| September 25, 2002 |
|
|
Arrives in Milan at
10:20 AM. Departs Osaka
at 7:55 PM (local time),
via Amsterdam , arriving in Milan.
|
| September 26, 2002 |
|
 |
Milan Cathedral
is a representative example of Gothic architecture in Italy, and it took 500 years to complete, finally finished in the early 19th century.
Sixteen years ago, I met a Japanese acquaintance in the square in front of the cathedral, and that night I went to their ☆☆☆☆ hotel to use their bath. |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
The Galleria Milano
is a true collaboration of stylistic beauty and modern architecture. While Japan was on the brink of its end, Milan was constructing buildings of this magnitude. And how should we interpret the sheer brilliance of this structure that still shines today? Many large shopping centers are being built one after another in Japan, but will they be able to maintain this level of brilliance? It makes me wonder if I'm overthinking it. |
|
September 26th (afternoon) and 27th, 2002 |
|
|
St. Mark's Square in Venice
My first visit to Venice was by train. I remember sitting in front of the station for a while, lost in thought, before looking for cheap accommodation. This time, however, I took a bus as far as I could, then a water bus to my hotel, and entered the hotel via the canal.
Walking alone through the alleys of Venice, narrow streets and small squares appear alternately, and as I continued, I gradually became afraid of getting lost. In such a city, the sheer size of St. Mark's Square that suddenly appears after emerging from the narrow streets is incredible, stretching all the way to the sea. The contrast between the Grand Canal and this open space is symbolic of Venice, the city of water.
Rialto Bridge Japan also has many famous bridges, but I don't think there are many that blend into the city as well as this one. While Japanese bridges are extensions of the road, the Rialto Bridge, or Florence's Ponte Vecchio, is truly an extension of the city.
|
|
The Church of San Giorgio
Maggiore
(photographed from the bell tower in St. Mark's Square)
was designed in the late 16th century by the genius architect Palladio. I remember buying a photo collection of Palladio's architecture when I was a student and looking at it dozens of times. His villa La Rotonda in the Veneto region is particularly famous. There are so many buildings I want to see at my leisure, and I would love to make my third trip to Italy a reality. |
|
September 28, 2002 |
|
|
From Michelangelo Square on the hilltop in Florence , you can see
the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the Ponte Vecchio. My chronic illness flared up, so I went to the hospital. I don't understand English, let alone Italian. Since I was on free time, I first called the tour guide on my international cell phone. It's funny that I was using an international cell phone when I was nearby. The first thing that surprised me when I entered the hospital was that there were portraits of the Virgin Mary everywhere on the walls. I don't think you'd ever see portraits of gods or Buddhas displayed in a Japanese hospital. Well, it is convenient because you can pray to God directly for a full recovery while you're in the hospital...
|
|
The Ponte Vecchio,
a stone bridge with houses attached, was completed in the mid-14th century. It is undoubtedly one of the most delightful bridges in the world. |
 |
The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore
is said to be a representative example of Italian Gothic or early Renaissance architecture, built between the 13th and 14th centuries.
Both 16 years ago and this time, my impression of it was that it was like a jewel box. This feeling was all the more pronounced after seeing the spiky Milan Cathedral. |
|
September 29, 2002, morning |
|
|
Pisa Baptistery & Leaning Tower
Pisa is about an hour and a half by bus from Florence. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Leaning Tower is located in front of a cathedral, ossuary, and baptistery.
For me, it was the only place I was visiting for the first time on this trip, and I took pictures with great excitement. My mother also seems to be leaning a little...
Travel to Rome
In the afternoon, we traveled to Rome by bus. During the journey, the scenery outside the window was like the picture.
|
|
September 30, 2002 |
|
|
St. Peter's Basilica
is, as you know, the headquarters of the Catholic Church.
This is my second time here, but no matter how many times I come, I'm always overwhelmed by its grandeur. The magnificence in front of the basilica is incredible, but the square with its trapezoidal and oval colonnades is also amazing.
|
|
I'm honestly a novice when it comes to cathedral architecture, but I can honestly say I'm deeply impressed by the magnificent planar design of this square. According to the explanation, the architect Bernini himself mentioned the design motif, saying, "To make it look as if a mother is extending both arms to welcome the faithful..." |
|
I was looking forward to seeing Michelangelo 's Pieta (Madonna and Child),
as it's often featured on TV art programs. Apparently, black and white is best for photographing the Pieta because it emphasizes the shadows.
On my first trip to Europe, I looked at art every day without really understanding why, but this time I didn't look at much art, so it was a valuable time for art appreciation. |
|
After visiting the Trevi Fountain and the Cathedral, we went to the Colosseum and then headed to the Trevi Fountain. First, we bought orange ice cream in front of the fountain. We ate it while taking a short break in front of the fountain. And finally, we turned our backs and tossed a coin into the fountain. "May I have a third trip to Italy."
|
This time I accompanied my mother, but Italy was an exciting country even on my second visit. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
