A ray of light on the wall of the Pantheon. In this greatest functioning example of ancient architecture I am always amazed that the renaissance genius Raphael is entombed here.
An afternoon storm brews over the mysterious Matera in the Italian state of Basilicata. If you think you know Italy yet have never been south of Rome, it is time you live up to your high praise of yourself.
The stunning Castel del Monte is one of the most unusual monuments in that it appears from nowhere along a gorgeous plateau in the highly underrated region of Puglia, Italy. This is very likely the cover to my first book
Sunset over Naples on the only day I ever spent there. It was the most fascinating and living city I have been in Europe. I will return to Napoli again soon.
Morning fog over Canale in Piedmont, Italy. The fog Nebbia lends its name to the signature grapes grown in this king of Italian wine country Nebbiolo. This is also a region visited by few yet so far beyond the quality scope in food and wine it is hard to fathom.
So, here is my shot of Tuscany 
The genius gregarious winemaker Mario Bollag pouring a tank sample of his 2006 Brunello di Montalcino.
I adore my adopted 2nd home country as much as I love waking up each day. There are many who write about Italy. I live it as the great poets did. There is a spirit in this land that belongs to the auspices of the cosmos and no single people can possibly offer more than careful stewardship of where life simply is.
Sorry there are no links here to my subjects. Feel free to ask me any questions. I am drunk with memory and must rest.
Ci vediamo tutti
M
About Michael Housewright
In all of Rome, my heart belongs to the Pantheon! Your pictures are absolutely beautiful….they explain your adventurous spirit.
Good night!
e.
My heart is only unearthed when I return to the Pantheon on each trip. Thank you so much Elisa and buonanotte!
did you get near Bari in the southeast? that’s where my grandmother is from.
I lived 45km from Bari for over a year of my life. I even speak a smidgen of the local dialect.
i am jealous.
you should come over…we can eat some panzerotti
I will be there on May 12 in Bari
you must have eaten well growing up
ooooh yes. about halfway between Bari and Rome is a village called Santomenna. Mountain area, and never certain of the spelling. that’s where my grandfather was from. there are about 500 people there now, and about 15 who i’m related to.
was that in the region of Campania? I have made that drive and train trek many times
i goofed. between Bari and Naples. not Rome.
could be in Basilicata or Campania. If you can find the exact spelling I can look for it
santomenna. had it spelled right. wasn’t sure.
ugh. on my side of the world it’s after 1am. adieu.
buonanotte
In the mountains it appears and very isolated. My kind of Italian town
and yes, campania region.
awesome
Thank you for sharing…I would LOVE to go to Italy!
it is such a wondrous place and it is never too late to go!
I plan on it!
loved living in Italy… nice to see these
we are working on our plan to live there again…if we do you are welcome to visit us
now that sounds great… thanks, Michael.. maybe I’ll retrace some steps from Corfu
that would be a great trip..
Pink Palace?
on that you’d have to get back to me in email… don’t want to take up your blog space…
just responded to your email from earlier..feel free to fire away
I must crash now
Lovely pictures…I can totally relate to the mood you must have been in..
I especially love the post processing!
I try to be judicious in my use of PP and when it enhances the mood of the shot or transforms the message where I want it to go I tend to love it. Thank you and I am so glad you said hello!
Your photos are glorious. Most people take photos of Italy showing brilliant sunshine and bright skies, so seeing Italy in this light with so much atmosphere is very special.
Thank you very much! This is indeed the light in which I view Italia
I am thrilled you said hello
You’re welcome! I’m definitely no photographer so love seeing others work
Great pictures! You give me a special look at my own country, sometimes I forget how beautiful Italy can be…
This is a very kind compliment and many thanks. You do have the fortune of living in one of the great places on the earth. Ti saluto!
I see why you are drunk with memory. May you have a blissful rest.
thank you very much
Magnifique!!!
Thank you Boomie!
Bless you, Michael. I can see why you are drunk with memory of Italy. So great pictures & story!
thank you my friend..easy to get drunk here
A powerful shaft of light from 93 million miles distant. Great!
That is what makes the sun amazing
Are we there yet?? Another terrific post, Michael. I hope someday I can see all this in person, but I’m not gonna hold my breath. (I don’t get out much!)
Charles! You must go
!
I’ll bet you’re very excited about your trip…not long from now!!
It is 3 weeks away..crazy
Beautiful images of such a lovely country to visit.
I am glad you enjoy them and thank you so much for saying hello
Beautiful images of a country that is so lovely to visit.
I agree 100% Karen and thank you
I hope to visit some day! Fabulous photos.
thanks! You would love it
“Drunk with memory” ~ I would be too. Gorgeous photos!
thank you very much
Thanks also for stopping by the blog
Fabulous Photos and the first one “A ray of light on the wall of the Pantheon” is stunning
thanks Soma..always a great day to be in Rome
So tell me…Sienna? Aside from the Pantheon..what are your favorites?
Wow! That would be a long list of total faves. Siena is about 45 min north of Montalcino where I took the last shot. What are your favorites?
Well,,,Ha,,,I’m not ready to make my mind up yet..probably too touristy..but I enjoyed Tivoli…hope I spelled that correctly..I don’t know what there was about it…just shared pizza with my husband in a little restaurant and it was a great day…..so,,,trying to get suggestions for our next trip…and I want to do a little investigating beforehand…
well, I do trip design for Italy and have been to every state in the country so feel free to email me if you would like more info
I highly suggest Puglia and here is a link to the company I helped to found there http://www.southernvisionstravel.com/
YIPES!!! I found the right guy!!!! Thanks! (I feel like a dope).
why? You are not a dope at all..I love that you asked my advice
Thank you!
Michael, you know I don’t comment every day because I am green with envy! You are doing what many of us want to do but just don’t have the balls to get it done. When you post about Italy I nearly cry every time. The Pantheon is a magical place… and how that little pip-squeak Raphael got buried there amazes me. Just who did he know so intimately this was allowed? He was so young… genius, yes, no doubt. I know my friend Micky always has always talked about a few run ins with the upstart! Keep up the good work! I, unfortunately, will not be in Italy in May. Trying to hold on until mid-September through early November!
Harold,
I am sad you will not be there but I certainly know the drill. I am always glad to hear from you and there is no reason to envy me Harold, lord knows I envied back in 96
Thank you for getting me drunk on my own memories. I yearn to go back. One day….
You must
Bellisimo!
On the 17th of April, 2011 we arrived at Venice’s Santa Lucia station, our first destination on our dream tour of Italy. It is hard to believe that 12 months has gone by so quickly and I would return tomorrow if I could, until then I shall live vicariously through you
come and join us
I will do my best to keep you informed 
I’m officially turning off the computer now for the night… and I really hope I can dream of Italia… beautiful post, M.
Buonanotte~
you will..it is an easy dream to recur
Gorgeous photos
Can’t wait to see the new ones you take this May in Italy! Have a great time!
I cant wait to see either and thank you so much for your comment
Love the pics and stories behind them. I’m playing catch-up again.
Christi, I am just happy you like to play. Thank you for always being so supportive!
What great images! I must get back there one day.
I will host you in Italy if you will host me in your country
Thanks so much for your comment
Reblogged this on Tracey in Maine.
Oh how gorgeous. I need to get back there someday!
Me too! It is amazing and I am glad you have been
One of many places on my “bucket list”…
come fill up your bucket in Italy..it is so easy to do!
Sounds like a plan
I love it there – My parents just got back tonight… Lucky you!
it is our second home
Italy! tops the list of my favorite destinations abroad. The natural beauty, the architecture, history & culture…Its got everything. Pictures you’ve been posting are very charming.
Thank you very much. It is indeed my home away from home
Thanks for letting me camp out in your blog today. I had a great time and tried to leave my campsite as clean as when I arrived.
P.S. I didn’t need the coffee, didn’t want the sushi, but found the Italian food extremely delicious. lol
So glad you enjoyed it! Come back anytime
Thank you for all of your supportive comments!