Time and Eventuality
Time moves at a constant rate. It's measured in many different fragments, but still, it remains static- unchangeable. Why then is it, that it seems to either slip away too quickly or remain for too long? In the case of my writing on this blog, the preceding statement is true. While it has been a little over a year - that is a fact - why does it seem to be much shorter? Perhaps, it is how we fill our time that determines the speed, at least our perception of time. The goal of the trip is too fully apply this - fully enjoy the moment before it lost as a memory.
It is quite possible, in my estimation that is, you may be wondering what it is that has brought me back into the world where photography and literature are so uniquely intertwined. The answer is simple- I have something I want to share with you. I have recently embarked on another adventure that I am sure will bring forth experiences, both good and great.
This post will be dedicated to the days preceding the Special Convention in Athens. (pssst. I am going to Athens for the Convention, thought I should let you know) True to the previous form, I will use one post to cover multiple days unless a story elevates itself to be deserving of a title piece.
Without further delay -
This story begins at 3 a.m. on 26.06.2019. After fourteen hours of flight time, six hours of driving(possibly more), and after five hours of life being given to airports, I arrived in my desired destination- Positano. Positano is situated in the southern part of Italy, showing off its cliffside houses and bright blue waters, surely stealing oxygen from all who glance. At every five to ten feet, you will find a shop waiting to welcome you with open arms. The people with whom I have had dealings with have been more than gracious and kind.
Okay, let us talk about this- the body of water. As though being surrounded by massive cliffs and beautiful homes were not enough, the water is accompanied by a gorgeous shore and massive rock formations that you can drive in between. Truly, a beach that should make your, "Before I Die I Want To Visit These Beaches" list. While many may assume that everywhere in Italy will have the best pizza to exist, simply because of it being apart of Italy, will not be completely satisfied. While it will blow your local shop out of the water, its calling card is seafood. They boast a complete and diverse menu that will be sure to leave even the pickiest of eaters satisfied. Oh! I almost forgot to mention, the restaurants are located less than ten feet away from the beach. Simply dazzling! Day 1 has been one that I will certainly carry with me for many years to come.*
Today's explorations started two floors below where I rest my head nightly (and occasionally during the day) and where my clothes stay when I leave. Downstairs, we received a surprising treat to start the day. While we knew breakfast was in our future, we had not expected to be welcomed by a table filled with juices as well as an abundance of puff pastries, satisfying all that one could desire. Starting our journey down the coastline and closing our distance between us and Almafi, we stopped at a nearby Grotta that gave us the opportunity to float around (in a boat) and experience all it had to offer. After being inside for one minute it became obvious why it was called The Emerald Grotta. Though the light captures as being blue in photos, the naked eye sees it as it truly is - Emerald.
Afterward, we headed to a "small" villa just outside of Almafi, approximately thirty minutes away, where we found local shops beautifully married to the scenic views. After a five minute walk through the local town, you will reach the villa mentioned earlier. You are immediately greeted with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and statues whose best days can only be imagined by what's left. As you continue down the pathway, gardens lining both your left and right, you begin to sense an emptiness in front of you, as if something is missing. Three minutes later that feeling is understood. What caused this? What was this emptiness? A cliff that overlooked the coastline and all its majesty. Directly in front of you is the beautiful blue water, still in nature. To the left and to the right are rolling hills with homes and shops spotting it at an inconsistent rate. And behind awaits all the mystery of the unexplored villa grounds.
From there, we arrived in the title destination - Almafi. We began our time in this city the best way one can - at a lunch table. I indulged myself with a seafood pasta, which came with enough clams to make 35 necklaces! (that number is most certainly inflated) We could not stay there forever, at the table that is, so we continued on toward the "city center" where many attractions and storefronts can be located. The beauty and awe-ness (awe-ness - adj - the amount of awe something creates) that the Almafi possesses is astonishing. Everything that you have heard, or the feelings you felt toward it when you had seen photos or videos (if you have very high expectations and think you will love it) are sure to be met. Almafi and Positano have cemented themselves as one of the most beautiful places I will ever experience in person.
Ercolano - Our last (full) day in Italy was split between to main locales - Ercolano and Roma. Ercolano was the first of these to be visited. What is Ercolano? Simply put, it is the less popular Pompeii. As is true with many simplified things, that does not do the ruins any justice. Herculaneum was a thriving vacation location. The homes (which had a summer and winter section we will discuss later) were right on the beach where the former shoreline was. These homes would have been inhabited by rich and influential people. You would have seen prominent soldiers as well as politicians walking along the pathway. Among them were also free slaves who had purchased a home near their former owner (often the former owner would have assisted in the purchasing). The interesting thing is the enormous size of the properties. As alluded to earlier, the homes would have had a summer side, which boasted a garden, outside eating area and rooms. The winter portions would house the bedrooms, entrance, and the kitchen. Some would have had an elevated floor with more sleeping quarters. Much more can be said of this beautiful, near perfect town in Italy, but we must talk about what happened.
The Demise - The eruption of 79 AD would be felt by all in the city. Unlike those who suffered death by asphyxiation in Pompeii, those in Herculaneum died instantly. This was due to them being killed by a very hot liquid, one similar to lava. This is also the reason why it was so well preserved, the liquid fossilized much of the town. Near where the beach would have been, they found over three hundred bodies - men, women, and children. In close proximity to the location where the bodies were found, was a part of a boat. What was on it? The fossilized bodies of those who tried to escape by sea. Yes, many tried to run to the most logical place - the water. Once they got there, they would have lost heart. The eruption would have also caused an earthquake, in turn, the earthquake would have caused a tsunami. A truly inescapable death was all that awaited them. To see the eventuality of their deaths play out in word form and to "see" it (deaths of highly advanced, modern, inventive, and thinking minds and lives) was truly chilling. Something that should not be overlooked or scoffed at.
Roma was a refreshing reboot after the tragedy of the eruption. We headed straight to the sights, with no time to waste.
The Spanish Steps - The first of our sights to be viewed and documented were The Spanish Steps. These iconic steps lived up to the many positive things that I heard and read regarding them. The amount, scale, colouring, and setting make them a "must stop" locale.
The Trevi Fountain - Are you an artist? Can you sculpt a human? Now use a block of marble, make it larger than life-size, and I want it to have freedom of movement (oh! and can you throw in a horse). Can you do it? Odds are no. That is what makes this fountain so special. Not only does it have a beautiful pool that is filled, and have spouts spewing water - the spouts are enclosed in the most breathtaking statues you can possibly imagine.
The Pantheon - The oldest church and the best-preserved building from Ancient Roma. The size of the building, as well as its circular design, make you stop dead in your tracks to take it all in. The pillars themselves are enough to make you dissatisfied with modern architecture. Inside of it, you can find numerous tombs that encase the bodies of kings and high officials.
The Coliseum - Bittersweet. That is the best way to describe it. From a visual standpoint, it lives up to the hype that surrounds it. It was awe-inspiring, it made you feel as though time stood still. From an emotional movement view, it was tough. Knowing what happened inside, and knowing how they, the prisoners, must have felt inevitability moving in on them when they saw Roma flex their power through the building, I couldn't help but feel empty. With that said, I would not have changed visiting it. Ever.
Italy has been special. I'm eternally grateful for the time and memories, both spent and made. Now on to the next chapter - Greece.
*All photos will be posted at the end with their date labeled above it.
It is quite possible, in my estimation that is, you may be wondering what it is that has brought me back into the world where photography and literature are so uniquely intertwined. The answer is simple- I have something I want to share with you. I have recently embarked on another adventure that I am sure will bring forth experiences, both good and great.
This post will be dedicated to the days preceding the Special Convention in Athens. (pssst. I am going to Athens for the Convention, thought I should let you know) True to the previous form, I will use one post to cover multiple days unless a story elevates itself to be deserving of a title piece.
Without further delay -
27. 06. 2019
- The arrival into Positano, Italy -
This story begins at 3 a.m. on 26.06.2019. After fourteen hours of flight time, six hours of driving(possibly more), and after five hours of life being given to airports, I arrived in my desired destination- Positano. Positano is situated in the southern part of Italy, showing off its cliffside houses and bright blue waters, surely stealing oxygen from all who glance. At every five to ten feet, you will find a shop waiting to welcome you with open arms. The people with whom I have had dealings with have been more than gracious and kind.
Okay, let us talk about this- the body of water. As though being surrounded by massive cliffs and beautiful homes were not enough, the water is accompanied by a gorgeous shore and massive rock formations that you can drive in between. Truly, a beach that should make your, "Before I Die I Want To Visit These Beaches" list. While many may assume that everywhere in Italy will have the best pizza to exist, simply because of it being apart of Italy, will not be completely satisfied. While it will blow your local shop out of the water, its calling card is seafood. They boast a complete and diverse menu that will be sure to leave even the pickiest of eaters satisfied. Oh! I almost forgot to mention, the restaurants are located less than ten feet away from the beach. Simply dazzling! Day 1 has been one that I will certainly carry with me for many years to come.*
28. 06. 2019
- Exploration of The Almafi Coast And Nearby Locations -
Today's explorations started two floors below where I rest my head nightly (and occasionally during the day) and where my clothes stay when I leave. Downstairs, we received a surprising treat to start the day. While we knew breakfast was in our future, we had not expected to be welcomed by a table filled with juices as well as an abundance of puff pastries, satisfying all that one could desire. Starting our journey down the coastline and closing our distance between us and Almafi, we stopped at a nearby Grotta that gave us the opportunity to float around (in a boat) and experience all it had to offer. After being inside for one minute it became obvious why it was called The Emerald Grotta. Though the light captures as being blue in photos, the naked eye sees it as it truly is - Emerald.
Afterward, we headed to a "small" villa just outside of Almafi, approximately thirty minutes away, where we found local shops beautifully married to the scenic views. After a five minute walk through the local town, you will reach the villa mentioned earlier. You are immediately greeted with lush greenery, blooming flowers, and statues whose best days can only be imagined by what's left. As you continue down the pathway, gardens lining both your left and right, you begin to sense an emptiness in front of you, as if something is missing. Three minutes later that feeling is understood. What caused this? What was this emptiness? A cliff that overlooked the coastline and all its majesty. Directly in front of you is the beautiful blue water, still in nature. To the left and to the right are rolling hills with homes and shops spotting it at an inconsistent rate. And behind awaits all the mystery of the unexplored villa grounds.
From there, we arrived in the title destination - Almafi. We began our time in this city the best way one can - at a lunch table. I indulged myself with a seafood pasta, which came with enough clams to make 35 necklaces! (that number is most certainly inflated) We could not stay there forever, at the table that is, so we continued on toward the "city center" where many attractions and storefronts can be located. The beauty and awe-ness (awe-ness - adj - the amount of awe something creates) that the Almafi possesses is astonishing. Everything that you have heard, or the feelings you felt toward it when you had seen photos or videos (if you have very high expectations and think you will love it) are sure to be met. Almafi and Positano have cemented themselves as one of the most beautiful places I will ever experience in person.
- Ercolano and Roma -
Ercolano
Ercolano - Our last (full) day in Italy was split between to main locales - Ercolano and Roma. Ercolano was the first of these to be visited. What is Ercolano? Simply put, it is the less popular Pompeii. As is true with many simplified things, that does not do the ruins any justice. Herculaneum was a thriving vacation location. The homes (which had a summer and winter section we will discuss later) were right on the beach where the former shoreline was. These homes would have been inhabited by rich and influential people. You would have seen prominent soldiers as well as politicians walking along the pathway. Among them were also free slaves who had purchased a home near their former owner (often the former owner would have assisted in the purchasing). The interesting thing is the enormous size of the properties. As alluded to earlier, the homes would have had a summer side, which boasted a garden, outside eating area and rooms. The winter portions would house the bedrooms, entrance, and the kitchen. Some would have had an elevated floor with more sleeping quarters. Much more can be said of this beautiful, near perfect town in Italy, but we must talk about what happened.
The Demise - The eruption of 79 AD would be felt by all in the city. Unlike those who suffered death by asphyxiation in Pompeii, those in Herculaneum died instantly. This was due to them being killed by a very hot liquid, one similar to lava. This is also the reason why it was so well preserved, the liquid fossilized much of the town. Near where the beach would have been, they found over three hundred bodies - men, women, and children. In close proximity to the location where the bodies were found, was a part of a boat. What was on it? The fossilized bodies of those who tried to escape by sea. Yes, many tried to run to the most logical place - the water. Once they got there, they would have lost heart. The eruption would have also caused an earthquake, in turn, the earthquake would have caused a tsunami. A truly inescapable death was all that awaited them. To see the eventuality of their deaths play out in word form and to "see" it (deaths of highly advanced, modern, inventive, and thinking minds and lives) was truly chilling. Something that should not be overlooked or scoffed at.
Roma
Roma was a refreshing reboot after the tragedy of the eruption. We headed straight to the sights, with no time to waste.
The Spanish Steps - The first of our sights to be viewed and documented were The Spanish Steps. These iconic steps lived up to the many positive things that I heard and read regarding them. The amount, scale, colouring, and setting make them a "must stop" locale.
The Trevi Fountain - Are you an artist? Can you sculpt a human? Now use a block of marble, make it larger than life-size, and I want it to have freedom of movement (oh! and can you throw in a horse). Can you do it? Odds are no. That is what makes this fountain so special. Not only does it have a beautiful pool that is filled, and have spouts spewing water - the spouts are enclosed in the most breathtaking statues you can possibly imagine.
The Pantheon - The oldest church and the best-preserved building from Ancient Roma. The size of the building, as well as its circular design, make you stop dead in your tracks to take it all in. The pillars themselves are enough to make you dissatisfied with modern architecture. Inside of it, you can find numerous tombs that encase the bodies of kings and high officials.
The Coliseum - Bittersweet. That is the best way to describe it. From a visual standpoint, it lives up to the hype that surrounds it. It was awe-inspiring, it made you feel as though time stood still. From an emotional movement view, it was tough. Knowing what happened inside, and knowing how they, the prisoners, must have felt inevitability moving in on them when they saw Roma flex their power through the building, I couldn't help but feel empty. With that said, I would not have changed visiting it. Ever.
Captured Memories
27. 06. 2019
28. 06. 2019
30. 06. 2019
Italy has been special. I'm eternally grateful for the time and memories, both spent and made. Now on to the next chapter - Greece.
*All photos will be posted at the end with their date labeled above it.
Great post!! Regards from Chile!
ReplyDelete- From a guy who has the best memories from you and your family.