Montalcino, Italy. Think of Tuscany and you think of roads lined with cypress trees. These roads are found mostly in central Tuscany, in the Montepulciano - Pienza - Montalcino belt south of Siena. This area is in the middle of the Crete Senese (pronounced KREH-teh seh-NEH-seh), an area of wide open fields interspersed with the Crete clay cliffs. The farmhouses and their cypress lined roads stand out against the plain backdrop of the open fields. Geographically this area is very different from Chianti to the north. Some areas are lush and wooded or full of olives and vines, like Chianti. Other areas are wide open with very few trees. It is a stunningly beautiful area. Learn More

I have always been attracted to church doors for both beauty and metaphor; a door is the portal to something unseen, unknown, and discoveries are to be found. Montepulciano, located in the Val di Chiana , is one of the most attractive hills towns in Tuscany. It is built on a ridge of Monte Poliziano in the province of Sienna in Tuscany. It is the ancient Etruscan city of Nocera Alfaterna, which in 308 B.C. made an alliance with Rome against the Samnites. Learn More

Strolling the streets of a small, white-washed village in Spain's enchanting Andalusia region.

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As the German’s retreated from occupied Florence, Italy in WWII, they bombed all the bridges of the Arno River. As the story goes, the German officer in charge, could not bring himself to destroy the famous Ponte Vecchio and spared this historical landmark. I found it refreshing to know that human nature, even in the ravages and pressures of war, can show compassion and respect for art. Learn More

Granda, Spain. A variety of entertainment and talent to be found in the lively central plaza. Learn More

Granada, Spain. The pointed or cone shaped hood worn by the a nazarenos, symbolizing repentance and grief. Semana Santa (or Holy Week) is the Spanish name for Easter. It dates back to the 16th century when the Church decided to present the story of the Passion of Christ in a way that the layperson could understand. It was decided that the best way to do this would be a series of processions through the streets, depicting scenes from the story of the fall and rise again of Jesus Christ. Learn More

Madrid, Spain. The life of a artist at work seems tranquil? Learn More