestrian paradise! Cars are not allowed in this section of the city and that is part of what makes it such a wonderful place to explore. Photo taken in May 2011.

More alleyways

Another one of those cute alleys in Taoromina. I especially love those light fixtures. So fancy! Photo taken in May 2011.

Thirsty pegasus

Most water fountains in Italy offer potable water. This pegasus had a very inviting stream of aqua. Photo taken in Taoromina, May 2011.

Going down

More of the cute side streets of Taoromina. Photo taken in May 2011.

Streets of Sicily

Taoromina is filled with beautiful, flower-filled corridors and extravagently decorated balconies. It was such fun just to walk around the city and peek into these alleyways. You never knew what you might find! Photo taken in May 2011.

Vista

Had you taken a few steps to the edge of yesterday's plaza, you would have been rewarded with this stunning view. I really liked the small city of Taoromina and would love to go back sometime. We only got to explore a small part of Sicily due to time constraints with the cruise, but I think it's worth a more in-depth visit one of these days.