Zurich and Paris: End of the Line

The final two stops on my journey home were Zurich and Paris. One night in each. I would arrive mid afternoon and depart mid morning the next day. This didn't leave much time to explore, and after many days of eat, sleep, photograph, repeat, I was almost spent.

Zurich was a pretty place, but I had seen prettier. It was also a rather grey day, which didn't help sell it. Still, I did like its collection of spires.

 

It had been a long time since I had last stayed in Paris. There were places I really wanted to revisit, but there wasn't the time. My hotel was in Monmartre, so that was where I explored. Sacré-Cœur was too busy with tourists and love lock hawkers to give a decent photo. But at least it offered some good views over the city. As I was in the area, and after a decent dinner, I couldn't resist a night shot of the Moulin Rougue.

 

Milan: And Now For Something Completely Different

After more than a week looking at old, and even ancient, buildings I fancied a change. On the Sunday morning, I had a couple of hours before my next train, so I did a quick photo walk around a very modern part of Milan. It was a beautiful blue-skyed sunny morning, perfect conditions to show off all the glass and steel.

Milan: The Beautiful People

My final stop in Italy was a single night in Milan. After checking-in to my hotel I headed for Milan Cathedral, Duomo di Milano, as this seemed as good a start point as any. By accident, rather than design, I had arrived on the Saturday of Milan Fashion Week. The large and very crowded square in front of the cathedral, was also hosting several fashion shoots, in and amongst the tourists. There were two big shoots, one for bridal wear and one more general (lots of little black dresses), plus a couple of individual shoots with social media influencer types. There was also a woman who didn't seem part of any formal shoot, but she was in a stunning dress and was delighted to pose for anyone who pointed a camera at her.

 

Rome: People & Places

Here is a selection of other images from my stay in Rome. Rome seemed more spread out than either Turin or Naples, and, in my couple of days there, I barely scratched the surface of the place. I did get some great light, and unlike all my other Italian stops, no rain.

Rome: The Colosseum, Palantine Hill and Forum

My choice of big touristy thing for Rome was the Colosseum. I choose a time slot toward the end of the day, hoping for better light and fewer people. I certainly got the light and the crowd did lessen in the final hour. My ticket also gave me access to the Forum and Palantine Hill within 24 hours, so that was my first destination the next morning. I found an entrance on the Palantine Hill side, near the Circus Maximus. Most people seemed to enter on the Forum side, neat the Colosseum. This meant that my exploration of the Palatine Hill was quieter than expected. The top of the Palantine gave an excellent view of the city.