Time makes us all a prisoner of the present, forever transitioning from our own past into an unknown future. But photography can make us tunnel through to the past, helping us preserve memories and places. One such place forever etched in my mind was hiking through the beautiful Cinque Terre region. I walked along narrow trails that wound through vineyards, with beautiful views of a sun-drenched coastline and the azure waters of the Mediterranean. I passed by quaint farmhouses, cafes and restaurants, serving both the weary walker and the seasoned travelers thronging the colorful villages. I enjoyed savory Levantine cuisine, local wines, thirst-quenching fruit juices and refreshing gelatos.
I can still remember the sights, sounds and smells: the buzz of bees and the chirp of birds as I wound my way along the rocky cliffs, the sweet smell of summer grapes in the vineyards, the touristy chatter giving away to the sound of crashing waves in the villages, quiet alleyways adorned with beautiful houses and so much more. But as the memories slowly fade away and the experience becomes less-defined, it is photography that preserves them.
And that is why this scene, the blue hour in Manarola, is so special, as it captures the quintessential beauty of this amazing region
Manarola
Liguria Italy