Piacere-Food, Travel & Photography

Piacere - Food, Travel & Photography

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Umbra’s hilly landscape is known for its many medieval hill-top towns that are surrounded with olive groves and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Stretching from Perugia to Spoleto it is a rich agricultural area producing olive oil, black truffles and wine. Tourists will also find beautiful textiles items such as scarf’s and linens produced in the region.

I was impressed to discover the renovation of some of the hilltop towns that today are being occupied, not only by part-time summer residence, but are beautiful vibrant communities. This trip we set out to visit Spoleto, Montefalco, Trevi and some of the restored towns such as Campello Alta and Castello di Postignano.

  We found the lovely Argriturismo Pettino in Campello sul Clitunno, after driving along a windy road overlooking the valley, on top of a mountain. The food was outstanding with homemade pasta, perfectly grilled meats, local specialities and black truffles collected by the family around the surrounding mountain. However a warning, after drinking wine and eating large and delicious meals, driving down the mountain could be a risk, so staying at  Argriturismo Pettino is a good idea.

    Nonna, who was there before breakfast and stayed until after the dinner service was a joyful woman who loved to talk to the guests. I got to know her a little during my stay and one morning she was making homemade ravioli, I really wanted to stay and help her, but we were going to visit Spoleto that day and I had to make a choice, Spoleto it was. But I was in heaven at dinner eating the best ravioli I have ever had that evening.

    As I left Umbria, a plan began to formulate in my head about how I was going to return, but that will be another trip and another story.

    Enjoy some of the photo’s I took of the landscape and look for a future post about Montefalco and Spoleto.

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          Umbria, The Land of Hilltop Cities, Olive Trees, Wine and Black Truffles Umbra’s hilly landscape is known for its many medieval hill-top towns that are surrounded with olive groves and vineyards as far as the eye can see.

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Lost Identity, Spotlight Award in Black & White Photography Porfiolio Contest

Lost Identity, Spotlight Award in Black & White Photography Porfiolio Contest

I had hopped that I would have the opportunity to bring to light through my photography images and story of B-Polor and Identity disorders. Black & White Photography magazine gave me that opportunity when I won a Spot Light Award that allowed me to write an article along with their writers about my experience with someone afflicted with this disorder. I hope with these photo’s those who have…

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The Bernina Pass is one of Europe’s highest alpine passes at 2253-metre-high. It is located in the Canton of Graubünden and The Bernina Express runs from Chur, Davos, St Moritz through Valposchiavo to Tirano in Italy.

The stunning and rugged landscapes and pristine ice blue lakes provide magnificent views of the Alps. Alp Grüm (2,091 m) is the first station south of the Alps situated above Largo Palü. The train negotiates  55 tunnels and 196 bridges. The highest point on the RhB is 2,253 metres above sea level, where you will find the Ospizio Bernina.

The route takes you on a journey into Swiss German, Romanish and Italian villages, cultures and languages. It offers a unique experience of Alpine life in small villages as well as the glamour of St Moritz. It is considered one of the world’s most beautiful train trips.

The Radishes Bahn is one of the Largest Network of Rail systems in Switzerland except for the Swiss Federal Railway. RhB section from the Albula/Bernina area (the part from Thusis to Tirano, including St Moritz) was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2008.

  Enjoy some of the landscapes along the Bernina Pass.

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Information can be found on Wikipedia, Eurail.com – (http://www.eurail.com/europe-by-train/scenic-trains/bernina-express),the Rhaetian Railway at https://www.rhb.ch/en/panoramic-trains/bernina-express and My Swisshttp://www.myswitzerland.com/en-us/search/index.cfm?phrase=Bernina+Express%2FBernina+Pass

  Traveling the Bernina Pass, Switzerland The Bernina Pass is one of Europe’s highest alpine passes at 2253-metre-high. It is located in the Canton of Graubünden and The Bernina Express runs from Chur, Davos, St Moritz through Valposchiavo to Tirano in Italy.

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Italian recipes for a Holiday Gift & Crocante con Mandorle

Italian recipes for a Holiday Gift & Crocante con Mandorle

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Annecy France, a tableau of color

Annecy France, a tableau of color

Patricia Turo:

As summer approaches and people head for trips to Euorpe, be sure to visit Annecy if you are visiting France.

Originally posted on Piacere - Food & Travel without rules!:

Annecy is in the southeastern part of France. It lies on northern tip of Lake Annecy in the Haute-Savoiesurrounded by mountains where goats and cows quietly graze in alpine pastures. Farms along the route produce…

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Deep fog was not in my plans when I awoke at 5:30 AM to shoot the sunrise at Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Center in Delray, Florida. I thought this could be interesting anyway and drove to the stables. I could barely see the horses slightly visible through streaks of mist moving silently over the corals.

The atmosphere was mystical as I drove up to the racetrack.

I could see trainers leading their horses in and emerging out of the fog.

And then the sky started to turn pink, then bright gold it looked like they were trotting to reach the rays of sunlight casting gold light on their coats with their mains floating in the air.

It was captivating watching this unfold and my plan to shoot the sunrise turned to capturing these beautiful animals and their trainers.

It became a passion and I returned many times.

I know nothing about harness racing except to have attended a few races in the vineyards not far from our home in Switzerland. I began to see personalities in the horses and the relationship between the horses and trainers.

  The trainers even seemed to look at their young horses in amazement also.

The powerful of their limbs and their gracefulness has lured me back many times.

  The trainers, owners and staff are engaging and have accepted my presents, although sometimes wondering what I’m doing so early in the morning taking photos. As they leave to go up North for the summer, I will miss my visits to Sunshine Meadows and look forward to their return in October.

Spend a few moments with me and enjoy these beautiful animals and their trainers.

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#gallery-0-5-slideshow .slideshow-slide img { max-height: 410px; /* Emulate max-height in IE 6 */ _height: expression(this.scrollHeight >= 410 ? '410px' : 'auto'); } Harness Racing Deep fog was not in my plans when I awoke at 5:30 AM to shoot the sunrise at Sunshine Meadows Equestrian Center in Delray, Florida.

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The day started with some rain and then the sky opened up with bright sunshine on Wynwood’s colorful wall art.

The international community has descended on the streets as artists and visitors alike speaking many languages open galleries and take paint brushes to the walls of buildings.

Connecting collectors and introducing new collectors with galleries and artists is in full swing.

It isn’t surprising that art fairs spread in satellite exhibitions around Miami with artsy Wynwood being one of the most popular.

The transformation of what was once a manufacturing district into an artist canvas with painters creating colorful images on everything from cars, buildings, walls and even garbage containers.

Photography, sculptures and experiential art have attracted an international community of artists and collectors.

Basel House and other pop up galleries displaying emerging artists draws tens of thousands of art lovers and opens up a world of “must see” art.

As the show begins and the parties start until the wee hours of the morning, I took to the streets to watch and join in the excitement.

What people are doing on the streets of Wynwood.

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#gallery-0-5-slideshow .slideshow-slide img { max-height: 410px; /* Emulate max-height in IE 6 */ _height: expression(this.scrollHeight >= 410 ? '410px' : 'auto'); } Art Basel Miami 2014 and The Wynwood Art District The day started with some rain and then the sky opened up with bright sunshine on Wynwood’s colorful wall art.

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Fire Fest at Johathan Dickinson State Park

Fire Fest at Johathan Dickinson State Park

Division of Forestry and Johathan Dickinson State Park in Hobe Sound, Fl had a Fire Fest with a controlled burn. The focus is on fire safety and the importance of forest management.

The growth of community development close to wildlands and the growth of vegetation has made the management in these areas riskier and complex.

Tribal, federal, state, and local governments partner in the management…

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Each year Scott Kelby hosts a worldwide photo walk. Organizers from photo clubs around the world select a location in their area to highlight .  This year PBC Photo Walkers, a group that I’m a member of, choose Green Cay in Boynton Beach, right in my back yard.  I joined about 50 photographers to photograph the nature preserve at sunset.  The park is about 1.5 miles of boardwalk with various plants and wildlife abundant and easily photographed.  The challenge is that the selection is not the best location for a sun set meet and this isn’t the best time of year to photograph animals or birds, as the migration has not yet begun.  But having said that, it is important to search of interesting shots and challenge your skills.

There is a contest by Scott Kelby that the photographers can participate in and the selected photo’s will be posted on his website.

  Here are some of the images I shot.

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  Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk Each year Scott Kelby hosts a worldwide photo walk. Organizers from photo clubs around the world select a location in their area to highlight .  

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The miracle and beauty of a leaf as it trembles in the breeze and soaks up its last rays of sun.

A dew drop balances on the tip of a dead leaf soon to tumble to the ground.

    A leaf lives for a moment in time absorbing nutrients and sunlight creating oxygen.

    A dead leaf falls from a plant but nourishes the earth so that new growth can be created.

    A leaf has a purpose, a beauty in life but also in death.

    Look closely at how its colors change from green to tones of rust, red and yellow.

    A dead leaf forms, lines, curves and contortions that create wild and lovely shapes.

    The Death of a Leaf.

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#gallery-0-4-slideshow .slideshow-slide img { max-height: 410px; /* Emulate max-height in IE 6 */ _height: expression(this.scrollHeight >= 410 ? '410px' : 'auto'); } The Death of a Leaf The miracle and beauty of a leaf as it trembles in the breeze and soaks up its last rays of sun.

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Brickell has grown into a major cultural area with theaters, such as the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House, the Carnival Studio Theater, Adrienne Arsht Theater and other Performing Arts centers. Also found in the area is the Perez Museum, under construction the Miami Museum of Science & Planetarium and nearby the Children’s Museum and many others. Creative and exciting architecture and public areas beautifully adorned with palms, flowers and parks provide leisure spaces for visitors.

    Brickell Village is a small neighborhood in the middle of this beautiful area overlooking the sea where  many restaurants and cafes cater to locals w ho enjoy evenings and weekends with friends. As a photographer what fascinates me is the way the contemporary architecture mingles with the “Miami Style,” as I call it, which is a combination of Spanish and Art Deco buildings.

  Buildings of glass reflect architectures that seem to be alive with the flavor of the Latin music that is heard in the clubs and restaurants. The shapes, lines and colors dance to the rhythms of the culture of the area. Recently I have taken images of the buildings that show how these architectures reflect the style of the area.

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#gallery-0-4-slideshow .slideshow-slide img { max-height: 410px; /* Emulate max-height in IE 6 */ _height: expression(this.scrollHeight >= 410 ? '410px' : 'auto'); } Brickell, Miami’s Cultural Neighborhood and its Architecture Brickell has grown into a major cultural area with theaters, such as the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House, the Carnival Studio Theater, Adrienne Arsht Theater and other Performing Arts centers. 

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Exhibition at the Palm Beach International Airport, July 9th to October 8th. "The French Countryside".

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Art at the Airport Exhibition, WPB Airport Fl

Art at the Airport Exhibition, WPB Airport Fl

My image “The French Countryside” will be exhibited at the Palm Beach International Airport from July 9th to October 8th.  The photo won a Merit Award in B&W 2014 Portfolio Contest and is currently published in the June special issue.

It is very exciting for me to have the opportunity to participate in this exhibition and display a location that I have loved and enjoyed for many years.  Please…

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The first Miami Summer Music Festival began with a performance by young talented musicians from around the world selected to study in Miami. They are challenged to perform in symphony, opera, chamber concerts, piano recitals and competitions in order to develop their ability to adapt to the world stage.

The opening program under the direction of Conductor – Michael Rossi, and Stage Director – Robert Dundas was captivating. The program of Richard Strauss, Don Juan, tone poem for orchestra, Op.20, Franz List, Piano Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major and Giacomo Puccini, Sour Angelica was beautifully performed.

Ryo Kaneko, winner of Miami Summer Music Festival Piano Competition was commanding. And Suor Angelica performed by Marinel Cruz was captivating. Along with a cast of vocalist and young musicians, these students will take the stage in performances with world-renowned orchestras well prepared due to the dedication of music professionals and incubators such as the Miami Music Festival.

Last nights performance was at the New World Theater in Miami. Designed by Frank Gehry, the theater is a unique ultra modernistic design that embraces  high tech acoustics and visual accessibility in the round.

    Miami is a culturally rich and diverse city that  embraces a dynamic artistic environment. This program started by Michael Rossi along with FIU and MSMF Opera Institute is worthy of the publics support.

http://www.miamisummermusicfestival.com

    http://www.nws.edu

Some images of the theater.

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The Miami Summer Music Festival The first Miami Summer Music Festival began with a performance by young talented musicians from around the world selected to study in Miami.