Upper Cortona
The Archidado Joust was over. We had a bonus this year because of rain in May when another festival takes place. The City of Cortona added two of those days to the June festival, turning it into a three-day event instead of just the one we had enjoyed before and will again when we return.
We were intending to head out into the country for some Tuscan landscapes, but the skies turned inky black, and I don’t know about you, but the idea of being the tallest item in a field when lightening strikes is not an appealing prospect. ZZT! ZZT!
And so, we headed to a monastery in the upper part of Cortona, outside the main Medieval walls.
This area is charming, with steep, narrow — and let’s not forget twisty — streets that challenged Arnie and me as we navigated them to the parking area. Participants scattered. Two stuck with me, and we started in this little courtyard.
Others found Arnie. We challenged them and showed them various aspects to look for in a photograph. We didn’t let them get lazy and just settle for an image.
One of our group was attracted to the bell and shot it straight on. I demonstrated how to create a sense of depth that might be a more interesting approach.
As we meandered the streets and lanes, the sun came out and created interesting patterns. I was attracted to this scene with its various elements.
It was time to move back down in the main part of town, as Arnie and I knew what might happen if the light cooperated. Meanwhile, the Tuscan landscape below was beautiful, although not necessarily a stunning photograph.
We had a simple, tasty supper on a terrace overlooking the valley below and waited for the light to be right.
Sure enough, the city lights came on, and there is a point where it is magical in combination with the ambient light.
“Anyone want to come photograph with me?” I asked.
“Yes!” chimed in a couple.
It was worth leaving our dinner and wine for a bit.
True to expectations, the previous bottle had been enjoyed, and I saw a brunello from my favorite Tuscan winery, an all-women’s one that has quite a reputation in Italy. We will visit it later in the week.
Meanwhile, it was another great way to end the day.
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I’m fond of Cortona. A great hill town. The Annunciation by Fra Angelico in the Museo Diocesano is a must see.
Ben,
Great to hear from you. Yes, Cortona is a very special place, and we are delighted that our participants are loving it, too.
Take care,
TBC