Exploring Rome: A Traveler's Guide to the Eternal City Rome, the Eternal City, is a captivating blend of ancient history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. This makes Rome one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover, Rome promises an unforgettable experience. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit to this incredible city. 1. Must-See Landmarks The Colosseum No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the iconic Colosseum. This ancient amphitheater is a testament to Roman engineering and history. Take a guided tour to learn about the gladiatorial games and the events that captivated ancient Romans. Consider booking your tickets in advance to skip the lines. The Roman Forum Just a stone's throw away from the Colosseum lies the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. Wandering through its ruins, you'll find remnants of temples, basilicas, and marketplaces that once buzzed with activity. The views from the Palatine Hill, overlooking the Forum, are simply breathtaking. St. Peter's Basilica Located in Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is an architectural masterpiece and a spiritual center for millions. Don’t miss Michelangelo’s breathtaking dome and the enchanting Pietà sculpture. Climbing to the dome’s summit rewards you with a panoramic view of the city. Piazza Navona Piazza Navona is a vibrant square filled with stunning Baroque architecture and bustling cafés. Admire the beautiful fountains, including Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, and enjoy a gelato as you soak in the lively atmosphere. 2. Cultural Experiences Vatican Museums A visit to Rome wouldn’t be complete without exploring the Vatican Museums. Home to an extensive collection of art, including works by Raphael and Caravaggio, it culminates in the breathtaking Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling. Galleria Borghese Art lovers should not miss the Galleria Borghese, located in the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens. It houses an exquisite collection of sculptures and paintings, including works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Trastevere Neighborhood Take some time to explore Trastevere, a charming neighborhood with narrow, cobblestone streets filled with vibrant street art, trendy restaurants, and local shops. The area is famous for its nightlife and authentic Roman cuisine. 3. Culinary Delights Taste Local Cuisine Rome is a gastronomic delight! Indulge in classic dishes such as carbonara, cacio e pepe, and suppli (fried rice balls). Head to local trattorias for an authentic dining experience, and don’t forget to try a slice of Roman-style pizza. Gelato No visit to Rome is complete without treating yourself to gelato. Look for artisanal gelaterias that use fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Some highly recommended spots include Giolitti and Gelateria dei Neri. 4. Practical Tips for Your Visit Getting Around Rome’s historic center is walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. However, public transport options like buses and the metro can help you reach farther destinations. Dress Code While exploring churches and religious sites, be mindful of the dress code. Shoulders and knees should be covered. Timing Your Visit To avoid the crowds, visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Many museums and sites also offer evening hours that can be less crowded. Stay Hydrated Rome can be hot, especially in summer. Carry a reusable water bottle; you’ll find numerous public drinking fountains (nasoni) throughout the city, providing fresh, cool water. Conclusion A journey to Rome is like stepping back in time, where ancient ruins coexist with modern life. Every street, piazza, and monument tells a story, and the city’s atmosphere is sure to leave a lasting impression. Prepare to fall in love with this remarkable city that has captivated travelers for centuries! For full 3-day tours and maps check out my guide book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DK3BC24Z

Welcome to my first photography blog! If you like photography and are looking to develop your skills, then these assignments might be just the thing for you. A common struggle when starting with photography is finding your inherent style and figuring out what type of photography is most enjoyable or profitable if you are looking to start a business. So, here is a bit of everything, and I hope it will serve as inspiration and give you some new ideas to try out. The assignments are intended for a digital camera user; instructions are for setting the ISO, shutter speed, and focal length. sunset blue hour, f13, ISO100, 3,2sec, 28mm 1. Golden hour landscapes The period shortly before and after sunrise (and sunset) is known as the golden hour, offering warm, soft light ideal for photography. Take advantage of this magical light for stunning results. Find a nice view and put some thought into your composition. Try landscape and portrait orientations for your scene and see what works best. sunset golden hour, f11, 1/20sec, ISO100, 28mm sunrise golden hour, f9, 1/20sec, ISO100, 80mm 2. Vistas If there is a popular spot where everyone goes to take pictures, then why not go with the flow. It's always a good idea to have a classic in your portfolio. f4.5, 1/100sec, ISO400, 70mm f6,3, 1/320sec, ISO100, 11mm f5,6, 1/320sec, ISO100, 62mm 3. Panoramas Speaking of vistas, sometimes nothing will serve you better than a panorama. Making panoramas can be very rewarding, but it does take a little bit more effort. There are plenty of free and paid software that will stitch your images into a panorama. Make sure that the photos overlap each other by at least a third. I prefer to take images in portrait orientation rather than landscape when shooting for a panorama. Longer focal lengths will make it easier to blend the images together. Set your camera to Manual and make sure your settings are the same for each image. handheld, 6 image merge, f9, 1/250, ISO100, 60mm handheld, 8 image merge, f3.3, 1/125sec, ISO500, 24mm tripod, three image merge, f8, 2sec, ISO100, 70mm 4. Animals; pets Having a pet, for a photographer, is like having a model who is willing to work for some play time and a treat. Take advantage of your local park or zoo animals. Faster shutter speeds (generally 1/250 sec or higher) and a longer lens will give you better results. If you are unsure of your settings and don’t want to risk blurry images, set your camera to Sport. f8, 1/500sec, ISO800, 40mm f7.1, 1/320sec, ISO500, 44mm 5. Portraits Portrait photography is a very demanding category, and the topic requires its own book, to say the least. Doing portraits can also be very rewarding and fun. Find a friendly face and start with a classical Rembrandt light. The rule of thumb is to have the light source placed so it reflects in your subjects’ eyes. Also, the eyes are the only part of the face that should always be in focus. If you don't have studio lighting, use large windows for diffused light. The best focal lengths are generally around 50mm or higher. Rembrandt light, f8, 1/160sec, ISO200, 40mm Beauty light, f2.5, 1/200sec, ISO100, 60mm Short light, f8, 1/200, ISO6400, 55mm 6. B&W Black-and-white photography holds a timeless allure, stripping away color to focus on form, texture, and contrast. Through the absence of color, black-and-white photography appreciates the play of light and shadow, highlighting the simplicity and elegance of visual storytelling. Objects, silluetes, portraits, nature, arhitecture, pick any subject you like. Bright and sunny days may not be best for landscapes, but they are perfect for black-and-white photography. Contrast is what you're looking for. f8, 1/50sec, ISO1250, 28mm f6.3, 1/160sec, ISO100, 17mm f8, 1/200sec, ISO6400, 55mm 7. Street How do you see your city? What are your favorite places? Pick a less crowded time and start with your favorite streets. f9, 1/125sec, ISO100, 28mm f4.5, 1/125sec, ISO100, 70mm f5, 1/40sec, ISO200, 28mm 8. Working people If you feel awkward photographing random people on the street, try photographing workers, easily found in marketplaces, coffee shops, food stands, construction, etc. Street performers are also a great choice. f9, 1/160sec, ISO100, 28mm 9. Food Food photography can be a lot of fun, with an endless variety of colors and textures. It can also be easily applied in business. Most restaurants have a website and use some sort of advertising. Also, many of them use images of the restaurant itself and like to post photos of their staff. A macro or portrait lens would be best for this type of image. For light and airy images, use big windows with lots of indirect light and bright textures for the background. Alternatively, use a single light to create dark and moody images. f4.5, 1/40sec, ISO100, 70mm f5.6, 1/80sec, ISO100, 60mm f8, 1/40sec, ISO5000, 70mm 10. Objects Photographing objects can range from artistic to product photography, and being so versatile is a very useful skill to have. f11, 13sec, ISO100, 60mm f8, 1/60sec, ISO100, 36mm f2, 4sec, ISO100, 60mm 11. HDR High-dynamic-range images are very versatile and often used when there are very bright and very dark areas in a single image. Creating an HDR image needs at least three images of the same scene, taken in different exposures (normal, underexposed, and overexposed), and blending them in post-processing. This technique is a bit more demanding and requires more editing time. Set your camera to Aperture mode. Set the ISO to the lowest number. Bracket your exposure at a minimum of +-1 stop. Use a remote triger or a 2-second timer. It is commonly used in real estate photography. A tripod is essential. three image merge, +-2stops, f11, ISO100, 10mm 12. Long exposure Long exposures usually involve some kind of body of water in the image and are commonly used to smooth out any movement. It is particularly popular with moving water. This is a great way to bring out your subject, as it will smooth out any movement around it, be it in the sky or in the water. The best time for long exposure is during the blue hour. If you are doing long exposures during the day, a neutral density (ND) filter will be of great help. Also, set your camera to a higher f number and the lowest possible ISO. f20, 2sec, ISO100, 36mm f11, 6sec, ISO100, 28mm 13. Stories The best photographs are those that tell a story or convey a feeling. Sometimes this is best done in a series of images. Try creating a story with simple photography sets. f11, 1/250sec, ISO100, 120mm f11, 1/250sec, ISO100, 240mm f8, 1/125sec, ISO100, 165mm

As you step onto the cobblestone streets and navigate the labyrinth of canals, you are transported to a world unlike any other. Venice, the city of winding waterways, grand palazzos, and rich history, beckons visitors with its unique charm and timeless allure. Here is a list of some of the places that are definitely worth visiting and things worth doing while in this beautiful city. Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal Beneath the arches of the Rialto Bridge flows the lifeblood of Venice: the Grand Canal. This winding waterway, lined with opulent palazzos, ancient churches, and bustling vaporetti, weaves its way through the heart of the city, connecting the picturesque neighborhoods and serving as a vital thoroughfare for both tourists and locals. The Grand Canal's waters reflect the splendor of Venice's architectural marvels, offering a dazzling display of light and shadow against a backdrop of historical treasures. The Rialto Bridge is very popular with tourists, and for good reason. Taking a selfie from the bridge overlooking the Grand Canal is simply a must. 2.  Bridge of Sighs Nestled between the ancient walls of the Doge's Palace and the notorious Venetian prisons lies a symbol of both beauty and melancholy. Constructed in the early 17th century, the Bridge of Sighs earned its evocative name from the belief that it offered condemned prisoners their last glimpse of the outside world before entering captivity. As they crossed the bridge to their cells, the prisoners were said to sigh at the sight of the beautiful city of Venice, knowing they would never walk its streets again. But the Bridge of Sighs is more than just a somber reminder of Venice's judicial past; it is also a masterpiece of architectural design and engineering. Built from white limestone and adorned with intricate carvings and decorative details, the bridge stands as a testament to the artistry and skill of the Venetian craftsmen who created it. Its graceful curves and elegant proportions have inspired poets, artists, and lovers alike, drawing visitors from around the world to witness its timeless beauty. 3.   Santa Maria della Salute Also known as the Basilica of Saint Mary of Health is designed by the renowned architect Baldassare Longhena, Santa Maria della Salute is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Its octagonal shape, majestic dome, and elegant facade make it a visual masterpiece that stands out along the Grand Canal. The basilica houses important works of art by prominent Venetian painters and sculptors, including Titian, Tintoretto, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. These artistic treasures add to the cultural significance of the church and attract art enthusiasts and historians from around the world. The distinctive silhouette of Santa Maria della Salute has become a symbol of Venice, gracing countless postcards, paintings, and photographs of the city. The basilica's location at the entrance to the Grand Canal and its striking appearance make it a must-see for visitors exploring Venice. Santa Maria della Salute is not only a beautiful architectural gem but also a testament to Venice's history, faith, and artistic heritage. Its enduring presence along the Venetian skyline serves as a reminder of the city's past struggles and triumphs, making it a cherished landmark for both locals and tourists alike. 4. Saint Mark's Basilica The basilica is a treasure trove of art and history, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage and the influences of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. One of the most striking features of Saint Mark's Basilica is its dazzling collection of Byzantine mosaics. These intricate artworks cover the interior walls, vaults, and domes of the basilica, depicting biblical scenes, saints, and ornate patterns in shimmering gold and vibrant colors. The mosaics date back to different periods, showcasing the evolving artistic techniques and religious themes of Venice. The Pala d'Oro, a golden altarpiece located behind the high altar, is a masterpiece of Byzantine and Gothic goldsmithery. Adorned with thousands of precious gems, enamels, and intricate designs, the altarpiece is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the medieval artisans who created it. The Pala d'Oro is considered one of the most precious treasures of Saint Mark's Basilica. 5.  Saint Mark's Bell Tower The current bell tower is a reconstruction of the original tower, which collapsed in 1902. Interestingly, this was not the first time the tower had fallen. Each time the tower was rebuilt to mirror its original design. The bell tower houses five bells, each with its own name and purpose. The largest bell, known as the Marangona, was historically used to signal the opening and closing of the Venetian Senate. The other bells each have their own significance in Venetian tradition. The bell tower offers panoramic views of Venice and its surrounding lagoon. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the tower and enjoy breathtaking views of the city, including landmarks like the Grand Canal, St. Mark's Basilica, and the rooftops of Venice. 6. Gondola ride If you can afford to splurge for a gondola ride, then I suggest you do it. It's not an experience you won't be able to live without, but it is a great way to see the city from a different perspective; it is what the people of Venice commonly used to get around. The gondoliers will be happy to tell you interesting stories about the city. 7. Walking in Venice Venice is a city that caters to its visitors and is brimming with shops and restaurants. Exploring the city is ultimately best done on foot, even more so in Venice, as cars are banned from most of the city. The only thing lacking is the nightlife, which is pretty quiet. Locals like to hang out in front of little bars known as bacari, eating cicchetti (locally famous bar snacks) accompanied with a glass of wine. 8. Public transport Apart from walking, the best way to see the city and its nearby islands is by vaporetto, the Venetian version of a metro. 9. Murano I took a guided tour to visit Murano and Burano island, and it was well worth my money. The tour included a visit to the Murano glass galleries and workshops and a presentation of Burano's famous lacemaking. Murano glass is to this day done by hand with just a few of the traditional tools used, namely scissors and pincers. Their techniques are carefully kept secrets within the families of glassmakers. 10. Burano Burano used to be a fishermen's island with beautifully painted houses. Today, it is a popular tourist spot famous for its lace and picturesque facades.

As you step onto the cobblestone streets and navigate the labyrinth of canals, you are transported to a world unlike any other. Venice, the city of winding waterways, grand palazzos, and rich history, beckons visitors with its unique charm and timeless allure.