CITIZENS OF EARTH

CITIZENS OF EARTH

CITIZENS OF EARTH

In this painting I wanted to convey my desire for all races to hold dear their individual ethnic backgrounds while embracing every other race, creed, and orientation. We are all children of our great Mother Earth, and thus, we are ONE family.
The original 16”x20” acrylic on wrapped canvas is available on my website:
http://www.pamelaallegretto-franz.com
Giclee prints from greeting card size to poster size are available at:
http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com

In questo quadro ho voluto fare l'idea che siamo tutti i figli della madre di terra e non e` mica importante il coloro del pelle, il religione, ecc.
Si può comprare il quadro originale dipinto con acrilico su tela al mio website:
http://www.pamelaallegretto-franz.com
Oppure si può` comprarne delle stampe al sito:
http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com

ITALIAN POETRY / 2000 / LUCIANO SOMMA

ITALIAN POETRY / 2000 / LUCIANO SOMMA

In 2000, written by Luciano Somma, we feel the sentimental spirit of one of Italy’s foremost poets. The theme of unity among all the citizens of Earth is as timely today as it was in the year 2000. When I set out to paint my “Citizens Of Earth” (as seen above) I remembered Luciano’s poem 2000 that I had translated in that year. Luciano and I share the same vision of world peace and unity. In this holiday season, if our message can melt even one bigoted heart we will be grateful.
You can find Luciano Somma at:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm
http://www.ilportaledelsud.org/luciano_somma.htm

Nella poema, 2000 scritto di Luciano Somma, sentiamo lo spirito sentimentale d’un poeta molto noto in Italia. Il tema d’unità per tutti gli abitanti di mondo è tempestivo come quando ha scritto nel anno 2000. Quando ho cominciato dipingere “Citizens of Earth” (che si può vedere qui sopra) ho ricordato la sua poema 2000 che ho tradotto in quel anno. Luciano ed io siamo d’accordo la visione d’unità e pace dapertutto il mondo. In questa stagione di natale, se il nostro messaggio potrà intenerire mica uno cuore fanatico saremo grati.
Si può trovare Luciano Somma a:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm
http://www.ilportaledelsud.org/luciano_somma.htm


2000
Alle soglie
del nuovo giorno
un’alba
dal cielo terso
accogliera`
un volo di speranza
aquiloni
diretti verso il sole
dove il Cristo
dei giusti
attende i fratelli
d’ogni razza e colore
dove Dio-padre buono-
vegliera` sui suoi figli
forse
la macchina-uomo
fermera` i suoi ingranaggi
torneranno
a suonare le campane
e la preghiera
sara` uncanto d’amore
per l’umanita`.
Luciano Somma

2000

At the thresholds
of the new day
a sunrise
from the clear sky
will welcome
a flight of hope
great eagles
directed towards the sun
where the Christ
of the just
waits for brothers
of every race and color
where God-good father-
will watch over his children
perhaps
the human-machine
will stop it’s engines
they will return
to sound the bells
and the prayer
will be a song of love
for humanity.
Pamela Allegretto (translation)

PAINTING IN ITALY / LIGURIA / RIVIERA DI PONENTE / SAN REMO

No artist worth his or her salt who visits Liguria should neglect the drive along the Riviera Di Ponente facing the rising sun across the Bay of Genoa. In the spring the walls of the gardens and villages in this area are draped with bougainvillea flowers in vivid hues ranging from deep pink to purple. This area on Italy’s “thigh” has long been a haven for poets and painters. It’s an eclectic mix of quaint fishing village and ancient seaports.
San Remo, my favorite town in this area, is known as the “City of Flowers.” With a name like that, no wonder it’s my favorite. In fact, San Remo is Italy’s most important flower market. So if you botanical painters can’t find something to paint in this region, I suppose you can blame it to having been blinded by beauty. In addition to the plethora of flowers, its luxuriant gardens and parks overflow with tropical plants.
If botanical painting is not you forte and you, like I, prefer painting architecture, don’t despair, the medieval center, the Pigna, climbs in concentric circles towards the Piazza Castello in a labyrinth of alleyways, flights of steps, covered passages, and little squares encircled by colorful shuttered buildings. All along this route you’ll find sufficient places to set up your easel or sit with a sketchpad. In the upper town, the Santuario della Madonna della Costa faces a terrace with a superior view, another great spot to set up. Another favorite for architectural painters is the Orthodox church of S. Basillio with its colorful onion domes. The church is in a little square by the sea, which makes for a lovely backdrop to this enchanting building.
As San Remo is a seaside resort, there is no shortage of seascapes to paint. Try a walk out onto the pier, another great place to set up, if you don’t mind curious tourists and fishermen breathing down your neck. If you’re an early riser or an insomniac don’t miss the spectacular opening of business in the flower market, at dawn, in the hall between Piazza Colombo and the Corso Garibaldi.
BUON VIAGGIO!!!

MAMAS AND PAPAS

MAMAS AND PAPAS

I decided to take a little side trip away from Italy and travel down memory lane. In that "mental" journey I rediscovered: tie dye, drugs, sex, rock and roll, and the "Mamas and Papas."
Here's my take on that wonderful group.
The original is a 20"x20" acrylic on wrapped canvas and can be purchased on my website:
http://www.pamelaallegretto-franz.com/
Giclee prints from greeting card size to poster size can be purchased at:
http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com/

Monterosso In Riviera Di Levante

Monterosso On Riviera Di Levante

I designed the painting above from fond memories of Monterosso on the Riviera Di Levante in the Cinque Terre region of Italy. The warm tones of the village walls, rocks, and sand are the perfect neutral background for the colorful fishing boats.
The original 11"x14" acrylic in canvas can be purchased on my art website: http://www.Pamelaallegretto-franz.com
Giclee prints from greeting card size to poster size are avalable on: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com

PAINTING IN ITALY / LIGURIA / CINQUE TERRE

PAINTING IN ITALY / LIGURIA / CINQUE TERRE


Although the Cinque Terre region is no longer considered “off the beaten path” it’s definitely a “must visit” for artists who hunger to capture cliff-hanging, whitewashed buildings set ablaze by ruby sunsets. This fantasy gratifying stretch of the Italian Riviera, or as the Italians call it the Riviera Di Levante, lies between Genoa and Pisa.
The Cinque Terre are five small villages at the ends of narrow valleys that cut through a steep coastal range and are backed by green-terraced slopes of ancient vineyards. Flights of steps occupy narrow alleyways and bougainvillea filled pots spill red, purple, and aubergine petals from mini balconies.
Only the outer villages of Monterosso and Riomaggiore are easily reached by car, but it is exactly this restriction that adds to the regions charm.
Each village has its own flavor. To sample them all, you can follow the fragrant trail through sunny vistas from Riomaggiore to Monterosso.
For decades, Riomaggiore has seduced artists into becoming residents. The tunnel next to the train tracks takes you to a fascinating tangle of multicolored homes. Riomaggiore's beach is a small cove that is a two-minute walk from town. The swimming isn’t the best, but on a hot day, a refreshing dip will rejuvenate your creative juices. From Riomaggiore, the Via Dell'Amore (walkway of love) leads to Manarola where rustic stairways lead to remote rocks where you can set up an easel or sit with a sketchpad. If you’re a figure artist you may be in luck, as nude sunbathing is tolerated. Picturesque Manarola ends in a rocky promontory with a harbor so tiny the boats need to be hoisted out of the water and onto a jetty.
Corniglia is the only Cinque Terre village not on the water. The town center sits on a hill atop 377 stairs (the “Ladarina”) that zigzag up to the town where the view will knock your socks right off the cliff and into the aquamarine sea below. The vista includes not only the coastline and seascape, but also all the other four villages of the Cinque Terre.

The 90-minute hike on to Vernazza is rugged but you will be rewarded with outstanding views of sun-soaked terraced vineyards that blanket the region. Secluded coves and invigorating waterfalls are tucked away along the coast between Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare and beg to have their images preserved on your canvas.
Monterosso al Mare is the most important center and the only one with a broad, sandy beach. Translation: the most tourists. However, Monterosso deserves a visit to sketch its vestiges of old walls, towers, and bastions.
When you arrive at the Cinque Terre, take time to study the footpath maps that are available in all five villages. The Cinque Terre are crossed by a dense network of coastal and interior footpaths. The "Sentiero Azzurro", Blue Path, is the coastal trail while the "Sentiero Rosso", Red Path, or High Path, climbs from Portovenere to Levanto. The "Via dei Santuari", Sanctuaries Path, is more challenging and leads to places of religious interest upon the five villages.
The panoramas from many points of the trails are amazing especially along the coast path. All the paths are of low or moderate difficulty, they say, but I never trust “they.” Who are “they” anyway? Have “they” ever hiked the trail with an easel on their back? My advice, pitch the flip-flops and tie into some sturdy shoes with healthy tread. A sudden rainstorm can make for some very slippery cliffs.
If time is not on your side, I recommend the "Sentiero Azzurro", “Blue Path” which is the most famous and evocative trail of the Cinque Terre. The course has been traced through the centuries, when it was the only way of communication for the inhabitants of the Cinque Terre. In some points, it is a real mule track that winds waterfront offering fabulous views.
As always, bring water and some snacks, an umbrella, and plenty of enthusiasm.
BUON VIAGGIO!

TAKING TIME OFF

TAKING TIME OFF

To my loyal readers: I apologize for leaving you stranded in the Marches region of Italy (not that the Marches region would be such a bad place to be stranded).
Due to family issues, I have been away from my computer for over a month, and it’s looking like it may be another month before I can have access to a computer so that we can resume our trek up the boot.
To you new readers, please go back and enjoy our journey thus far, from Sicily up through Basilicata, Apulia, the Amalfi Coast, Capri, Naples, Campania, Rome, Latium, Florence, Umbria, and Tuscany.
When I return, we will head up North to Liguria, Piemonte and Lombardia, the lake regions, the Dolomiti, the Veneto region and of course Venezia.
Best wishes and happy painting to you all.
Tanti auguri,
Ciao, Pamela

ITALIAN POETRY/LUCIANO SOMMA

I get excited each time I begin to translate a new poem by Luciano Somma. In honor of Mother’s Day I’d like to present three of Luciano’s poems in we feel the sentimental spirit of one of Italy’s foremost poets. His poem “IMMAGINI/IMAGES” can be found in his dual language poetry book: “L’ALBA DI DOMANI / TOMORROW’S SUNRISE.” It gave me great pleasure to write the English translations in this book as well as to paint the cover art for the book and CD.
You can view more of Luciano Somma’s poetry at:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm
Mi eccita ogni volta che inizio a tradurre una poema scritta da Luciano Somma. In onore delle festa della mamma vi presento tre delle sue poesie nella quale sentiamo lo spirito sentimentale d’un poeta molto noto in Italia. La sua poema “IMMAGINI” si può leggere anche nel suo libro L’Alba di Domani, nella quale mi ha fatto un grand piacere scrivere le traduzioni.
Si può trovare Luciano Somma a:
http://www.partecipiamo.it/Poesie/Luciano_Somma/1.htm
http://www.scolastica2000.it/MUSICALMENTE/somma/somma.htm


GRAZIE DI ESISTERE
Come sei bella mammina
nel tuo sorriso c'è il sole
vorrei trovare parole
per dirti quanto ti amo!
Come sei dolce la sera
quando carezzi il mio viso
io sfioro sai il Paradiso
e mi addormento felice.
Quanto sei cara al risveglio
quando mi baci la fronte
si apre un nuovo orizzonte
davanti agli occhi col giorno.
Grazie di esistere mamma
restami sempre vicino
guidami lungo il cammino
tu la mia luce sei vita.
Luciano Somma

THANK YOU FOR EXISTING
How beautiful you are Mamma
In your smile there is the sun
I would like to find words
To tell you how much I love you!
How gentle you are in the evening
When you caress my face
I glimpse heaven
And I sleep content.
How dear you are upon awakening
When you kiss my forehead
It opens a new horizon
In front of my eyes with daybreak.
Thank you for existing Mamma
Always stay near me
Guide me along the way
You my light, my life.
(Traduzione) Pamela Allegretto

IMMAGINI
Mi sei apparsa vestita di sole
con addosso il tuo nudo integrale
un ricordo fantasma d'estate
che ritona superbo e io sto male.
Mi riporta lontano nel tempo
con la bocca attaccata a quel seno
che succhiavo ingoiando il mio latte
mi vegliava uno sguardo sereno.
Era amore l'amore di madre
proteggeva il suo cucciolo ed io
ero là coi miei occhi di bimbo
che stringevo quel mondo era mio.
Sulla sabbia infuocata d'agosto
non mi brucia soltanto la pelle
ma memorie oggi cenere al vento
foglie morte frammenti di stelle
che comunque tra ortensie e le calle
il pensiero riporta alla mente
quanti brividi caldi d'estate
le mie lacrime piante per niente.
Muore il giorno compare il tramonto
eri solo una statua di cera
sei confusa tra i grani di sabbia
Dio in un lampo già è scesa la sera.
Luciano Somma

IMAGES
You appeared to me dressed in sunlight
on you bared completely
a ghostly memory of summer
that returns proud and I am pained.
It takes me back in time
with mouth attached to that bosom
I suckled swallowing my milk
while a serene gaze watched over me
it was love a mother’s love
it protected her cub and I
was there with my infant’s eyes
I held tightly the world that was mine.
On the sand inflamed by August
not only my skin burns
but today’s memories ashes to the wind
dead leaves fragments of stars
however among hydrangea and bell flowers
the memory returns to mind
how many warm shivers of sunrise
my tears cried for naught.
The day dies to achieve sunset
you were only a statue in wax
confused among grains of sand
God in a flash let evening fall.
(Translation) Pamela Allegretto


ORA NEL VENTO
Nell’oceano
Dei tuoi desideri repressi
Navigava il tuo credo di madre
Per istinto felina e protettiva.
“ Donna partorirai con gran dolore “
e lo sapevi quando , per vocazione ,
sentivi dentro al tuo ventre
ad ogni parto
i palpiti e gli spasmi
e tu stringevi i denti
senza un lamento piena d’emozione .
Poi ad uno ad uno , col passar degli anni ,
ti lasciarono sola per andare
in una terra dove il pane è duro
a fare i vu’ cumprà o gli accattoni
ma tu non lo sapevi .
Nell’ultimo sospiro li chiamasti
come un appello antico , una preghiera ,
e in quel momento
non tutti li vedesti al capezzale .
Ora madre senza confini , senza più desideri
tu certamente ascolti
echi dei vu’ cumprà , di quei tuoi figli ,
nel vento , nell’azzurro , nella pace
dei tuoi incomunicabili silenzi…
Luciano Somma

NOW IN THE WIND
In the ocean
Of your repressed desires
You navigated you mother’s creed
For feline instinct and caring
“Woman you will bear with great sorrow”
And you knew when, for vocation,
You felt inside your womb
To every part
The beats and the spasms
And you grit your teeth
Without a lament full of emotion.
Then, one by one, with the passing of years,
They leave you alone to go
To a land where the bread is hard
To be immigrant street vendors or beggars
But you didn’t know.
In the last breath you beckoned them
Like an ancient appeal, a prayer,
And in that moment
You did see them all at your bedside.
Now mother without bounds, without more desires
You surely hear
Echoes of the immigrant street vendors, of these your children,
In the wind, in the heavens, in the peace
Of your incommunicable silences...
(Translation) Pamela Allegretto

PAINTING IN ITALY/MARCHES/SIBILLINI MOUNTAINS/MARCERATA/POTENZA VALLEY/ MONTE SIBILLA/GRAN SASSO

For a full-on scenic drive and endless painting-ops, take the drive through the Sibillini Mountains from Macerata to Ascoli Piceno. Before you head out, be advised that the road will dip and dive and climb and drop, and unless carsickness is your nemesis, you’ll come away with one-of-a-kind sketches, paintings, or photos.
From Marcerata, the road leads to Passo di Trèia, but be sure to take a detour to the village of Trèia. This medieval town sits on a ridge in the central Potenza Valley, and it has walls and towers and gates that are all ripe for painting, on canvas of course. Don’t try to paint the walls and towers and gates themselves or you may encounter fierce opposition from the otherwise gentile town folk. The Piazza della Republica is an ideal location to set up and paint, as it opens toward the fertile valley below.
Another short diversion climbs to the abbey of Santa Maria di Rambona. (No, there is no correlation to Rambo) The views from the Abbey are spectacular and there are nice level sites to set up an easel and paint.
The next stop brings you to Tolentino, which sits on the banks of the Chienti River. This is another tranquil little gem that is unknown to most artists seeking river scenes to paint.
At San Severino Marche, (which I wrote about on my April 12th blog) this route turns into the Potenza Valley. It passes through rolling hills until you reach Castelraimondo, and then the road climbs the ridge between the Chienti and Potenza valleys. The views from this summit will set your heart thumping, or perhaps it’s the drive itself, in either case, take a breath and choose a spot to set up and paint the exquisite landscape below. Next, the road plunges to Sfercia on the floor of the valley. It crosses the Chienti and climbs to San Maroto and from here the undulating road leads up to Fiastra that sits on the Lago di Fiastra.
This lake is a great place to stop and regain your sea legs. It also offers a serene and lovely location to paint. When you’re ready to twist and turn instead of dive and climb, continue through this picturesque alpine landscape toward Bolognola, the highest community in the Marches. Certainly, you’ll be ready for another break to paint the 360 views; but hold the wine, you’re not out of the woods yet, and you’ll need all your faculties to maneuver the twisting, panoramic road to Sarnano: this is one very cool medieval town with steep, narrow streets that lead to the main piazza.
Depending on your time, there are certainly a multitude of scenic and historic side trips you may chose to take anywhere along this route; I only like to write about places I have personally visited. It’s possible to drive the panoramic road up to the summit of Monte Sibilla (7,135 feet), where you’ll find a famous cave you might like to explore. And if the drive didn’t already take your breath away, certainly the views over a majestic sweep of mountains to the Gran Sasso will finish you off. (But in a good way)
BUON VIAGGIO!

SELF-PORTRAIT IN PROGRESS

SELF-PROTRAIT IN PROGRESS

At some point in each artist's life an attempt at a self-portrait is expected. The painting above is my idea of a true self-portrait: a portrait painting itself. The original 16”x20” wrapped canvas is available on my website: http://www.pamelaallegretto-franz.com
Giclee prints are available at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com

PAINTING IN THE CARRIBEAN / ISLAND BEAT

PAINTING IN THE CARRIBEAN

ISLAND BEAT This is Winston, one rockin’ conga drummer. His red-hot, reggae rhythm is as cool as a tropical breeze. You can view this original 16"x20" acrylic on canvas painting on my website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com or purchase a giclee print at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com Ecco Winston. Un batterista di conga che suona con brio la musica di reggae. Si può` vedere il quadro originale dipinto con acrilico su tela al mio website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com Oppure si può` comprarne delle stampe a: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com

PAINTING IN ITALY / MARCHES / OSTRA VETERE / SAN GINESCO / SAN LEO / SAN SEVERINO MARCHE

For a great workout after a eating a bit too much pasta, (the local cuisine boasts this delicious four-vegetable rigatoncini) take a drive to Ostra Vetere. (No, the drive is not considered the workout.) Park in the center and take the pathways that link this picturesque medieval village with terraces and flights of steps. The views at each twist and turn are absolutely “paint-worthy.” Leave any bulky easel back at the hotel; a sketchpad, watercolor block, or small pochade box will be more appreciated, (don’t forget you’ll also have a full stomach). If you are interested in painting wine cellars and casks (and maybe having a taste or two while you’re at it) visit Fratelli Bucci cellars. If you are aching to paint a medieval village, then make a point to visit San Ginesio. It is surrounded by a defending wall with towers dating from the 14th – 15th centuries and holds a commanding position on the Fiastrella River. The Piazza Gentile is an ideal location to sit and paint the impressive Gothic campanile. The village is virtually tourist-free and thus, the local people will shower you with both curiosity and generosity. San Leo is another typical medieval town. It is positioned on an enormous rock mass above steep cliffs that over hang the lower reaches of the Marecchia. The Forte, with its majestic cylindrical towers, is set on the highest point of the rock and Machiavelli considered it to be the finest example of a military fortress. (Hey if it’s good enough for Machiavelli...) And I consider it an excellent location to paint. In town, climb the bell tower for exceptional views. San Severino Marche is another picturesque little town in the Potenza Valley. The old center (il Castello) dominates the town on the peak of Montenero. From this center you will find multiple vantage points to set up and paint the magnificent view of the surrounding hills. BUON VIAGGIO!!!

PAINTING IN ITALY /MARCHES/Conero/Fermo/Gradara/Grottamare

A large section of the “calf” of the Italian boot is taken up by the Marches Region, which stretches between the Abruzzo and the Emilia Romagna regions. Sandy beaches line the coastline while inland green hills and river valleys run down the eastern slope of the Apennine chain to the Adriatic Sea. This region is still not well known to visitors, and thus, an artist with even only a few basic words of Italian is treated as an honored guest. Although Ancona, the capital, which poses a theatrical setting above the sea, may be a great place to put down roots for the night, for painting I recommend driving to Cingoli. Its impressive hilltop position has earned the little town of Cingoli the title of “Balcony of the Marches.” Set up your easel at the belvedere, just behind the apse of San Francesco, for spectacular views over the hills and as far as the Adriatic. Surrounded by walls, the town is secluded and quiet. The Conero promontory has magnificent views and cliffs that drop to the sea. The flora is interesting and rare and the abundance of birds includes the peregrine falcon and sand martins. Drive up the road that climbs the mountain ridge to the church of Santa Maria di Portonovo. In this enchanting setting your plein air mojo will go into over-drive. Just be sure to bring water and snacks: it really sucks to cut a painting secession short due to lack of sustenance. Fermo is another well-placed hill town that commands wonderful views. In addition, the steep alleyways of this medieval town offer architectural artists and photographers a plethora of inspiration. Gradara is a scene-stealer when it comes to turreted walls and magnificent views. According to tradition, the Rocca at Gradara was the setting for the tragic tale of Francesca da Rimini, related in Dante’s “Inferno.” So how cool is that? To walk around the walls as far as the highest tower, get out you sketch pad, and capture the amazing view while imagining where Dante stood when he conjured up his “Inferno.” When you have had you fill of damnation, drive to the seaside resort of Grottamare. From the center, a narrow street climbs to the remains of a 14th Century castle with excellent views and no signs of hellfire and damnation. BUON VIAGGIO!!!

MATERA / PAINTING IN ITALY

MATERA / BASILICATA / SOUTHERN ITALY

I am running a "limited time /limited number" special price for a giclee canvas print of the above painting Matera at: http://fineartamerica.com/weeklypromotion.html?promotionid=59806
Please click on this link to check it out.
To go along with this special price, I decided to re-post below my Matera article that I wrote last March.

PAINTING IN ITALY/BASILICATA / MATERA

For those adventurous artists who have squeezed the last drop from your yellow ochre and burnt sienna while painting Tuscan sunrises and sunsets, head south. I’m not talking Rome or Naples or Salerno, I mean the Deep South that Carlo Levi wrote about in Christ Stopped At Eboli.
In 1935, The Fascists exiled Levi to this region as a political prisoner. For those unfamiliar with this book, it has nothing to do with religion or of Christ making a weekend get-away to the Basilicata region. It refers to the idea that if Christ was traveling south in Italy and doing his Godly thing along the way, then he stopped when he reached Eboli. Levi wrote: “upon my arrival, the peasants said, ‘we are not Christians, Christ stopped short of here, at Eboli.’ Christian, in their way of speaking meant human being.” This “God-forsaken" region remains today a land outside time.
So, what do I like about this earthy and primeval region? Just that. It’s earthy and primitive. And the architecture is fun and challenging to paint.
In addition to being an accomplished writer, Carlo Levi was also a doctor and a gifted painter. If you go, don’t miss the Carlo Levi Gallery in Matera, where on exhibit you’ll find some thirty or more of his oil paintings, all of them portraying scenes from Basilicata life.
I recommend traveling by car, as some of the smaller villages are without rail stations. There is a respectable bus service, but in some cases you have to transfer 3 or 4 times to get to one village. If you drive, give the right-of-way to the donkeys that are burdened with bushels of firewood and clip clop down the cobblestone streets.
Buon Viaggio!
The original of the painting above can be viewed at my website: http://www.PamelaAllegretto-Franz.com
Giclee prints from greeting card size to poster size can be purchased at: http://pamela-allegretto.fineartamerica.com