The Birds Gather
There’s a locked fence in front of this doc, and the birds gather on it a lot. I’ve been daydreaming about this shot and planning on using Teeka to cause a commotion. We threw a stick for her hoping that she would run down and quickly send all of the birds into flight at the same time. She didn’t take the bait… she didn’t run away from us, she didn’t harass the wildlife – she’s so darn good I can’t stand it sometimes.
Pantheon
For our last full day in Europe, we took an amazing 4 hour scooter ride around Rome with Annie and Giovanni who own Scooteroma. When Annie heard we had only seen the exterior of the Pantheon, she suggested we end the scooter tour with them dropping us off at the Pantheon. I’m so glad it all worked out. The Pantheon is perhaps my favorite building in the world. It’s almost 2000 years old and is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome on earth. The dome is exactly as tall as it is wide (142 feet) and has the most beautiful column of light pouring in from the large gaping hole in the roof. It’s difficult for me to articulate, but there is something truly magical about the building.
Someone’s Pretty Boat Got New Zincs Today
These zinc plates are bolted to boats to mitigate electrolysis corrosion. The plates are sacrificial, so the electrolysis can eat them before the boat.
Welcome to Rome
This is the view just inside a city wall as you enter Rome from the North. The walls are definitely still visible (not pictured), though I don’t know how complete they are.
Crawling Critter, With Tail?
Found this guy today. Honestly, I thought it was a dog turd in the middle of the trail at first.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Designed by Bernini, this bronze canopy covering the alter reaches 66 feet high. It’s extreme height helps anchor your eye to prevent you from feeling swallowed by the dauntingly large building. The basilica itself is 730 feet long (that’s two football fields), 500 feet wide, and 452 feet high. It is unbelievable.
That Glowing Tower in Paris
Here’s my view of Paris right now! I’m housesitting and I found “Midnight in Paris” in the DVD collection. I’d been meaning to see it for a long time, and what better time than when you’re sister has been looking at the real thing!?