Monterosso -- Cinque Terre

Monterosso is the largest of the five villages and is where we stayed. It has an old and a new section but this seems to be only known by the locals. The two sections are joined by a short trail along the shore or by a even shorted tunnel used by pedestrians and traffic alike.

These two locals were engaged in a highly animated conversation for well over 30 minutes. 

This street market was going on during our final day here.  some crafts, some meats, some cheeses, and lots of other stuff for house keeping and decorations.

This would be Monterosso's version of KFC (mobile)

The yellow building is the hotel Margarite where we stayed.  very nice rooms with a large breakfast buffet included.  Most guests were either American or German, but then those groups were most evident through out Cinque Terre.

Since useable land is at a premium in these villages small gardens are evident everywhere.  This patch of agriculture was located just next to our hotel.  The crop looks like tomatoes.

the courtyard in front of our hotel also doubles as street leading to other buildings up the hill.

The "new" section of Monterosso.  The arches support the Trains that service this area.  The beach area has a nice shallow surf area. 

This sign alone was enough for us to eat at this restaurant.

The striking black and white colors of the churches in this area would seem to be a symbolic representation of the daily lives of the fishermen. White for the birth and resurrection while black a reminder of the dangers faced with each trip to sea. 

Central piazza in Monterosso

Evidence of the continuing importance that fishing plays in the local economy.  By the end of day these nets had been mended and stored ready for the next day's labors.

The beaches of Monterosso -- Sun worshipers mecca.

Beaches and "old" section of town

Because of the military arsenal in La Specia, just few miles to the south, this coastline was an important first line of defense during WW2.  This artillery bunker is a reminder.  

A fisherman tends his trot lines in the bay.

The beginning of a leisurely lunch.  Love the Italians, they pour a great glass of wine!

Outdoor  dining is everywhere.  We had sardines tre modi at this restaurant; stuffed, fried, and salted, all excellent.These sardines are at all like the ones available in cans in USA, these are much larger and very delicate in flavor.

The northern Italian version of the food truck

These boats are not fishing boats. These are ones for rent by tourists or ones owned by locals for their personal pleasure.

Varenna on Lake Como near base of Italian alps.

Varenna is a small lakeside community about an hour's train ride from Milan.  We enjoyed a day out with Laurel and Jim at this quaint community on the shore of Lake Como.  As you can see the lake is huge and has several ferries running to the communities that ring this major vacation and tourist attraction.

our day trip begins at the Milan subway station.  Milan has a great subway system.

We arrived at Varenna on the train about 90 minutes later. 

This graphic map gives an idea of the overall size of Lake Como.

Pleasure boats and rental boats filled most of the open shore line.

a view north on the lake

ferry boats ran on a regular schedule between towns and villages around the lake.

The open concrete area is actually a boat launch but since there was space sun bathers took some time to enjoy the spring sunshine, even though the temperature was around 60F degrees.

This walkway ran all along the shore.

Varenna boat harbor (such as it is).

Dinning alfresco was very common at the restaurants. We opted to eat in the glassed restaurant seen in the distance of this photo. (breezy and chilly outside)

While we were walking about the town after lunch we discovered this car show.  A few hoods were opened but most just wandered around the vehicles to admire them.

Waterfront scene 

Taken from a ferry boat this shows the expanse of this village up the hills

A tourist attraction that took visitors to the various hotels that lined the shore to the south of town.

Sun lit snow capped Italian alps, older buildings painted a rainbow of pastel colors, lake front, an idyllic scene.

The means of human locomotion in Varenna -- Walking -- Biking -- Motor scooters -- Automobiles.

Milan's Duomo

The Cathedral of Milan, also known as the Duomo,  is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan.  It sits on the same site as an earlier Basilica dating from around 385 AD.  The Duomo occupies the central most site in Milan with all roads either radiating out from it or circling it.  Started in 1386, it has been under construction or renovation ever since.  Under the direction of 78 different architects or engineers this cathedral is an amalgamation of designs which were chosen by the kings, emperors, and archbishops who were in power at the time.   Able to hold 40,000 for mass this church is the largest in Italy and the fifth largest in the world.  The footprint of the building is just over 157,000sf and the dome rises to 215 feet with surrounding spires reaching to 356 feet.

 A truly amazing structure that warrants admiration, regardless of your religious affiliation.  The photos attached show the building during the day and during the night, when it is illuminated.  The final photo is one I messed with so it would appear as a drawing (maybe). 

The Alamo and San Antonio Texas

My first impressions of San Antonio was just how small the town seemed when compared to the other cities recently visited. I was further amazed at just how small the Alamo is.  Located in the middle of San Antonio the Alamo is only a one city blocks with the tallest building the chapel and it only about 20 feet tall at the peak.  The city is a contrast of styles with tall modern concrete and glass buildings abutting older stylized structures celebrating another time in history.

The entrance to the chapel building at the Alamo.

The interior courtyard facing what was the barracks building, now a museum and diorama outlining the events surrounding the battle with the Mexican forces.

there has been some effort to maintain the southwestern style in buildings as shown here in the office building adjacent to the Alamo.

this plaque commemorates the contribution of the Gonzales volunteers who came to defend the Alamo.

The various flags which have flown over Texas are displayed in an alcove of the courtyard.

A metropolitan street in downtown area.

An example of the variety of building styles in San Antonio.

A key element of the San Antonio downtown is the Riverwalk area. this development was initiated  in 1950 following major flooding by the Rio Grande.  Current development and constructin were completed in 2011.  This river walk area is an outstanding example of what can be done when federal, civic and business leaders work together to improve the city.

River boats provide transport and tours over the entire length of the Riverwalk.

Patron saint of San Antonio, Saint Antonio.

Restaurants line the Rio Grande.

This is TEXAS and boots are not just utilitarian.

Quotes describing the river and its soul are spaced along the pedestrian walkway.

Mother Nature has a way of getting her way.

just one of the many waterfall effects along the walkway.