Jared Birt Photography

It was interesting...everyone we asked that had been to Italy all said Rome was their favorite. Upon arriving there, it wasn't hard to see why. It had the feel of New York City but had the history and art of another world gone by. We went to the Vatican City, experienced Michangelo, throw coins into the Treve Fountain, climbed the Spanish steps and filled ourselves silly with pizza. What was so cool about Rome is that you would be walking down a street filled with modern shops and then turn the corner to find an ancient landmark like the Parthenon. The history is sprinkled like that throughout Rome. We waited until our last day to go visit the Forum and Coliseum. Of course, it was the one day where it rained and had a thunder and lightening storm, but it just made it that more raw and beautiful. It was so neat to think that I was walking in the same steps as gladiators, Cesar and countless other people centuries before me. When I found out we were going to Italy, I knew the one shot I wanted was of the Coliseum at night so on our last night in Italy we went back there just as the sun was setting. It's true what they say about the Coliseum...depending on what time of day it is and the way the light hits it almost turns the stone different colors. We watched it go from gray to lavender and then almost take on a bluish cast in the night as it lit up with lights within the arches. We had the most amazing time there and Rebekah and I feel so fortunate to experience the places my job takes me. I love my job, the places I see and the people I meet. It makes for a very full life and one I am so grateful for.

Venezia. Wow, this place was pure magic. Nothing could prepare me for the sight of Venice as we made our way by boat from the mainland to our hotel in the heart of this city, near St. Marks' square. I've seen Venice portrayed many times in movies but to see this beautifully fragile city in person was such an amazing thing. I don't know why it surprised me but they are absolutely no roads, no cars in Venice. None. Everything is done by boat...taxis, taking out the garbage, the morning's produce delivery...everything goes in and out by boat. Rebekah and I were so fascinated by this way of life. True, it was very crowded with tourists but once you lost yourself in the maze of bridges and alleys further from the Grand Canal, Venice was almost eerily quiet and you found yourself in a completely different world. It was the same feeling when we woke up at dawn on our last morning there to go take photos in St. Mark's square. Except for the pigeons, and the gondola captain's getting their boats ready for the day, the square was deserted. This is pretty cool since during the day, St. Mark's square is packed with thousands of people. But now, this early in the morning, we basically had the place to ourselves. Magic. That's not something a lot of people can say ; ). We finished off that last morning in Venice by enjoying coffee and tea at Café Florian, one of the oldest coffee shops in Italy. True, it cost more than the last night's dinner but to sit there in the red velvet chairs, listening to a string quartet overlooking the Basilica was priceless.

Malcesine

A couple of weeks ago, we were flown to Italy for John and Megan's wedding in Malecesine. It was such a great experience and because I took so many photos, I'm going to break them down into segments.

Malcesine was probably the most perfect introduction to Italy that anyone could ever have. Nestled in the Alps at Lago di Guardo, it was a quaint and picturesque Italian village with enough color, character and friendly people to make it a traveler's dream. We ate gelato, sipped wine by candlelight on the lake's shore with great new friends and explored the winding cobbled streets. The best food we had was in Malcesine. The tomatoes, cheese, wine, gnocchi and prosciutto were beyond amazing. We also loved the local people. Since Malcesine isn't well known to Americans, we had a great time trying our best to speak Italian and slide into the local culture as much as possible. One of my favorite memories (besides creating new friendships with John, Megan and their families) was meeting Luciano and his wife. Luciano is an internationally acclaimed photographer who operates a gallery in Malcesine during the summer months. We stumbled upon his gallery our first night there and Luciano and I instantly clicked through a shared appreciation of artistic photography. One night him and his wife closed their gallery early and invited us to enjoy a glass of their local region wines in an outdoor courtyard near the castle. It was such a perfect way to spend an evening. Luciano and his wife were a perfect example of what we would sum up Malcesine to be: warm, hospitable and an appreciation for living a simple but very full life.

Why is it when you have one of the most amazing experiences of your life and you want to put it down in writing you can't? I guess it's because I waited so long to write about it and you get back in the busyness of your life. Well, here goes nothing. Bali, Indonesia a place that I will never forget and will always long to go back to. It is a tropical island paradise filled with the most humble and hospitable people I have ever met. The food is hands down the freshest and best tasting as words cannot describe the flavors of the food. The Balinese way of life consists of family, honor, respect, contentment, community, their religious ceremonies, hard work and healthy food. They work literally everyday just to buy food for the family and to survive. My time there was such a reminder of why we need to live simply, humbly, healthy and fully.  Most of the people there do not own a car, a TV, or a cell phone and still they are so content in their happiness. One person in the family might have a scooter and that is considered a very big purchase. They are masters at fitting two adults and three kids on a scooter! I also loved experiencing the villages and seeing how generations of the same family live together in one small house/hut. There is such a clear sense of community there and everyone has a particular role in how they contribute. It is clear to see that they take pride in what they do and the importance they place on caring and looking out for each other. This is how the culture is and it's wonderful. If you ever get a chance to go there I say don't hesitate...just go and know that the 26 hour long flight is so worth it. I went there to photograph Tom & Keryn's wedding and will be waiting to share their images until September when they have their wedding reception party with all their friends/family. Stay tuned...