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07/15/2004 03:34:35 PM · #1 |
My wife and I will be in Italy for 22 days in mid-September to early October. I plan on taking my Rebel and lenses, though I'm not sure if I want to bother with the 550ex at this point.
Any advice as far as what to see, where to go for good photo ops? If any english-speaking folks living (or visiting from Sep 16-Oct 9) in Italy would like to show my wife and me around, I'd be most appreciative. I'll buy dinner! |
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07/15/2004 03:53:10 PM · #2 |
Originally posted by bledford:
My wife and I will be in Italy for 22 days in mid-September to early October. I plan on taking my Rebel and lenses, though I'm not sure if I want to bother with the 550ex at this point.
Any advice as far as what to see, where to go for good photo ops? If any english-speaking folks living (or visiting from Sep 16-Oct 9) in Italy would like to show my wife and me around, I'd be most appreciative. I'll buy dinner! |
Assisi was our favorite small town - definitely full of photo ops, but I would go there in a second even if my camera was broken. One of the more charming towns we visited when we went to Italy last year.
San Gimignano and Volterra (Tuscany) were also charming and interesting.
We loved Rome; there is just so much to see and do there. And if you can work in a day trip to Pompeii, that is also one of the neatest places I have ever been.
Enjoy your trip! I wish we were going again this year...
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07/15/2004 03:56:05 PM · #3 |
I may be biased by my own nationality, but I find Italy to be one of those places where you can put the camera on a timer, throw it up in the air, and end up with a beautiful picture.
As far as what to see, it depends on what you are looking for. There are plenty of small towns that offer splendid opportunities for photography. Below are some pictures from a town called Varigotti located about 45min west of Genova (Liguria).
   
If you prefer alpine photogrpahy, head anywhere along the west and northern boarders. Below is a photo from Courmayeur (Valle d'Aosta):
Nearby, there is a Natural Reserve (Gran Paradiso) with both spectacular mountain views as well as a healthy population of plants and animals.
If you prefer more traditional locations, tour the Rennaisance cities (Verona, Firenze, Pisa, Sienna, Venice, etc). There is plenty to photograph there, however, much of it is overdone.
I personally prefer to capture the towns and areas that most people drive by while heading to the tourist towns.
Message edited by author 2004-07-15 15:57:06.
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07/15/2004 04:22:39 PM · #4 |
Awesome. Grazie for the tips, Rich and Trinch. I've never been out of my country (US), not even to Mexico, so I'm getting pretty excited. Trinch, those pictures are so nice and we definitely want to see the areas you mention.
We fly into Rome on the 16th and we're basically leaving the trip wide-open from there. I'd like to start reserving hotels/hostels, but we have to know where we're going first! HA! Thanks again.
Message edited by author 2004-07-15 19:00:02. |
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07/15/2004 06:52:10 PM · #5 |
Bledford, definitely take the flash. My wife and I went to France about a month ago, and I found that I used the flash way more often than I thought I would under "normal" circumstances, and not as much as I'd have liked in musums and churches.
I use it quite a lot since the built-in flash on a dSLR is pretty much useless if you have a fondness for large-diameter or long-bodied lenses -- they both mask the BIF terribly.
Speaking of lenses, D'Wife [tm] approved the purchase of a Sigma 12-24 for the trip, and OH-MAH-GAWD, it's really amazing for architecture -- you can capture a whole gothic church fascade from just across the street. Granted it'll be very narrow at the top, but you can't have everything. That's what pshop is for.
I'd assume that it's the same in Italy: if you can manage to get around without a car, definitely do so... we went for a wedding, and (foolishly) volunteered to shuttle people around town because we reflexively rented the car... it cost a huge amount of money to rent, and fillups were ~$50usd. |
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07/15/2004 07:23:30 PM · #6 |
| My wife and I were there in May, it was absolutly awesome. There are too many things to take pictures of. Rome is awesome if you can get over the noise, pollution and crowds. About 60 kizillion scooters!!! I liked Florence and Venice the best. Got to see all 3 statues of David but couldn't sneak a pic of the original. I have some pics in my portfolio, feel free to look. A must see is the Sistene Chapel, its just totally awesome. |
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07/15/2004 07:24:11 PM · #7 |
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07/15/2004 07:25:46 PM · #8 |
| And another thing, lol... We went with a tour group, visited about 7 different cities. Took an airconditioned bus and left the driving to them. No way I would drive there... If you want the tour info, let me know and I'll send you the web address. |
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07/15/2004 08:13:49 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by jmlelii:
dont act american |
Meaning? |
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07/15/2004 08:53:09 PM · #10 |
One other place I would recommend - //www.parkervillas.com
We use this agency to rent this property in Tuscany for the second week of our visit and could not have been more pleased. Renting a car and living in a villa in Tuscany is just fantastic - drive around to all of the different towns and really experience Italy. I did not have a problem driving in Italy - at least there people actually stay to the right unless they are passing, and the same thing cannot be said for a good portion of the idiot drivers in this country that go 55 in the left-most lane.
Message edited by author 2004-07-15 20:53:34. |
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07/15/2004 10:35:56 PM · #11 |
Gelato. Lots and lots of gelato. I'm sure italian ice cream helps bring the muses down from the heavens and makes for better photographs. Really.
As per "not acting like an American", I actually find this is helpful advice. Europeans can get pretty annoyed by abrasive, brash American tourists, not that I'm saying you are one of course! ;-) Also, it's safer for you to blend in with the crowd- travellers tend to carry lots of cash, passports, and other high ticket items like, well, cameras. I caught a man trying to get into my bag in Hungary, a friend of mine had her bag slashed on a subway in Spain, and another friend had a little boy pick her wallet on a bus in London. It's something to be VERY wary about!
The best way to blend in is to not dress like an American. Europeans do not tend to wear white tennis shoes, blue jeans, or fanny packs (actual Europeans- feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!). Beware that some places will not allow women to wear shorts or spaghetti strap sleeves (the Vatican is one, I think). Another way is to keep your voice down- I think as a culture we tend to talk louder than most. I found that some people would make a lot of concessions for us when travelling Europe because they thought we were Canadian!
Have a good time!
Amanda
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07/15/2004 11:44:56 PM · #12 |
Italians dont particularly like americans coming to their country. Im from italy, and hell even some of our family still lives there, and sometimes I get dirty looks!
So with that said, Dont act american =) And dont ask for directions either, lol they will just tell you to go straight :)
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07/15/2004 11:59:16 PM · #13 |
Edit: Never mind....
Message edited by author 2004-07-16 00:06:23. |
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07/16/2004 12:06:12 AM · #14 |
im just saying what I know.
And thats to not act american. Take the advice =)
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07/16/2004 12:07:35 AM · #15 |
My friends say "Bring tons of Euros for the bathrooms". Make sure you have change for the bathrooms.
If you like Pepsi you're out of luck. Coke only. Plenty of Fanta. Alcohol is usually cheaper then water and probably better tasting.
Message edited by author 2004-07-16 00:10:05. |
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07/16/2004 12:07:52 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by jmlelii:
im just saying what I know.
And thats to not act american. Take the advice =) |
Well, finish the sentence: describe what "Acting American" means. Is it a style of dress or something?
Edit: As far as Italians "dont particularly like americans coming to their country" goes, I really do think you are painting all Italians with a very large brush. The Italians we met were very friendly and courteous. What made the difference, in my opinion, is that we made a real effort to learn some of the language before we went to Italy, and started every conversation there in Italian (even if it ended in English) and used the same common courtesy that we try to exercise at home on a daily basis.
I just don't want the original poster to think that all Italians don't like American tourists, because that simply is not so. If it was, we would have had a horrible time in Italy, and that certainly was not the case. Those were two of the best weeks we have ever spent abroad, due in large part to how courteous and friendly the Italian people were.
Message edited by author 2004-07-16 00:38:44. |
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07/16/2004 12:27:38 AM · #17 |
I travel in Northern Italy, we rent a car and drive, drink and act like the Italians and yes we do try to dress more like them, but in the little villages where our relatives live when you come in one end of town, everyone knows you are there before you can get to the other end of the street!
Use the same kind of caution in the big cities of Italy that you would use in the cities here. I have a photography vest with zipper pockets inside the back of the vest for my travelers checks, passport etc. six years ago in Venice my hubby got his wallet taken from his pocket, after that the vest has been used for all our trips!
If you need names of hotels in northern Italy e-mail me.
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07/16/2004 01:50:49 AM · #18 |
I and others gave advice for a few photo ops in this thread here
Obviously you will have more then a day but all of the advice I have seen is pretty good. Some advice about where you stay, I would most likely stay in Rome and Florence and take trains for day trips or if you have more money rent a car and stay whereever you want.
I lived there for three years. I never had problems with italians and many of them I made friendships with. I find that italians are very friendly to americans. I have always tried to accomodate anyone I met by speaking their language. Most italians respect that or at least did with me. I'm sorry that I don't live there anymore I would have been glad to show you around. I love italy and I plan to return some day. Have a great time! |
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07/16/2004 02:09:29 AM · #19 |
I lived in Italy for a year, have worked there off and on for 30 years. Two great destinations I'd recommend ... Tuscany 120 KM radius around Montepulciano ... and Cinqueterra, north of Piza.
Other photogenic places ... Florence, Rome, Assisi, San Giminiano, Naples (Vesuvius), Sicily (Taoromina)
PM me for more. |
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07/16/2004 08:04:19 AM · #20 |
I love Italy- Lake Como is probably my favourite place in Europe, particularly the ferry ride to Bellagio. Strangely unlike the version in Vegas and totally breathtaking.
It helps to learn some of the language - at least the very basics like please, thank you, excuse me, numbers, money, asking how much things cost etc, can you help me, what menu items are, do you speak English, that kind of thing :) People seem a lot more willing to talk to you if you at least make the effort to make a fool of yourself in their own language first, before asking them to speak English.
The not wearing white tennis shoes/ blue jeans advice seems generally reasonable too - the stereotypical loud, brash American tourist in white sneakers is a good target for thieves, con artists etc and doesn't gain you a whole load of respect straight out of the door.
Message edited by author 2004-07-16 08:06:19.
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07/16/2004 01:28:36 PM · #21 |
My wife and I have traveled extensively throughout Asia, and I think the key to "not acting American" is to understand and accept -- if not outright enjoy -- the fact that things aren't going to be like they are at home. I think the biggest and hardest thing to acclimate to is the fact that Americans like to do everything FAST FAST FAST! and the rest of the world does things with varying levels of leisurely and deliberate pacing.
Restaurants, i.e. the interface with waiters, are typically a rubbing point because different, unspoken traditions apply. (Also, it's impossible to avoid massive exposure to restaurants while on vacation.) For example, in Mexico, a waiter will lounge around at the bar all day and not come to your table until you look at him and give a single, gentle wave to indicate his service is desired. For a waiter to hover over your table (American Style) would breach Mexican ettiquette by violating your privacy, and -- this is no small issue in many cultures -- the waiter would no longer be subservient to you, the diner.
Regarding other "typically American" behavior, don't act like you own the place, don't get angry or frustrated if someone doesn't speak English, don't speak English louder TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND YOU BETTER. In general, remember that you're the one out of place -- the foreigner -- and you're not owed any favors. Be polite, be grateful, and be kind. It doesn't hurt to know the local language for basic manners -- please, thank you, etc... it makes a very positive impression if you try. BTW, I always travel with pencil and paper -- as a visually-oriented person, you can communicate tremendously effectively by making drawings, and it's handy for photo & language notes.
One last piece of advice: don't forget you're on vacation, so have fun. You'll get a lot further with a sheepish smile than a stressed-out grimace. |
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07/16/2004 01:51:22 PM · #22 |
Mille grazie, everyone! So much useful advice, I'm going to have to print out this thread. We have been practicing our "essential" Italian and will be laying out our travels this weekend after your wonderful recommendations.
Good thing my wife and I don't seem to fit the definition of the average American. I can't imagine being stressed out on a trip to Italy. It is a dream for me and I will be living it to the fullest (with my wallet firmly stowed in my pocket). |
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07/16/2004 02:24:08 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by bledford:
It is a dream for me and I will be living it to the fullest (with my wallet firmly stowed in my pocket). |
Um you might want to reconcider that. I have olny travled in Italy via the back pack, rough travel route so my experience my not apply if you are going the five star hotel route, but I have a total of just over 48 months on the road and have never lost a wallet or bag, so I belive paranoia has it's rewards.
Gypsies and pickpockets are a fact of life in Italy, especially in train station, airports, buses ect. Bulky wallets tucked into rear pockets are destined to end up in somone else's possession. Keep your passports and all but one credit card, and the bulk of your cash/ travler's checks in a spot that you do not access much and is hard to get to. I favor a calf wallet (Velco straps fit a slim zippered bag to your lower leg), or in hot climates, a pocket sewn into the inside of my shorts waitband. Also make a photocopy of the information page of your passport and keep it in your luggage. If either your bag or passport is lost this will help. A wallet goes in a inside jacket pocket or front pants pocket. If someone spills something on you and wants to help you clean it off, keep your hands on your bags and move on to tidy up elsewhere (the mustard trick is mostly a Spanish Gypsy game but also practiced in Bella Italia).
Three things not to be missed if you can: a sunset in the hills with a view down to Florence with a nice glass of wine : A foggy day walking the back streets of Venice: A piknic in the ruins of the palaces behind the Roman forum ( keep clear of the many many feral cats, they are much more prone to parasites that they can transfer to you, than the average cat in the US).
This has turned into a grim list of dire warnings, but Italy is great, the food fine and the people warm and welcoming, have a great time, keep your guard up and when in Rome remember to do as the Romans do.
Message edited by author 2004-07-16 14:28:25.
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07/16/2004 06:22:30 PM · #24 |
I have been only to Venice: A selection of pictures ( 16 only ;-) ) of that trip last winter.
Lionel
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07/16/2004 06:36:20 PM · #25 |
| I think it's impossible to not act like an American if you are one (myself included). In my travelling, I've realized that a lot of things you do or the way you appear will give away the fact that you are an American. My thoughts are just have fun, and do your best to understand the culture there. You can't act like you're something you're not. |
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