Roberto's gallery
I am told that, in the first minutes after I was born, I was staring at the new world (well, I was the new...). Since then, I can't stop observing what surrounds me with eyes and mouth wide open and as much amazement and surprise as that very first time.
What have I seen of so amazing? Here, you can have a glimpse, judge it yourself!
I am told that, in the first minutes after I was born, I was staring at the...

Elba Island
Just remember: in case you think these pictures are beautiful, it's only because the places are beautiful!
Just remember: in case you think these pictures are beautiful, it's only...

Arrival at Portoferraio
A traditional vessel is welcoming my arrival (by chance).

Near Josephine's Island
Elba Island coast near Pauline's tiny island. I think the picture speaks for itself!
Elba Island coast near Pauline's tiny island. I think the picture speaks for ...

Sunset at Cotoncello
This was towards the end of such a wonderful day at the seaside (spent on the quiet Cotoncello's rocks) that the picture couldn't be less awesome!
This was towards the end of such a wonderful day at the seaside (spent on the...

Marciana from above
Marciana and the cabin-way leading to the top of Capanne Mountain, which means "Capanne Mountain" for the lazy. I confess I'm lazy too.
Marciana and the cabin-way leading to the top of Capanne Mountain, which...

Back in time
Ok, I'm cheating, but if you witnessed Sant'Agabito celebration in Marciana, you would really believe Middle Age is back!
Ok, I'm cheating, but if you witnessed Sant'Agabito celebration in Marciana, ...

Patresi's rocky beach
I think I will add it to my own rotating wallpaper collection. No, it doesn't mean I rotate my wallpapers, it means that they are randomly selected at regular intervals to let the pixels have more fun.
I think I will add it to my own rotating wallpaper collection. No, it doesn't...

Pauline's Island
Pauline was Napoleon's beloved sister, who spent some time on Elba island during his brother's exile. This small island was given her name.
Pauline was Napoleon's beloved sister, who spent some time on Elba island...

In the woods
Fed up with the beach? There is a lot more to see on Elba Island! This place recalls me some enchanted forest from a Disney movie.
Fed up with the beach? There is a lot more to see on Elba Island! This place ...

Capoliveri
One of the endless narrow pedestrian streets in Capoliveri.

Dusk on Portoferraio Bay
This is the panoramic view the occupants of Volterraio castle could admire every day at dusk.
This is the panoramic view the occupants of Volterraio castle could admire...

Cotoncello
... isn't this the perfect postcard? :-)

Marciana
A classic shot.

Elba Island's water
In case you can't see it with your eyes!

Stairway to Capanne Mountain
The arduous, unsteady but much rewarding pathway to the top of Capanne Mountain, Elba Island's roof.
The arduous, unsteady but much rewarding pathway to the top of Capanne...

The mouflon
Along the way to "Madonna del Monte" Sanctuary, if you can walk silently, it is not uncommon to spot wild animals like this mouflon. This mouflon was silent too, hoping to spot some human beings. :-)
Along the way to "Madonna del Monte" Sanctuary, if you can walk silently, it ...

Northern part of Elba Island
The picture is taken from Aquila ("Eagle") rock. I know people who think about Elba as just a small rock; I hope this shot may change their minds...
The picture is taken from Aquila ("Eagle") rock. I know people who think...

Rio's bastions
The ancient ramparts at the bottom of Rio nell'Elba.

Sant'Andrea and Cotoncello
Taken from Aquila ("Eagle") rock, about 600 meters over the sea level.

Water buckets battle at Cavoli beach
This is a rare historical document about the famous water buckets battle fought at Cavoli beach on August 15, 2006. Hopefully, the losers are just... wet!
I wish all wars were like that.
This is a rare historical document about the famous water buckets battle...

Postcard from Fetovaia
This pictures shows several typical Elba Island elements: pines, prickly pears... and crystal-clear water!
This pictures shows several typical Elba Island elements: pines, prickly...

South-West USA
I've seen things you European people wouldn't believe. Zion Canyon from Angel's Landing, after walking on the edges of the cliffs. I watched the rainbow at the foot of Vernal fall, wet by the mist. If I don't show you, all those moments will be lost in time... like beads of sweat in Lake Powell.
I've seen things you European people wouldn't believe. Zion Canyon from...

Yosemite Valley
Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point. My dream panorama, except that it really exists.
Yosemite Valley from Glacier Point. My dream panorama, except that it really ...

Antelope Canyon
The Lower Antelope Canyon is not among Arizona's most famous attractions. Let's keep the secret or it will soon be filled with hords of tourists!
The Lower Antelope Canyon is not among Arizona's most famous attractions....

San Diego by night
San Diego downtown and the port.

Horseshoe bend
A hidden gem near Page, Arizona.

Obscured by clouds
I would have never guessed this lighting effect was so good in picture.

Palm trees and skyscrapers
I had never seen palm trees as tall as skyscrapers.

Crystal Cave
Some amazing works just take time, but it is worth to wait.
Crystal Cave is part of Sequoia National Park.
Crystal Cave is...

Waterfall in the woods
Walk off the trails and it will be only up to you to discover lovely spots, there are so many in these places.
This one is in Sequoia National Park.
Walk off the trails and it will be only up to you to discover lovely spots,...

Approaching Monument Valley
Every time I see it, this picture still gives me the creeps.

Las Vegas
For me, Las Vegas best attraction is the city itself. Here, you see it well from above (the top of the Stratosphere Tower).
For me, Las Vegas best attraction is the city itself. Here, you see it well...

Vernal Fall
Vernal Fall from the Mist Trail, in Yosemite National Park.
All optionals are included, like the rainbow at the foot of the waterfall and the mist refreshing the hiker.
All optionals are...

Sunset at Grand Canyon
The colors of the rocks become magical at sunset.

A winding road
If all road signs were as obvious as the one on the right...

Graves on the lawn
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

Santa Monica beach
This shot against the light looks to me to have a kind of mystic atmosphere.

Zion Canyon
Zion Canyon is the most famous (and probably beautiful) valley in Zion National Park.
Zion Canyon is the most famous (and probably beautiful) valley in Zion...

Learning to fly
I couldn't resist this Pink Floyd citation! (And it is the second, which one was the first?)
I couldn't resist this Pink Floyd citation! (And it is the second, which one ...

Monument Valley
Where red mesas and buttes come out of the ground like mushrooms.

The Indian cowboy
The picture many classic Hollywood movies give of native Americans is false! This Navajo dresses and acts as a movie cowboy.
The picture many classic Hollywood movies give of native Americans is false! ...

Chinatown's gate
The entrance of San Francisco's Chinatown.

Top of the waterfall
Looking down from the top of Vernal Fall, Yosemite National Park.

San Francisco
San Francisco behind Golden Gate bridge, as seen from Marin County.
The fog coming from the ocean completes this classic shot.
The fog...

American trucks
Why are they so fascinating? I don't know, but they are. I would love to drive one, one day.
Why are they so fascinating? I don't know, but they are. I would love to...

Yellow rock
Colors are amazing at Zion National Park. Mosty orange and green, but also some vivid yellow.
Colors are amazing at Zion National Park. Mosty orange and green, but also...

The wild coast
Less known than the large sandy beaches, the rocky wild coast, swept by the fury of the wind and of the ocean.
Less known than the large sandy beaches, the rocky wild coast, swept by the...

Transparent water
The crystal clear water of Merced river, in Yosemite National Park.

Surfers
Surfers get ready to fulfil their duty.

The old West
A reconstruction of Far West adventurous times in San Diego Old Town.

Beach volley
Where would you want to play beach volley unless in California?

Life in the desert
Nature is weird. It makes my plants unavoidably die, no matter how often I water them; then, it makes a flower grow in the most arid place.
Nature is weird. It makes my plants unavoidably die, no matter how often I...

Clayey soil
Point Loma's clayey soil, by San Diego.

The Spanish heritage
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Davenport. A clear example of Spanish-mission style.
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Davenport. A clear example of...

Life in Chinatown
A scene of daily life in San Francisco's Chinatown.

Sandy beach
This is the only allowed kind of Californian beach in tv series.

Animals
I never had any pet; my parents never let me while I was growing up, but even now I know, despite all my good will, I would be a careless master and I would make my own unlucky pet starve.
Much better for my conscience to watch animals.
I never had any pet; my parents never let me while I was growing up, but even...

Bee at work
A normal bee-ish day of work.

Steller's jay
Thanks for not moving!

The mule deers
Three mule deers at Yosemite National Park.

The Swiss cow
By definition, cows are the Swiss national animal.
Of course, they are very precise and polite; this one is checking that nobody is passing before crossing the river.
Of course, they are very...

The squirrel
Cute!

Seagulls
It's amazing the sense of freedom this picture makes me feel every single time I watch it.
It's amazing the sense of freedom this picture makes me feel every single...

Sea lions
Sea lions freely play, sleep and fight at San Francisco's Pier 39.

The snow dog
Why are you objecting?
It's a dog and that is snow, hence it's a snow dog!

Horses
Horses in the far West.

The giant lizard
In my imagination, this lizard is about 10 meters long.

The parrot
If you add any comment, I will send you a message that repeates it exactly.

The ice whale
One of the ice sculptures (actually, the biggest) presented at 2007 exhibition held in Ottawa's Confederation park, Canada.
One of the ice sculptures (actually, the biggest) presented at 2007...

The magic dragon
This stone dragon protects the entrance of San Francisco CA (USA) Chinatown from dangerous strangers.
Where is the magic? Have you ever seen a dragon? :-)
This stone dragon protects the entrance of San Francisco CA (USA) Chinatown...

Maman, the big spider
This is more than an animal, this a piece of art! Its name is "Maman"; and it lives in front of the National Gallery of Canada, in Ottawa.
This is more than an animal, this a piece of art! Its name is "Maman"; and it...

The sentinel cow
Again, Swiss cows are amazing. This one is resting and enjoying the panoramic view on the steep slopes of Generoso Mountain.
Again, Swiss cows are amazing. This one is resting and enjoying the panoramic...

The hidden cat
Can you see it?
Cats are insidious animals; this one is hiding in the bushes, probably to prepare an ambush or simply to escape my camera.
Cats are insidious animals; this one is hiding in the bushes,...

The intellectual duck
While discussing with this duck, I felt it is more clever than me.

Santa Claus' new helper
As a result of global warming, Santa Claus' reindeers retired, replaced by camels.
As a result of global warming, Santa Claus' reindeers retired, replaced by...

A colourful horse
It won't run fast though... One can't have everything in life.

The two sides of Ottawa
If you visit Ottawa in the most extreme periods of the year, you might even think it's not the same place.
Green as only Canada can be in summer, white and quiet in winter, there is so much to see (and so much different!) in both seasons that it's a pity to miss either. I was lucky I didn't have to choose, I picked them both!
If you visit Ottawa in the most extreme periods of the year, you might even...

Skating on the frozen canal
In a bright and sunny winter day, with -10 Celsius degrees, little is more relaxing than skating on the frozen canal.
And if you go up to the end, a very sweet "beaver tail" may be waiting for you!
In a bright and sunny winter day, with -10 Celsius degrees, little is more...

Summer landscape...
Summer view of Ottawa river and Hull, Quebec, from the high of the Peace Tower.

... and winter one!
Same panorama, winter version.
The river is frozen and everything is covered by snow.
The river is frozen and everything is covered ...

The locked locks
The locks between the river and the canal. They are not of much use in Winter.

The unlocked locks
Finally working!

The winter stroller
To every latitude, its stroller.

Canada day
For me, Canada day main attraction are not the public celebrations, but the crowd invading the streets with countless flags, national colors red and white painted in their faces and a lot of Canadian pride.
For me, Canada day main attraction are not the public celebrations, but the...

Iced art
Some beautiful things last only one season. :-(

Jazz festival
I like watching jazz; listening to it, I like it a bit less.

The igloo
Don't worry, we haven't left toward Greenland, we are still in Ottawa.

Paris
I lived in Paris, but I didn't have a camera at that time and I didn't even know I like taking pictures. These are the shots I'm trying to catch up when I come there back from time to time.
I lived in Paris, but I didn't have a camera at that time and I didn't even...

Sainte-Chapelle's windows
Sainte-Chappelle stained glass windows are renowned to be the most beautiful in the world. Please, tell me if you know some that are even better!
Sainte-Chappelle stained glass windows are renowned to be the most beautiful ...

Paris' roofs
Paris' roofs in November haze, seen from Basilique du Sacré Coeur.

Notre Dame
The imposing cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris.

A matter of size
Mass celebration at Notre Dame.
Yes, the picture is symbolic... the relative size of the priest compared to the vast empty spaces of the cathedral shouldn't teach us the humility of mankind in the majesty of the universe?
Yes, the picture is symbolic... the relative ...

Louis IX
The statue of Louis IX in the lower chapel of Sainte-Chapelle.

A weird fountain
One of the eccentric water fountains in Stravinsky Square.

Senate and Jardin du Luxembourg
The Senate of French Republic in Jardin du Luxembourg parc.

Independent wine's exhibition
The exhibition of French independent wine producers is a celebration of France's rich and diverse wine tradition.
The exhibition of French independent wine producers is a celebration of...

Rome
Thank you Rome! In a very short time, you made me feel your colors and the warmth of your people, the mildness of the climate and the tastes of your most authentic cuisine.
Sometimes, one goes far away only to find out there is a treasure behind the corner!
Thank you Rome! In a very short time, you made me feel your colors and the...

Trevi fountain
The most beautiful fountain in the world. Popular tradition says that if you throw a coin at the screen, it will bring you luck!
The most beautiful fountain in the world. Popular tradition says that if you ...

An unexpected gem
I went to Scuderie del Quirinale museum for a temporary exposition... like this unexpected show from the 1st floor window!
I went to Scuderie del Quirinale museum for a temporary exposition... like...

Sistine Chapel
The best way to view this picture is to hang your screen on the ceiling. This is what a cardinal sees if he raises his eyes during a Papal conclave.
The best way to view this picture is to hang your screen on the ceiling. This...

Castel Sant'Angelo
Imposing at day and at night.

Colosseum
Everybody saw the classic framing, we need something more original!

Fall of the empire
The sun is setting on the ruins of the past magnificence.

Tourism?
I can't really get the sense of this form of tourism.

Laocoön and his sons
"Laocoön and his sons" is attributed to the Rhodian school, 1st century. It didn't leave much room for improvements to sculpting art for the following 2000 years.
"Laocoön and his sons" is attributed to the Rhodian school, 1st century. It...

Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II
All roads lead to Rome; however, in Rome all roads lead to Vittorio Emanuele II monument. In the few days of my stay, no matter what I was visiting, I unavoidably found myself in front of it every time!
All roads lead to Rome; however, in Rome all roads lead to Vittorio Emanuele ...

Ancient and modern
It's hard to sum up a city like this with two words, but if I had to do it...

The Swiss guard
Since 5 centuries, in charge of Pope's security.

Capitoline Wolf
Rome's symbol couldn't be missing!

The land of movies
America is indeed the land of movies.
We may like it or not, but most of the movies that left a mark in popular culture are set there.
As an European, traveling across the States for me also means to keep the dust off my own movie memories.
Stage after stage, here is what I revisited.
We may like it or not, but most of the ...

Taxi driver
"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Then who the hell else are you talkin' to? You talkin' to me? Well I'm the only one here. Who the fuck do you think you're talking to?"
"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? Then who the hell...

Bambi
I know, Bambi is a white-tail, not a mule deer... but this puppy deer reminds me of it in everything!
I know, Bambi is a white-tail, not a mule deer... but this puppy deer reminds...

Escape from Alcatraz
Who would ever willingly stay inside?

Stagecoach
How many western movies have this as a landscape?

Mulholland Drive
I had never got anything making sense out of this movie, but I was so fascinated by its misteries that I hoped coming over would help clear up my mind.
Nope!
I had never got anything making sense out of this movie, but I was so...

The empire strikes back
A statue this is depicting Yoda that anyone visiting LucasFilms headquarters in San Francisco can see.
A statue this is depicting Yoda that anyone visiting LucasFilms headquarters ...

Vertigo
San Francisco, Fort Point, underneath the Golden Gate bridge, from which Kim Novak jumps into the bay.
San Francisco, Fort Point, underneath the Golden Gate bridge, from which Kim ...

Big trouble in Little China
San Francisco, Chinatown. This is the alley that Jack Burton (Kurt Russell) enters with his truck.
San Francisco, Chinatown. This is the alley that Jack Burton (Kurt Russell)...

The Godfather
After this nice virtual trip to the Feast of San Gennaro, only people with no honor would leave without posting a comment.
Believe me, this is an offer you can't refuse. :-)
After this nice virtual trip to the Feast of San Gennaro, only people with no...

Zombi 2
The masterpiece and the originator of Lucio Fulci's spaghetti horror genre.
In the final scene, hordes of zombies wander on Brooklyn bridge.
The masterpiece and the originator of Lucio Fulci's spaghetti horror...

David Letterman Late Show
I know, this is a tv show...

Wall Street
A dull description for a dull movie.

Events
Every time somebody talks about these unforgettable events, I can say "I was there too!". :-)
Every time somebody talks about these unforgettable events, I can say "I was ...

Giro di Lombardia 2008
Giro di Lombardia is one of the classic professional cycling road races. About 240 kilometers, more than 5 hours to tour Lake Como entirely, including some terrible ascents, this is a race for crazy people!
The pictures are all taken in the last 10 kilometers of 2008 edition, October 18. I hope they give the bikers the credit they deserve.
Giro di Lombardia is one of the classic professional cycling road races....

Ascent to victory
Damiano Cunego climbs San Fermo's ascent, the final effort to win the race.

A desperate chase
The chasing group on San Fermo's climbing road.

Cadel Evans
Cadel Evans, Silence - Lotto team.

Serguei Klimov
Serguei Klimov and two other racers, with Lake Como in the background.

The main group
The bikers dispute about whom should be the first to be helped by the ambulance. :-)
The bikers dispute about whom should be the first to be helped by the...

Damiano Cunego
People cheer Damiano Cunego in the last kilometer. It will be his third win of Giro di Lombardia.
People cheer Damiano Cunego in the last kilometer. It will be his third win...

Too late!
It's too late to catch up Cunego.

Scattered arrivals
Scattered bikers in Via Borgo Vico, less than one kilometers to the finish line.

Photoshow 2009
Photoshow is the most important Italian photography exhibition; these are the pictures from 2009 edition, held in Milan.
I am interested in the least showy sides, by far the most authentic in my opinion. Please, don't look these shots for beautiful models or the shows of the biggest brands: you won't find any. My heroes are the people working in the stands and the passionate hobbyist photographers.
Photoshow is the most important Italian photography exhibition; these are the...

The exhibition

Not an ordinary scene
Do you recall the chaos of the exhibition and the noisy crowds pervading everywhere from the previous picture?
In all this, a man is reading a newspaper in a quiet living room with eccentric decorations.
Do you recall the chaos of the exhibition and the noisy crowds pervading...

Is it clear?
Yes, I think I got it.

A kind of poetry
A sheet film camera. Used as I am to digital equipment, it looks to me like a kind of poetry!
A sheet film camera. Used as I am to digital equipment, it looks to me like a...

The lessons
Photography enthusiasts orderly take lessons at one of the biggest brand's stand.
Photography enthusiasts orderly take lessons at one of the biggest brand's...

A little rest...
... after much hard work.

Business negotiations

The antique shop
A look at the past at the antique shop stand.