Purple Haze

  No doubt about it, April is a magical month in central Italy. The weather starts to warm up a tad, though you may still have nasty days of wind and rain, but  Primavera is defiantly hard at work showing herself off in wonderful ways.

  I look forward to seeing all the wisteria vines come into full glory. What a show! 

  And that perfume...my-oh-my. On a warm day, it's almost overwhelming. But just almost. I find it intoxicating in the best way. Just walk up and into one of these beauties, and you are surrounded by color, fragrance, the soft touch of purple petals on your skin...yummy.

A very sensual experience.

  Do take car to watch out for the hundreds of buzzing bees. Yes, there is always sound as well.

  

  Let's dive on in, shall we?

  

Near Lago Balsena.

Down a dirt road on our morning walk.

Outside the walls of a nearby hill town...

...zoom in on the waterfall from the shot before.

Morning walk magic.

In a garden of some friends.

A hidden gem waiting to be enjoyed.
Morning walk.

In Cortona.

We stopped in our tracks as we drove by....

It's time for Wisteria!
Note the huge bees.

On a random drive in the countryside...

...I do love this combination.

Closer to home.

A yearly favorite.

A close up shot.

Another beautiful combination.

In Arezzo. Nice parking lot, man.

A random pass by. Had to stop.

On a morning walk.

A surprise in a nearby town.

I love this color combination.

Random drive by.
Again.

At a favorite restaurant nearby.

Just couldn't resist the various shapes and colors.
On an afternoon walk.

Perfection.

Wish I could have gotten closer.
In Pittigliano.

Softest yellow and lavender make this a stunner.
In Deruta.

Why not?
Walking under.

Another local favorite.

Busting out of an old ruin...

A closer look.

I can't remember where I took this one.
Hmmmm...a palm tree? Hmmmmm....

In Orvieto.
I like this shot.

Another one in Orvieto.

Florence in bloom.

Walking through the haze.

  But... it's not only wisteria blooming. This year the 'Banksia' roses were wild! I may have to concentrate on these beauties next April. They are all over the area, as well, and they get huge!

  Yep...a preview for next spring: