Fountain + Rocks = Splash

Fountain + Rocks = Splash [133/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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Back to vacation photos for a bit. Eight more days to go.

Our first day in Rome was a bit hectic, as it took us a while to get organized and out the door in the morning. Our goal was the Villa Borghese, and specifically a 1:00 pm reservation for the Galleria Borghese.

Isaac and I managed to get out of the apartment somewhat before everybody else, and we had some time to wander around the gardens before meeting up for sandwiches and the museum (which Isaac skipped, thanks to my father-in-law who generously offered to take him to a playground so the rest of us could enjoy the Bernini sculptures in the museum toddler-free).

Isaac was in a cooperative mood, and was quite happy to show off one of his favorite vacation activities for the camera:
1) find a fountain.
2) find some rocks.
3) drop rocks in fountain, watch the splash.
4) repeat.

Rocks were quite a theme for us. Not only did he enjoy throwing them in fountains, but he left little piles of rocks on benches all over Italy, and collected several Ziploc bags full of them for us to take home.

Knight's Garden Roses

Knight's Garden Roses [132/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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This was our final day in Florence. We got a reasonably early start, and spent the morning exploring the Boboli Gardens. They are quite vast, and moving at toddler pace we didn't see nearly all of it, but we did discover this beautiful rose garden hidden up a set of stairs. Everything was in full bloom, and if it hadn't been so hot and so close to lunchtime we could have spent hours up there soaking in the beauty.

After the Boboli Gardens and lunch, we headed for the train station to take the Eurostar to Rome, the next stage of our vacation. Rome pictures coming soon!

Ponte Vecchio, Night

Ponte Vecchio, Night [131/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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We spent two nights in Florence - one full day plus two shorter travel days - primarily so my in-laws, who we were traveling with, could go to the Uffizzi. Day 131 was our Florence day. We got a late start, and thus didn't get to as much as we'd like, but did manage the most important thing, which was some excellent gelato (see photo in comments). I also got a chance to get out by myself for some nighttime photography, to take some shots of Ponte Vecchio. I'm pretty happy with how this one came out.

The Venice of Old?

The Venice of Old? [130/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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We only had a short time in Venice - one night - and so didn't have time to get much off the beaten path. Thus, on the morning of our second day of vacation we headed for Saint Mark's.

It is hard to take a photo of Piazza San Marco that has not been taken a thousand times already. Additionally, since we were there in the morning and the light was behind the church (and half the front facade was covered in scaffolding), I didn't really focus on the church itself. Instead, I tried to capture something that might represent how San Marco felt before it was overrun by cruise ship daytrippers - elegant cafes overlooking the central meeting place of a rich and aristocratic city. The sepia tone is maybe too much, I don't know.

A few more at Flickr (click the picture). Next up, Florence (although a few more Venice shots may make their way to Flickr over the next week or so).

Gondola on the Grand Canal

Gondola on the Grand Canal [129/366], a photo by timsackton (on vacation) on Flickr.

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Checking in briefly from vacation. I've only managed to go through the first day of pictures, but here are some selections from Venice. Our first, jet-lagged day in Italy was still a glorious start to the vacation. We didn't plan much sightseeing, but after a rest and a snack we did walk to dinner via the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal. We arrived with the perfect evening light, and I had a chance to take a few pictures (well, more than a few, actually). The serenity in this scene, as one of the pictures in comments demonstrates, is of course an illusion generated by timing. A classic and somewhat cliched Venice shot, I know. Two more in comments at Flickr (click the picture).

Watching the Planes

Watching the Planes [128/366], a photo by timsackton (on vacation) on Flickr.

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Departure day. We had a bit of a chaotic start to our journey, although everything worked out in the end. Fortunately, Isaac loved watching the big planes at the airport. He was quite a good traveler, despite having a bit of a hard time falling asleep on the plane.

Don't Forget the Passports

Don't Forget the Passports [127/366], a photo by timsackton (on vacation) on Flickr.

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Sunday night was more packing. I've got my passport and a camera, what else do you need?

We are off this evening for a two week vacation to Italy and France, so posting may be light. You can be assured I will be taking many more than one picture per day, though.

Chive Blossoms

Chive Blossoms [126/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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This weekend was a whirlwind of packing and preparing for our vacation, but I did take pictures every day and even have time to upload them before we leave tonight.

On Saturday, I spent most of the day trip planning and packing. We made peanut noodles with chives for dinner, and I had noticed these chive blossoms on our plant outside. I didn't remember to take a picture of them until 11:45 pm, but managed to get it in under the wire.

Shabbat Triptych

Shabbat Triptych [125/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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This weekend was a whirlwind of packing and preparing for our vacation, but I did take pictures every day and even have time to upload them before we leave tonight.

On Friday, we went to my cousin's new house (they moved on Thursday) for Shabbat dinner. The picture of challah, on the left, was taken Friday night. The remaining two images in the triptych come from previous days in my 366 project. I've included the challah by itself in the comments.

Weather Stained

Weather Stained [124/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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Another gray, rainy day today. I've walked past this statue a few times in Radcliffe Yard and thought of taking a photograph, but never had a decent idea. Today, it was looking particularly eerie in the rain and the flat light, so decided to seize the opportunity. Really loving the 50 mm f/1.4 lens, especially the quality of the bokeh.

Trolley Wires

Trolley Wires [123/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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I was looking for a black and white shot today on my way home from work, and spotted these trolley wires along Mass Ave in Cambridge. Not my best shot, but good enough for today. Converted to black and white and added a bit of grain in Lightroom 4.

Dreary Spring

Dreary Spring [122/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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One third of the year is done! Today was a cold, gray, and rainy and this image seemed to capture the weather and the feel of the day. The past week or so has been pretty rough photographically - I've been super busy at work finishing off everything that needs to be done before leaving on a two-week vacation next week, which has left little time or energy for other tasks. I feel like I've been stuck in a bit of a rut, but I'm sure it is nothing that a break from work and a change of scenery can't fix - only five more days until I'm heading to Italy for vacation!

Vacation Planning

Vacation Planning [121/366], a photo by timsackton on Flickr.

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We are leaving on vacation a week from today, and I am just starting trip planning. Yikes! We do have our flights and accommodations booked already, of course, but I have done very little reading on where to eat and what to see (been too busy at work). We are going to Venice, Florence, Rome, and Paris - all cities we've been to, but some not for many years, and not with a toddler. Recommendations for restaurants and places to sight see (and photograph!) are always welcome. :-)