BACK FOR MORE OF LA DOLCE VITA.

Embarking on a journey to Rome is like agreeing to a truce with your feet: "You let me wander where I wish, and I promise to ignore every blister and ounce of fatigue that comes our way." Such was the pact I made, knowing well that to truly experience La Dolce Vita, one must do so on foot, covering an average of 15 miles a day. This is a tale of such an endeavor, a quintessentially quixotic quest through the Eternal City, where every cobblestone has a story, and every gelato shop is a trap of delightful calories.

**Day 1: The Vatican – Where St. Peter Keeps an Eye on the Sky**

Our journey begins at the Vatican, not just because it's a place of divine significance, but also because it feels right to ask for blessings before subjecting one's feet to such an ordeal. St. Peter's Basilica is not merely a church; it's a heavenly gate, grand and imposing, where the sheer size makes you wonder if St. Peter was expecting giants rather than humble humans. Inside, the opulence is such that it could make a billionaire blush. The art, the architecture, and the sense of serenity make it a place where even the most devout atheist might find themselves whispering a prayer, if only not to feel left out.

As for the Vatican Museums, they are a labyrinth of human genius, where you can walk in circles admiring everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to Michelangelo's masterpieces. It's a place where you're constantly torn between awe at humanity's capabilities and a vague sense of inadequacy about your own greatest achievement being your high score on Tetris.

**Day 2: The Trevi Fountain – A Splash of Hope**

No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the Trevi Fountain, a monument so lavish it could only have been designed by someone who never had to pay a water bill. Tradition dictates that one must toss a coin over their shoulder into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome. This is a clever ploy by the city, ensuring a steady income from people who are notoriously bad at throwing. Nonetheless, the beauty of the fountain at night, illuminated and majestic, makes you feel like part of an ancient world, momentarily forgetting the selfie sticks and gelato stains on your shirt.

**Day 3: The Colosseum and the Piazza del Pollo – Gladiators and Chicken**

Ah, the Colosseum, Rome's magnificent ode to a time when men were men and lions were nervous. Walking into the Colosseum, you half expect a gladiator to emerge and challenge you to a duel, only to remember that the most fighting you've done recently was with a can opener. Even in its ruined state, the structure is awe-inspiring, a testament to what humanity can achieve when we're not busy arguing on the internet.

As for the Piazza del Pollo, it's worth noting that this might be a slight mistranslation on my part, as "pollo" indeed means chicken in Italian, and I'm not entirely sure the Romans dedicated a whole piazza to poultry. However, Rome is full of delightful squares, each with its own charm, from the grand Piazza Navona to the intimate Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon. Speaking of which...

**Day 4: The Pantheon – Rome's Time Capsule**

With its grand dome and ancient doors, the Pantheon feels like a time machine. As you step inside, the oculus at the top of the dome casts a celestial spotlight that moves across the room, like the world's slowest disco ball. It's a place of quiet power, where you're reminded that once upon a time, this was the height of innovation and architectural prowess. It's also delightfully cool inside, offering a much-needed respite from Rome's summer heat.

**Day 5: Hidden Gems – The Other 900 Churches**

They say Rome has as many churches as there are days in the year, and on our final day, we set out to explore these lesser-known sanctuaries. Each church, from the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere to the tiny, tucked-away chapels, is a world unto itself, filled with art, history, and a palpable sense of peace. These are places where you can sit and reflect on the literal and metaphorical journey and perhaps light a candle for your poor, beleaguered feet.

In the end, Rome is not just a city; it's an experience, a vast, sprawling museum of history, art, and life. It teaches you resilience (mostly foot-related), appreciation for beauty, and, most importantly, the value of a good pair of shoes. La Dolce Vita, it turns out, is not just about the sweetness of doing nothing; it's about the joy of exploring everything, one step at a time. So, lace.

So, in conclusion, I could have gone on to put you to sleep much faster with countless additional tidbits about Roman life and why it draws us back time and time again. Life is sweet here. Not unlike Athens, it reminds us where we came from. The mastery and brilliance of the people that inspired the future. What they accomplished without iPhones and Snapchat is amazing. Don’t drag one foot behind you like a slack-jawed troglodyte to the Olive Garden for bottomless bread sticks when you crave an unbelievable Carbonara, Tiramisu, or Lemon Gelato. Don’t tell yourself it’s the same. It isn’t. Planes from all over the world land at FCO airport daily. Get on one, and I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Live Well!

M.

Comments are most welcome.

All images were captured with the new Leica Q3 and downsampled to work with the Squarespace platform.

THE STREETS OF EUROPE.

Where would I be without a camera and the streets? Most often, my travels are a mix of city and village life. I suspect this tried and tested formula has evolved over many years as the most effective way to enjoy my time on the road. The energy required for pounding city streets is substantial; however, the energy necessary to sip Rose' at a cafe in a provencal village might be less of a commitment (or so I've heard).

I am happy to travel or live in any such setting. London, Paris, Rome, and Barcelona are just a few of my favourite things. It always takes a little while for me to feel like a local in any of them, but sooner than later they become home away from home. As a traveller, you will undoubtedly enjoy your stay in any major European city for a few days, weeks, or even longer. The energy of these cities, their people and day-to-day life is intoxicating. Step out of your door regardless of rain or shine, because a day on the continent will rarely disappoint. The aromas of local eateries, bakeries and cheese mongers waft through the air with purpose. If you want peace and tranquillity, get up with the birds. If electricity and mojo is your thing, then go wandering after dark.

Communal spaces in Europe are great places for aspiring photographers: parks, museums, and markets ooze charm and provide the visitor an insight to the lifestyles of locals. Photographically, I always arrive with some compositions in mind. However, I have learned to keep the camera away from my eye until I have studied my surroundings and observed long enough to feel the local vibe.

People are often the subjects of my photography. I love to capture moments between strangers, friends and families. Moments that may have never happened before or may never happen again. Style and presence isn't everything, but it certainly catches my attention. If I am quick enough, the person with both is my camera's order of the day.

Sometimes a cafe can be the best starting place for a photo walk. Also, a glass or two of wine can lower the inhibitions that can hold me back from getting in tight with a subject or composition. However, to be clear, two glasses of wine does not turn me into a paparazzi capable of skulking through people's garbage or hiding in the bushes for the right time to snap the money shot. That's weird, and I suspect "but can't say for sure" the telltale signs of an apprentice sociopath.

Back to Europe and my fondness for its photographic locations and people. This blog is dedicated to my travels and my cameras. Two things that make me content and centered. So many places and things don't, but this has become and will always remain what puts the jam in my donut.

Live well!

Mark.

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