Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace)

On our last day in Rome, John and I visited the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace), a significant Roman monument celebrating Caesar Augustus' victories in Gaul and Spain in 13 BC.

The Carrara marble sides of the altar are covered in friezes including one of a procession of the members of the family of Augustus at the inauguration of the monument.

The altar is now enclosed in a glass and marble rectangular box designed by renown architect, Richard Meier.

 

The natural lighting and gleaming marble of Mr Meier's structure make a perfect container for the altar

which is visible from the roadway running along the Tiber just outside.

Sebastião Salgado; Genesis

When John and I visited the Ara Pacis in Rome we also visited a retrospective of the photography of Brazilian photographer, Sebastião Salgado. on the lower level of the building.

This is John admiring Salgado's over-sized portrait of the chiefs of an Amazonian tribe which was placed at the entrance to the show at the upper floor.

The retrospective was huge and covered Salgado's work around the world in sections featuring his photos of landscapes, ethnic cultures and animal life.

The work is breathtaking and the visitors enthusiastic.

The intimacy of his portraits is simply stunning.

On display is the high-end version of a catalogue of the show with its book stand designed by architect, Tadao Ando.

The selections from his oeuvre are not to be missed,

and happily for Torontonians Genesis is showing at the Royal Ontario Museum until September, 2013. Go see!

Roman Holiday

The Battle of York Parade

 The City of Toronto commemorated the War of 1812 and the Battle of York with a huge military parade from the Provincial Legislature Buildings down to Old Fort York.

 John was at work but I caught up with them as they crossed the Bathurst St Bridge just east of the old fort.

 I loved this woman in 1812 period clothing catching the lead Pipe Band on her camera

 and this glamorous Horse Guard.

Then I moved up to the bridge itself to get some shots of the uniforms.

I found it a colourful and moving event. So many kilts!

The War of 1812 Bicentennial

The City of Toronto had a celebration of the Battle of York at Fort York yesterday.

 After the Battle of York parade, vistors poured into Old Fort York and I followed.

 The grounds were full of participants in British, military, Native people and Old York costume.

 I couldn't stop taking pictures of the action and costumes.

I particularly liked the militia groups. 

It was a fascinating peek into Toronto's past right in our own neighbourhood.

Peggy Lee: Is That All There Is?

For the Friends of Reta

Last week we returned to St Catharines to visit Bill's mum.  Reta was in fine form.

Bill took some portraits of her at the Heritage family restaurant. I kept saying "Look at me, Reta."

 I confess I put my finger up my nose -- honestly! Glad she looked good.

Reta and her son waiting for our cab. It was a lovely Spring day.

 We also visited St Kitts two weeks ago. We're just getting the pictures up now. 

 Bill and I were thrilled to learn that this building on Niagara Street featured in the cult Christmas movie "A Christmas Story". The scene with the boy who's tongue stuck to a pole was shot here.

Reta liked Bill's blue shirt.

Thank you for your patience with my camera, my lovely Reta.

We watched a movie together then we called a cab,

to take us to Coppolla's Ristorante

for our usual Vegeteriano pizza

followed by biscotti with espresso

and our beloved Sicilian liqueur [Averna Amaro Siciliano].