This is an image made moments before the sun came up over the horizon during a brief stay in Tuscany en route to Rome, almost exactly four years ago. I can still recall the still morning air gradually warming with the approaching sunrise as I crunched along the gravel path to find the look-out ahead of this view, the mist slowly rising around me as I set up my gear and the gentle chirrups of all the small things waking up to start their day. Recalling moments like this really remind me why I do this…best part of the day and I had it all to myself! It’s well understood the area has a lot to offer the photographer who takes the time to investigate a little beyond the well-worn tourist trails. I’ve never been one for following in others’ footsteps much anyway so I’m really looking forwards to seeing what I can find when I return to the area shortly…In fact by the time you read this I may already be there!

Ciao!

It’s not too hard to get lost in Venice, thankfully there are the odd signs about if you look around.

About 40mins or so by boat to the east of where Venice stands today lies Torcello the site of the original settlers in the Venetian lagoon who, in order to avoid the raids by barbarians on the mainland, fled to the islands. It is believed that around 1000BC the population had grown to an estimated 10,000 with salt its major source of trade. Today only a few buildings remain including the 12th century Church of Santa Fosca on this comparatively now quiet island. This building (pictured) is on the path to the water bus terminal, its old shutters surrounded by the fading paint seemed to echo the feeling of the place, punctuated by the two blocks of carved stone relics from an era lost in time.

A quiet stroll along the Grand Canal, water-buses and taxis zipping by…

It is what it is…