Cremona is first mentioned in history as a settlement of the Cenomani, a Gallic (Celtic) tribe that arrived in the Po valley around 400 BC. However, the name Cremona most likely dates back to earlier settlers and puzzled the ancients, who gave many fanciful interpretations. In 218 BC the Romans established on that spot their first military outpost (a colonia) north of the Po river, and kept the old name. These are some images of the Cathedral Square or City Hall.
Cremona is an old city in the North of Italy. I was born there and lived there, more or less, until 1996. When I go back it is always a nice to walk along the streets that leads to downtown, to the piazza. Many things have changed but few have remained. The Old Libreria Spotti is still there. The streets of the old city center have the same cobblestones. People take a walk in the city centre before going home for dinner. Bars are open for an aperitivo.
At least one photo a day
At least one photo a day
These are few photos from the short walk to the old primary school in Niinikumpu (first picture at the top). The school has not been in use for many years as there are not enough children to attend it in the area. I think the school building has been sold to a family who now lives there.
At least one photo a day
I woke up. Put on my boots and windbreaker and walked down to the lakeshore. The ice cover had thickened over the night and thin layer of dry snow had covered the ice sheet overnight. It was chilly this morning but the air was clean and crispy. A nice way to wake up. Welcome 2020!
At least one photo a day
Here is the full series of the black and white photos from the walks around Niinikumpu in Kitee, Eastern Finland.
At least one photo a day
Last sunset of the year. The temperature is dropping quickly. The ice on the lake is thickening and the lake send strange sounds of bubbling water and ice cracking for long distances and with echos that travel the hills.
At least one photo a day
I took these pictures during the walk around the hill of Niinikumpu. The electricity poles standing in the middle of snow covered fields seemed to stand in solitude against the winter.
At least one photo a day
There are few hours of day light in December in Finland. That is why during the holidays it is important to take advantage of those few hours and go tor a walk.
At least one photo a day
Mi misi a camminare lungo la strada che gira attorno alla collina di Niinikumpu con lo sguardo rivolto al cielo. La nevicata era imminente, ma speravo che non mi sorprendesse a metà strada. Il cielo era di un grigio liscio e monotono. Sembrava che la neve si fosse accumulata tra le nubi e le avesse fatte scomparire. Alla prima svolta a sinistra decisi di proseguire. Se la nevicata fosse iniziata avrei affrettato il passo. Tanto sapevo che la sauna sarebbe stata pronta al mio ritorno e sarei riuscito a scaldarmi velocemente. Passai la casa di alcuni vicini che non avevo mai visto e dei quali non conoscevo il nome. Sulla sinistra la loro casa ad un piano di mattoni. Stonava con il vecchio garage di legno dipinto di rosso. A destra della strada la vecchia stalla che era inutilizzata da anni ed era in uno stato completo abbandono. Sapevo che non avevano mai avuto un cane, ma come sempre mi sentii sull’attenti come se da un momento all’altro potesse saltare fuori un muovo cane da guardia. Accelerai il passo verso il bosco di betulle.
At least one photo a day
The weather is changing. It is getting colder. The forecast for after tomorrow gives heavy snow.
At least one photo a day
People are moving to towns. In the countryside the population falls. There are several houses which are now empty along the 6km look I have been walking. I imagine that years ago a large family might have lived here. They might have sat together in the living/dining rooms during the long winter nights. Talking or listening to a radio and the news coming from Helsinki about the rest of the country and far away unknown countries.
At least one photo a day
The road goes in a circle for 6km. It touches birch forests and farm houses. It crosses small water streams which are now frozen. At times it seem the trees are making ways.
At least one photo a day
The trees on top of the hill and the fog that surrounds them. The peacefull winter landscape.
At least one photo a day
At least one photo a day
There is a strange foggy weather which is not common in this part of Finland. I ma in Karelia. There is snow on the ground but the temperature is mild. The houses are far from each other here in the countryside. I walk the 6km of the loop around the hill and see only a few cars passing by. The days are short and nature is on pause until the early signs of spring in March.
At least one photo a day
Il clima sta cambiando e ce ne accorgiamo. Siamo a Cremona, nel nord d’Italia. È il 15 di Ottobre. Gli alberi sono verdi. La temperatura è di 21 gradi. È appena finito un temporale che sembrava un temporale estivo. La pioggia mi ha ricordato le piogge monsoniche che bagnavano di Dumaguete, nelle Filippine.
The climate is changing and we realize it. We are in Cremona, in the north of Italy. It’s October 15th. The trees are green. The temperature is 21 degrees. A thunderstorm just seemed like a summer storm. The rain reminded me of the monsoon rains of Dumaguete, in the Philippines.
One photo a day
Il duomo di Crema è spoglio. L’atmosfera è quella di una chiesa protestante. Tutti dentro alcuni fedeli sono seduti ai vecchi banconi pet pregare o, semplicemente, pensare. Una signora con una bella giacca rossa legge il libretto delle preghiere. C’è silenzio. Si sente solo il rumore metallico delle monete delle offerte per le candele per i santi.
The Duomo of Crema is bare. The atmosphere is almost that of a Protestant church. Few people are sitting at old benched praying or simply thinking. A lady in a beautiful red jacket reads from the prayer book. There is silence. Only the clanging of the coins of the offerings for candles for saints can be heard.
One photo a day
