Bergamo (and a t-shirt, too)

Since I came over to visit my family in my home town in Bergamo, the weather has been b.r.u.t.a.l.

Rain and cold for the past two weeks. 

At least I've got so much stuff done around the house, but believe me, my mood was paying the toll.

Yesterday, I woke up early and there it was: the perfect blue sky and nice warm sun.

I've got to my favorite spot in the city and took pictures, just like a tourist :)

The City of Bergamo is divided in two areas, the old town, which sits on top of a hill, called Città Alta (High City) and the newer part, on the flat side, called Città Bassa (Low City).

The old part of town is surrounded by antique protective walls (called Le Mura) and there are four big "Doors" that in the past used to be the entrance to the town and custom and duty purposes.

This square is "Piazza Vecchia" the bell tower is called "Campanone":

every night at 10:00 pm, 365 days/year the bell goes on for 100 times 

some people says 80, I honestly never counted :) 

In the old ages it was a reminder that the doors of the city were about to be closed and people had to return home from their jobs (mostly in the fields)

It was early enough that I could get this picture without people walking around... I couldn't avoid the delivery truck, though... otherwise this picture would have been perfect :)

Here some more of my favorite spots around the old part of the city:

I know I'm living in New York now, and it's the pulsing heart of America. 

I know... but you can take a girl out of Bergamo, but can't take Bergamo out of a girl ;)

and when I get homesick... I get into t-shirting :)

image courtesy of bestofbergamo.com

I downloaded a picture of Bergamo's skyline... and used as a template for a t-shirt.

It might not be as popular as the NYC one, but hey... 

outlined the silhouette of the skyline with black fabric paint,

let it dry

and filled the rest in silver, 

leaving the bottom part with free brush-strokes

t-shirt by me, image on the right from bergamo2000.blogspot.com

If you're planning a trip to Italy, you might want to stop here for a day or two.

You won't be disappointed.

For more information about Bergamo, its history, what to see, what to do, visit:
wikipedia ,
bergamo2000.blogspot.com , bestofbergamo.com 

xox, d.