Le Nuvole Photo Gallery

I have tried to post enough photos to provide a feel for the function and flow of the apartment without losing the character. If you don’t find enough to make you satisfied, ask me and I can send you others.

Pitti Uomo – Day 1

Want a taste of Florence’s hottest fashion week, Pitti, but can’t afford the time off?

Watch “Pitti – Day 1″ for a scenographic sampling from Mclaren Sport, Converse, Firetrap, DNL, Laura Biagiotti, Shaft, Henry Cotton and more.

The Giostra di Simone, no spectators

Siena’s Palio is renowned for its pageantry and almost ruthless excitement however after two weeks of festivities for the Giostra di Simone in Montisi, I now know what it is to be a Tuscan and share in the ceremony of an ancient tradition.

I have a contrada, into which I was baptized with wine. I have a banner, which I waved with pride during our failed but valiant attempt of victory. I have a very sore throat from singing songs I had never even heard a fortnight ago. More than anything, I have the warmth of having been an active participant in this festival where no one is a spectator.

Electricians become nobleman. Teenagers blossom into princesses. Waiters look out through visors of their steel helmets holding a mace. British tourists become noble ladies. This is the beauty of the Giostra.

It is not only the people that transform but the town itself is taken back to an age when flames rather than bulbs lit the streets, when spectators sat on hewn benches or grassy knolls to watch brave nights do battle in the dirt, when the glimpse of a maid’s pale shoulders was more provocative then the bare midrifts we see on every corner, today.

Just for a moment, as we walk the cobblestone streets watching expert banner tossing high into the air lit only by torches, we are each transported to that time and place. I am no longer a photographer but rather an anxious member of the St. Martino contrada praying that we get a good slot in the joust so we might break our extended losing streak and rule Montisi for the upcoming year.

Tuscany from the Air

“Few would question the beauty of Tuscany; its cypresses, rolling hills of wheat and azure skies.  Yet, at a distance of only 5 metres from the ground, caressing the sun worshiping faces of thousands of sunflowers while floating with the wind, beauty takes on a whole new meaning.  A balloon ride over the heart of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia will make even the most jaded Tuscan aficionado smile like a child seeing a toy for the first time.”

For more than 10 years, Robert Etherington (former concert viola master) has offered visitor’s to Tuscany a unique view not possible by any other means.  Starting at 6 am with the filling of his massive balloon and ending with a champagne brunch in the midst of whatever field he lands in, Robert is a never ending source of information about and, most importantly, stories of the Tuscany he loves.

http://www.markabouzeid.com/exhibits_balloon/index.html