As you know I had to return back home for a bit to be with my family. I’m no longer going to Italy but I wanted to share some of my favourite memories from my last time there.
In 2007 I went to Italy on my own. I had quit one job so stressful that I begged my new employers to give me time off because I needed to shed the black cloud that rained upon me for a year and a half until they rescued me.
I was burnt out and needed a break.
It was December and everyone I knew had already used up their vacation days so I decided to go to alone. It was a whirlwind week in Florence and Rome but I had just traded up my film SLR for a second-hand digital SLR and with one 50mm lens I wandered the streets of Italy alone but never feeling lonely.
To this day these photos of Italy are some of my favourite photos.
There is something about just general street scenes, storefronts, doors, windows especially if there is a bicycle in front.
I didn’t go into any museums or galleries in Rome, I just wandered neighborhoods and I stumbled upon this meat shop in an outdoor market. I would have loved to have a reason to buy a leg of ham…
It rained a lot in Florence but I love how it made the city shine at night.
One day a woman at the hostel asked if she could join me for the day and I warned her that I just wanted to roam the market and take photos. After an hour she realized I wasn’t kidding.
This one caught my eye as I imagined it was someone’s nona buying meat for the night.
What series of photos of Italy is complete without the Colosseum. I spent 3 hours here at night trying to stabilize my camera on a wall for long exposure. I have tons of photos, but I like the juxtaposition of the modern bus against the ancient ruin.
Travel Tip: No matter where you travel, hotels and hostels can be tiring. If you are thinking of visiting Europe why not check out apartments in Rome through Wimdu.co.uk for all the comforts of home, even when you are traveling.
I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
Pictures don’t normally do it for me but but the photos in the rain almost made me feel damp. You’ve got skills! Are you selling photos? I know travel chica does (http://www.thetravelchica.com). Quality shots.
Hope all is well at home.
Tyler @ roundtheworldtravelchallenge.com recently posted..First Muay Thai Fight
Great Shots of bella italia Ayngelina!!!
Sebastian recently posted..Photo of the Week: Sunset in Puerto de Soller, Mallorca
Fantastic shots dear — glad you were able to get away! I’m headed to Italy in a couple of weeks, it’s been a decade for me!!!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..My Wedding & Honeymoon: Day 6-10 (Part 15)
Beautiful photos….I need to buy my first SLR soon…kind of scared.
TheWorldOrBust recently posted..How to not gain weight while traveling
I love roaming about cities with no particular purpose, especially at night.
cool! hope you’re gonna come back soon in Tuscany
michela @comunicami recently posted..Wellness Blog Trip in Trentino
Fantastic! You captured the country beautifully. I think Beth and I probably spent the same amount of time, at probably the small wall at the Colosseum trying to get something similar. Great shot!
I’ve secretly always wanted to have a reason to buy one of those legs of ham too.
Ah, bell’Italia : )
You are such a talent. My photos from 2007 look nothing like that.
I love vintage Ayngelina posts!
Abby recently posted..Cirque du Soleil: Behind the Scenes
I loved these. Great photos. I was in Italy in December in 07 too – and I have some rainy but beautiful photos too. (I was also in Rome and Florence!!)
Nicole recently posted..the apparent permanence of my present life
Very nice – I love Italy. I want that Sartor meat counter – not much beats cured Italian meats.
Don Faust recently posted..Nile File: Bastet, the Ancient Egyptian Cat Goddess
You’ll make it back to Italy another time.
That last photo is great.
The Travel Chica recently posted..Buenos Aires Odd Jobs: Advertising
Those are some seriously beautiful pictures. Now I’m sad that you won’t get back to Italy right away so we could get some more. You must have one fantastic photo album somewhere.
Steve recently posted..The Plaza Hotel in New York – How Not To Get Ice
Fantastic photos! Love how you made these personal to show a side of Italy not many people see!
Jeremy Branham recently posted..The College Football Travel Tour hits the road
Loved the photos! I head to Italy in two weeks so it made me even more excited than I already am…it will be my first visit to Italy, and I am looking forward to every bit of it!
Gorgeous photos! Love the one of the woman at the market.
There is nothing like wandering around a city purely at random with your camera. Awesome shots!
Jarmo recently posted..Stupid or Lucky, Making It Through the Bolaven Plateau on a Motorbike
Great shots of my favorite country… I was debating whether or not I should bring an extra lens w/ my DSLR. After looking at these, I’m also planning to bring my prime lens so I can get some better quality shots along w/ my zoom.
Gerard ~ GQ trippin recently posted..How To: Party in Ibiza
I will never forget the meat stores nor the very thin crust pizza. Also the pasta in garlic and olive oil. Food! of course, the beautiful views complete a visit of the country. Nice picture by the way! great job!
I love the human element in these.
Definitely not your average “I went to Italy” photos. These are lovely!
I’m sorry you didn’t get to make your planned return trip. But one day you will!
Amanda recently posted..Travel Scene: Cuba Street in Wellington, New Zealand
I absolutely love the rain at night photo and the bus in front of the Colosseum. I’m sorry you didn’t get to go back to Italy, but this photos make for great memories.
Rease recently posted..Being Skinny Freaks Me Out
I know how you feel; I’ve been both burnt out from my work life, and burnt out from my travel life. Sometimes we just need to wander and chillout.
These shots are absolutely beautiful. It makes me want to head back there right now … I find Europe to be such a photogenic continent!!
DTravelsRound recently posted..Escape of the Week: The Dead Sea
Okay, I’ve had this sudden craving for Italy (errr…or maybe Italians) recently. Thanks for whetting my appetite!
Adam recently posted..Should you visit Israel?
These Italy photos are TIMELESS! Classic! Love them all!
Jen Laceda recently posted..Autumn Apple Weekends
Great photos!! I have a 50 mm 1.8 lens but I hardly ever use it – I find it to restrictive – but these photos you have taken are incredible and I think I might start to use my 50 mm more oftan.
Jade Johnston recently posted..Heading out to Sea with a Monarch Wildlife Cruise
I started with a prime lens and I was frustrated at times, especially when I could only take photos when I was able to step back. But I still travel with it and it is my food photography lens. Nothing is sharper than prime.
Love these – feels like I’m there all over again! Maybe you can teach me a thing or two in January =)
Angie Orth recently posted..Planning a Last Minute Trip to Running of the Bulls
nice pictures of italy. its a really beautiful city to visit
Zablon Mukuba recently posted..Volunteering abroad and Universities
It is one of the few countries I knew I would return to.
Fabulous photos, hun. Really gorgeous.