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Photography

The Odd One Out

How I remember Rome

I’ve been to Rome a couple of times but I didn’t take a lot of pictures. It was a phase of my life when I wanted to just live in the moment and was tired of snapping pics.

During that phase I also happened to travel a lot and so I’ve been to many places that I have no record of: no pictures, no calendar entries, no ticket stubbs…

This was obviously before the smart phone era – these days it’s so easy to track where you’ve been afterwards with automatic GPS in your phone, etc.

I always say I love North Italy – which is true – but I also say it because I honestly can’t remember the names of all the beautiful medieval hilltop villages I’ve visited there so I have to generalize. I would make a horrible travel guide writer!

I’m all about the mood and the atmosphere – my memories are mostly visual (so photos do help!) – I tend to forget the names of even the loveliest places, foods and hotels. But I remember how I felt, what I ate, the clothes my travel buddies were wearing, our conversations, and the view from the window.

For some reason, this is one of the few photos I ended up taking in Rome, and one of the few I’ve kept in my digital “Rome” album – my entry to Cee’s Odd ball challenge this week. I always love subtle quirkiness.

 

 

25 replies on “The Odd One Out”

Can you recall whether this was a public building or a private one. I imagine many buildings in Italy are very ornate. There are many places I’ve visited in the past that I wish I’d taken photos of. (Just think of all the posts they’d make! lol)

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Yeah, a post per visited place would be a never-ending life project 😉 So maybe it’s good that I only have digital photos of more recent ones. I am pretty sure this was the wall of a public building, or maybe some kind of inner court or passageway. But I didn’t visit any museums there (except the Sistine Chapel though technically it’s not a museum! And it wasn’t a nice experience: way too crowded with tourists) so it’s definitely not somewhere you would need to pay for. I have a feeling it was just a “normal” street… (hmm… if any Italians are reading this, feel free to correct me!)

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It was a good photo, anyway. I just know from places I’ve been to like Sorento, that some of the more affluent people’s houses are as decorative as public buildings. It’s always a shame that places like the Sistine Chapel are so crowded. It’s difficult to see some of the art work or whatever is on display. Darned tourists. They should all stay at home! Hehe.

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I actually love taking pictures! I’ve always loved photography. But there was a time when I felt all that tourist stuff was coming out of my ears! To this day, I still tend to shy away from taking photos of all the usual tourist attractions – like statues – ehmm, I do realise this photo has statues! But I totally agree with what you said about it not doing the world justice: sometimes you should really just remember to live the moment in real life, and not through a camera’s lens or through social media… I also don’t really like the trend these days to take pics of every single meal (well planned, beautiful pics occasionally are a different matter, though!) and of strangers picking their nose in the subway :O So, lets say I’m selective! And apparently a confusing writer as well! 🙂 Thanks for commenting!

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Oh, I sure do get you on the part about putting the camera away and breathing in the sights and sounds with full sensory appreciation. To travel and make a journey and not just a photo album. I’m learning to do that more instead of instantly whipping up my camera and all I take away from the place (apart from the photos) are the memories of me excitedly trying to get the best shots and angles 🙂 Sometimes, I even leave my camera at home so that I’m not a nuisance to myself and my family! Eeeek! Love the photo and the story behind it. Sharon p.s. Btw have you done a London post yet? We’re heading there and it would be great to get some travel tips x

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Nope, no London posts yet! (So many places, so little time!) I recently asked a family member of mine, who is British, for London travel tips for a colleague (I’ve been there many times but still don’t know London that well, it’s so huge!)… He recommended for example the markets in Notting Hill and Camden Town as well as London’s oldest restaurant, Rules, on Maiden Lane near Covent Garden. A trip to London right about now sounds great! Hope you have lots of fun and enjoy a little relaxation and family time! I hear it’s been sunny there now. -About taking pictures, I sometimes leave my camera home, too. And I very often leave my phone at home! I love being out of reach!!! 🙂 Just me and the present moment. Nice to see you here, Sharon! Thanks for stopping by!

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I am completely with you about leaving the phone at home too! I figure there is nothing so important that cannot wait while I go for a walk 😀 Thank you so much for the great insider tips to London. I always love to check out what gems others have discovered that aren’t always on the touristy list. And I LOVE markets. And food. Thanks again x

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Such a lovely photo! And I am just like you, its all about the atmosphere for me as well. I am horrible with remembering names etc. but I can still remember what we had for dinner in some of the locations we have travelled.

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Exactly! I guess the names aren’t really that important in the end, it’s not what the memories are made of (unless you want to recommend those places to someone, then the names might come handy!) Luckily I’m a bit more organized nowadays with all this digital equipment available… 🙂

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I struggle with the photo-vs-just enjoy the scenery dilemma on a regular basis, especially while trekking. Ultimately, I try to snap a few pics wherever I am because when I haven’t, I’m bummed later to not have any visual reminders of a great trip. Like everything in life, the key is moderation!

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I bet your memories of Italy will remain vivid, simply because you allowed yourself to soak it up. I also forget the names of hotels and historical facts surrounding tourist attractions. Taking a guided tour is a complete waste of money, because little of it sticks in my brain. I do like to take a few photos, but I don’t let it get out of hand. Love the matte quality of the photo.

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I love Rome too! I never take postcard type photos – if I need a perfect picture I look at those by professional photographers, my pictures are just snapshots of things that catch my eye and mean something to me.

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Same here, I tend to avoid the usual sights and monuments… I’d rather try to see a new place the way the residents do (if possible)… I shop at the supermarket and use public transport. And take photos of beautiful details but try to think a bit creatively 🙂

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