BikeMI - Bike Sharing

f/2.8, 1/100, 50mm., ISO400
BikeMI
Cordusio, Milan Italy

Bike Milan or simply "BikeMI" was Milan Italy's bike sharing project to promote environmental awareness by reducing smoke emissions coming from cars, buses and other engine driven vehicles. The project helps the city on reducing traffic, less traffic means better productivity. Most of all, it balances human activity for those who has less time for fitness. BikeMI is operated by Azienda Trasporti Milanesi S.p.A.(ATM).

Italian Public Performers

f/2.2, 1/60, 50mm., ISO800
Claudio Niniano
Cadorna Train Station, Milan Italy

One afternoon while I was walking in a path-walk in Cadorna train station, a clear sound of acoustic guitar catches my attention and leads me to search where it is coming from. In front of Banca Populare di Milano gathered are bunch of people watching this man performing in public. 


Along with his SR Jam 150 amplifier, automobile battery, acoustic guitar(looks like a Taylor or Martin), harmonicas of different tone models, a microphone and stand. He is singing his original compositions in the style of blues, country and folk. 


While listening to his low voice and distinct storytelling in his songs, I thought that the suitcase in front of him is for the tips alone. There you can see also his album CD's laid there with a small card board that says "give away, or it's up to you"(for what I can understand in Italian). His name is Claudio Niniano written in the cover. Most of the Italian artists like him performs in public places to promote their music locally. I will feature some other musicians here in my future posts. Performers inside the moving train with accordion and violin with them truly blends in composing Italy.

Italian Kiss

f/2.8, 1/250, 50mm., ISO100
Cadorna, Milan Italy
March 8, 2012

Like the Americans and French people, Italians are very expressive with their greetings towards their loved ones and friends. You can see it everyday in streets. They are cheek kissing when they unexpectedly meet their friends on the street. Intimate kissing is also normal in the public places for couples. They don't mind intimate kissing in train stations, buses, parks and café. They are proud to show to everyone that they love each other. As an Asian national, I was amazed in shock the first time I saw teen couples(15 years old) doing it in public. Well, they just don't care. Amazing!

Italian Walls

f/5.6, 1/25, 18mm., ISO 400
San Babila, Milan Italy
July 25, 2011

In the city of Milan found the old houses and buildings that tells every observers how long it has been there. Italians used to preserve and maintain it's style by keeping the old windows, balcony grills, the color and even the textures. Renovations are usually done in a delicate way so that the appearance in general stays old and antique. When it comes to modernization, some people only apply it in the interior design. 

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Built by Giuseppe Mengoni in 1865. This Galleria was built in honor of Vittorio Emmanuele II, the first King of Italy. Now, it is the place in Milan where the most expensive brands are located like Louis Vuitton, Prada and Gucci among others. Also famous for it's premiere restaurants that offers authentic Milanese cuisine. In the center of Galleria's floor mosaic found the image design of the bull called the Turin Coat Of Arms. Beliefs said according to the tradition that if a person stepped with his heel on the bull's genitals and turn around three times, it will bring him a good luck. Thus, turning that particular part of the floor to become hollow.

f/6.3, 1/800, 18mm., ISO 800
Piazza Duomo, Milan Italy

February 29, 2012