I’m lucky enough to be in Colorado for a few weeks and here are some videos of the beautiful Rocky Mountains! I always think of John Denver’s song celebrating this gorgeous American location!
These videos were taken in Boulder Canyon Road, on my way to drive up Sugarloaf Mountain. What a wonderful name!
I tried to get some closer views of my favorite house and garage on Sugar Loaf Mountain.
I’ll be back soon with more and a surprise appearance by a deer!
After driving through the Vie Cave (see my earlier post on that https://getbacklauretta.com/2026/06/14/driving-through-italy/) in this part of Italy recently, we stopped about 7:30 pm to “take the waters” at Saturnia. It was a very fun experience!
The thermal waters, or hot springs, at Saturnia are an enchanting and enticing stop while exploring southern Tuscany and the Maremma area in southern Tuscany. You can take advantage of outdoor, and thus free, hot water springs called “Cascate di Mulino“, located less than 6 km outside of the town of Saturnia and a few km from the Terme di Saturnia Resort.
Its origins are extremely ancient: a Greek historian from 60BC tells how this area was inhabited by pre-classical populations from Greece! Later came the Etruscans followed by the Romans, as proven by the beautiful Porta Romana, Roman Gates, dating back to the 2nd century B.C.
My video shows the top most area of the springs, high above where most of the people hang out. We had the little area to ourselves and I can assure you of two things: 1. the water is hot and 2. the current up here is strong! It was hard to stay stable without hanging on to a rope that went across and which I was afraid was going to break at any moment.
The current was so strong it took my nail polish off! The sulphur smell is strong and might put some people off. My video doesn’t show the breadth of this area of water. The bottom was not deeply underwater, but it was of course very rocky and moss clung to its surfaces, adding to the difficulty of maintaining stability. Still, under the trees, warm in the water, on a late May evening, it was a “real Italian experience.” The moon was out as well, so it was altogether quite something!
Below, an unexpected street name in Rome!
Another street sign of my river!
The sun as it set over the Laghetto in Villa Borghese.
The Laghetto is a peaceful, artificial lake famous for its neoclassical Temple of Aesculapius, see below:
And, in a different settingt equally beautiful to behold, was the moon as it rose on another evening in Villa Ada, Rome:
Oh, how I cherish these beautiful moments!
The photo above was of a surprise in this neighborhood. A street named after the River in Florence on which I am fortunate to live!
In my recent, previous post about this incredible event I recently got to witness in Florence, I provided background information about the spettacolo (spectacle). This post is just pictures and videos. It was a fascinating event. I am thrilled I got to experience it!
Above, the games between red and green are ready to begin!
First thing they try to do is tackle the opposing team and keep them down while the remaining players try to get the ball to one goal or the other. The goal is not a small space. It is the entirety of each end of the field!
I will be honest with you. The fighting was not impressive. The game is simple and primitive. But, nevertheless, it is something one wants to see when living in Florence!
With the Synagogue in the foreground, the rest of Firenze in the background!
How cute is this place!??
Walking away from the church of Trinita dei Monti at the top of the Spanish Steps, and walking along Via Sistina, I looked back at the obelisk and was delighted with the vista.
Located in the IV Rione of Rome, the Campo Marzio, on a warm evening at the end of May 2026, I was enthralled with Rome all over again!
Che bella citta!
get back, lauretta! 
You must be logged in to post a comment.