Italian Design

 A little break from travel photographs to talk about design. Italian design, I would argue, is primo. I've been peepin in plenty of GORGEOUS retail windows at stylish clothing for men and women and children. Italians came up with the Vespa, the moka pot that the whole world now uses to brew espresso, my favorite corkscrew thingie that you push the arms down to pull out the cork, Ferragamo shoes and those giant arc lamps. Enter, the square holed toilet:

WTF, Italy? We've been complaining about you since we arrived.

This is the view from our living room.  Church bells and drum practice could actually BE in our living room because we've kept the windows open since we've been here. It's lovely to listen to.  There is a small ravine between us and the steep hill into Old Town. Our walk is not that, we go by way of the street, up and around.

Today we decided to walk up and have a closer look at Old Town. We found a ledge to perch on and entertained ourselves admiring the work done 800 years ago and watching the people mill around. It's astounding to think they are still allowing people (a LOT of people) clamber around inside the church. 

I mentioned to Ev how I particularly liked the black and white detail on this building and came home to read that the two colors were added as a nod to the city founders and their legendary black and white horses. 

Check out this kid's hair sprayed bangs! His jacket front had something to do with Atlanta Braves and it said "be the bravest one" on the back. He was the first to snap open his umbrella when it looked like rain. Must preserve the bangs.

Each side of this building was a different design. Those big triangular pieces are actually teensy mosaics. If you click, you can see the astonishing work.

You can biggie this up, too. Nothing invites a rich spiritual life like old men, gargoyles, greyhounds and lions.

Lots of steps and hills today.

This was from our perch across the patio. Though there were lots of people, tour groups and school field trips, the space didn't feel that crowded. 

About the time we'd decided to mosey along and find a place to eat, the skies clouded over and it began to sprinkle, then rain in earnest. We found the little restaurant that we'd seen coming in and it was packed. A nice waiter pulled a table in from outside and set us up in front of the gelatto freezer and served us lunch right there. It was kind of festive with everyone ducking in to get out of the rain.

Waiting for 12 layer lasagna with the thinnest little noodles.

Double scoop of gelato for dessert, please.

I wasn't fast enough to snap a picture, but Ev's feet were cold. He went right to the square holed toilet, sat down sideways, and soaked his feet in hot water in the bidet. 

Another successful day.