Rome, Italy
One of the examples I like to use, to demonstrate why you should go the path least traveled, in explaining why it’s so important to implement this train of thought when you travel. Come with me and see what I’m talking about.
Approximately 30 minutes by train, from Rome, you can go to a place named Astia Antica. The castle to the left, the Castellodi di Giulio II, is just a part of this little side trip out of Rome. We were a bit late getting there because of all the time we took in the main Astia Antica location, where ruins abound, and we got turned away for a tour of this particular castle. You’ll see why in a second.
Astia Antica is full of ruins. Back in its hay day, it use to be the main port to Rome. Ships would fly in and out with goods to sell in Rome. But, back in those days, ships like those drew the attention of pirates, and other undesirables, and that city change hands more than a hotel room key.
The amount of time that you can spend in a photographic blur, or in adult terms, a photogasmic state of being, while you’re walking amongst these ruins is really incredible. Acres of ruins, some of which you can go into, dark halls still intact that only light up, barely, when it’s sunny outside.
Yep, it is what it looks like. These are toilets, ruins of toilets, in Astia Antica. Romans started plumbing, running water, waste management and a host of other things. You too can walk by, aroma free of course, toilets that served men in Astia Antica. But it is interesting as all get out! This was one of the best side trips, that we’ve, ever been on. It was such a score! Photography is stellar and, if you bring the right equipment and take the time, can produce wonderful images! If it is sunny you’ll deal with allot of contrast and will need an ND or polarizing filter to help with all of that, but get there early and expect to be there several hours. The photo of the castle I started with is just a 15 minute walk from the entrance to this former port of Rome. The road less traveled, what a pay off!
Rome. As iconic a history-laden city as you can get. Photography should happen at all hours of the day. Depending on when you go, sometimes, the only way to get people not in the shot is to take it at dawn, or just before sun-up in the blue hour. Otherwise, people shall be in your shot. The Colosseum is a favorite with ALL visitors and the lines can be long to get into see it. Watch out for scammers who try to get you involved with an underground tour and charge you a 100 bucks, or more. I would certainly recommend that ANY other time of year, other than Summer, would be a great time to go.
This shot, while standing inside the Colosseum, I turned and snapped of the Arco di Constantine, a Triumphant arch dedicated to the Emperor Constantine the Great. I cannot begin to list, just structures alone, the buildings/ruins you can photograph in the city of Rome. Spectacular presentations of Roman history. So, either plan a longer trip here, or, research and pick 5 things that you have to see before you leave this earthly plain. There is just too much, too many things to see and do and…eat. Food in Rome is lovely and delicious and, if you like beverages made from grapes, then you’re in for a treat!
I thought I’d finish-up with a scene from a rather large fountain, located in a square we were passing through going from Point A to Point B. Art is rather huge in Rome. Paintings, Frescoes and statues abound in Rome and you won’t turn a corner and see some version of that which is listed. Beautifully ornate fountain, with larger than life, characters from Roman and Greek lore, just to mention a few. Plan a trip here to maximize your jump into Italian history, lore and life. Just allow yourself a trip down the road less traveled and see something unique that will do nothing but add to your experience in this beautiful and historical country in Europe.
Just a couple of after thoughts here. I tend not to go negative in my posts, unless absolutely warranted, and I feel that it is here. The city of Rome is dirty. Dirty in an unsightly way. Since we enjoy walking almost everywhere, we decided to trot up this hill to see, well, where it led. As we gained a little altitude, we strolled closer to the edge of the walkway and noticed a rather large mound of glass bottles. All of them liquor bottles, wine, beer, etc. But there they sat, about 50 of them…in a big pile. There doesn’t seem to be a fully staffed clean-up crew, going around the city with carts and bins, cleaning up the unsightly areas…and there are a few. Just know that going in if you decide to go. I hope you do decide to go as, despite the refuse in Rome, that whole country of Italy will blow your socks off with its history, food and, especially, the people. Until next time…be and travel well!
