Getting back Warsaw and missing flight

Well,
Here, Italy, I do a lot of things for the first time. One of such things is - missing flights.

It has never happened to me in my life. And I consider myself as person flying quite a lot.

It was 5 minutes before the take over and I was told that I can not get on. The words "Impossible, Madam, " drive me crazy. I fight to the end. If only there is a change - than why should I give up.
Run to the desk upstairs and I heard the same.
I was taken over by the supervisor and she told me the same.
Only me and Air Italia people know how much I wanted to be at home early today.
I almost bagged them n my knees....

They looked for next flight. And here I am sitting among Chinese teenagers , waiting for my flight.

It is not easy thing to change you mind and accept the realty. But the truth is that there are situations you have to.

Last six weeks were very difficult.
Went through Sicily, Calabria, Puglia, Umbria, Abruzzo, Lazio, part of Toscany. Km? Who cares ...

I fixed myself on going home and sleep in my own bed, unpack, listen to the sound of washing machine when is doing my laundry, put my things in my closet. And do not drive but walk.

It is funny what things you miss when living in hotels.

PS
It is strange though. How did it happened? I was by gate B09 much before flight.
And did not hear anything on changing gates or that I was called.
This is the week point of this airport. It was the same when our flight was cancelled. The acustic solution in Da Vinci Airport are crying for improvements.

Photographer's life _1

Tried to start writing on being photographer in Italy several times already. I want to keep those memories, frustration, happines and filling of achievement.
Do not know were to start. And if you do not know - the easiest way is to start from the beginning.

I would have never imagine in my life getting such a big project just after the first year of earning money by simply taking photographs.
As I look at the way I have taken from starting day and my assumption and were I am now - it looks that I have developed so much during last year.

Started with quite good but still not professional camera. Started to invest in equipment and studio. And never lowered my standards - even I had to give more comparing to the money I have received.

The last think I would expect is that I would get into photographing architecture. And that I will love as much as photographing people.

Power of wind

Going through Campania does not mean to take main roads. Sometimes I need to go to the top of the hills.
The wind there is so strong that you can hardly walk.

I got fascinated with the wind mills in Germany. It was the first time when I saw it working - the one, lonely on the fill.
I always wanted to get closer to them. It is something powerful in this simple construction with wings moving slowly and dignity.

Here I am - my GPS took me through the fields of Campania to those creatures made of steel and concrete. It was like 30 of them. Connected with the small veins of white paths.

Pulled my car over and I as standing just under one of them.

3 seconds.

Could not stand more.
How should I describe the filling. Imaging three, moving knifes cutting the air.
The sound which is made is so low that it was almost painful.
I felt like one second longer and they pull me their direction - just up to the center.

Panic. Complete panic.

No birds ... just dogs passing the space...

The low noise of the mills was the only one you could hear. So real as you could almost touch...

Napoli - living in Paradise - villa Ocsia

I did not stayed in Napoli. Decided to have a base in a small town near this hectic place. San Giorgio a Cremano was the best choice I could ever do.
The house I stayed was ex farm house - I wish I had one like that - and it can be a farm house. :-)
It is so interesting how the buildings are designed here. When you walk in the street - there are just doors, doors ... But it is surface. When they get opened - there are small spaces - small or big patios with gardens. I got used to check what is behind the doors. (It could be a nice photo project on private spaces in Napoli).

Imagine - straight from the noise of the streets you are welcomed by silence and peace of the interiors.
When I arrived the first time - just got breathless. It is difficult to describe how I felt.

I stayed in so many places and I though that nothing can surprise me ...
And here I am - standing in the middle of the patio and saying - I am in paradise.

Additionally, I was welcomed by Irina in Polish. Her father is Polish and mother Russian. They live still in Lvov while she and her husband here in Napoli.

What more you need when you are far away from home?
For me- peaceful place and people you can connect with. I had here all what I needed.

I am so glad that Walter and his family created such space.

14th February 2010 Napels - just had to do it - let's talk about driving - video attached

Driving. I do not know why people are so scared of driving in Napoli.
Yes, it is true - it is out of control. You just to have to fill it and keep eyes opened.
It was Sunday afternoon - and everybody just had to go somewhere. So I got stuck in a traffic jam with other guys. When ou do not drive than is time to observe.
Noticed:
1. cars are the means of transport from A-B. If they got damaged - that is ok. Who cares. Sticking tape and we are.
2. Motorbikes, scooters - they do not respect red light. Until the road is free - it is ok.
3. Sit belts - what are you talking about - not obligatory
4. How to transport kids - loose in the car. They sit wherever they want. Scooters - between two adults or in the front.
5. Beeping - I was surprised - not aggressive beeping - just informative. I am coming ... or move ....
6. Everything is possible. Such combination of cars - I have never seen.

But. ... I love it. The score is: 0:1 for Gosia. ZERO SCRATCHES !!!!

Napels - just had to do it - but talk about public space

Well, I had to do it - to drive in Naples.
Went to the museum to see the exhibition on Baroque in Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte. It was a big exhibition and just a part of large project on Baroque. Very interesting. In fact I was hungry ... I have not attended any cultural events since arrived. Just no time and to tired to go to the town. And more important - moving to fast through the country ....
Two days of not doing nothing just taking care of myself brought hunger for art to the surface.

Apart of the exhibition one thing took my attention. The park and the space around museum are treaded just like a normal place. I was surprised to see couple of guys playing football, scouts playing just in courtyards.
Love that idea.
In fact this is place is for people. And maybe, one day form the park they go to see what is inside?

Napels day 1 part 3 Rain

And ... almost got lost in Napoli ...
Wanted to walk to Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte from the Old Town. It is just to far ...
Turned to the right and .. found myself in Napoli where tourist do not go. Took direction Piazza Cavour - but the way was leading me through narrow streets. Finally I woke up in at the small square where men were repairing something around a statue of crucified Jesus. For me it was something to take picture. Got their attention. When they learned the street I wanted to turn to - the said: "Better do not go there. It is to dangerous for you". Frankly speaking - it happened the very first time in my life. I always take streets far from the main once. But this kind warning ...
Took another way..
Later I learned that this district is controlled by mafia. That is life ...
But was able to take some photos anyway.
I just love such places and fill so good there...

Napels day 1 part 2 Rain

Rain, rain .... There is not reason to stay outside...
There are options .... My was to go under the level of the city. Yes - to see the Napoli Sotterranea. In fact there were two parts of it - one - Roman aqueducts. It is incredible what I saw - tunels and cisterns. It is only 1 km but it is enough - it took us more one hour to explore. The tunnels were used as shelters during the War II. And I do appreciate our guide, Nadia. A person with the big heart for this place. She fed us with legends of Napoli.
The other part of the underground world - it is the small piece of Roman theater. It was found by the founder and the president of the Associazione Culturale. There are volunteers working there. Obviously - people with passion.
What the surprise - I received a brochure in Polish .... We are everywhere ....

The Roman Theater - it is buried under Napoli and it looks that it will stay like that. What a pity ... But this is life.... Maybe one day - someone will buy all cellars under old town and than the the theater will be reconstructed. And - as we were told it was beautiful one. Neron, himself, used to come here and sing ....

Napels day 1 part 1 Rain

I do not know why but prefer the name Napoli than Napels.

Yes... it is raining in Napoli. When is rain it is my day off. This is how it works when you photograph the architecture.
Had to postpone my trip to the mountains and stayed in Napoli.
The first experience - public transport. Staying in San Giordano a Cremano requires to take a train and than Metrapolitana. I am blessing the days when I was struggling with Moscow metro. Here - I just depended on my intuition. In fact it is very simple system - the issue is that if you want to get confirmation that you are right - there is no one to do so. The staff in San Giordano does not speak English. A... other thing - how to get to the station - no signs - just - you should know. So the morning challenge was to get to the train.
On the way I learned the following words:
la creme per mani - hand cream
la mano
le mani
fazzoletti - tissues

I get back to learning Italian. And it gives me pleasure again ...

Chestnuts on the way to Lauro (Campania, Italy)

What a day ....
I love my GPS ... with the combination of my tendency to get lost I get to the places I would never go their by purpose.
It happened yesterday and today again. I think I should get used to it but... still being surprised :-)

I had to go to a tiny place Lauro. Chestnuts is not favorite kind of food of mine. To sweet and dry. And really did not think where they are coming from. And thanks to my GPS I was introduced to the plantations of chestnuts. Not only big trees but small trees and bushes. I wonder how people collect the nuts. The shells are so .... user unfriendly ... But in fact what is inside can be found very delicious when properly prepared and served ....

Next phase

Well.... There are some days missing .... But I was totally shut... Since I have moved to the area of Agrigento I was not able to write a word. And now, when I got to Campania I fill like breathing again.

A week in Puglia was like refreshing wind...

I am sure that thoughts on Sicilia nad Puglia will come and I will record them but new days are so full of moments I want to remember that it is right time to start writing ...

Sicily_1 Loose thoughs

Sicily,
so beautiful, green in winter.
Hills covered with grass look like delicate waves.
It is so nice and calming view ...

The sea which I love - with turquse, clear water and empty beaches.

Fresh fish for lunch and fruits available at almost every corner - just from a truck.

So why I could not wait to have all buildings photographed.... and leave the island ...