The Beauty Of Surrender – Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
Back in 2010 when I just started getting into travel photography, my wife and I visited our good friends near Florence, Italy. There, sitting in the living room was this amazing picture of colorful Italian buildings built into a seaside mountain. For me It had every visual element of a great photograph. At the time I had no idea that The Cinque Terre region even existed, let alone that it contained such unique and special beauty. I remember writing down in my notebook the word: Riomaggiore.
Flash forward to now and my wife and I travel full time, exploring and photographing unique places all over the world. Out of everywhere I’ve been, hands down, Cinque Terre is the most beautiful. The vista points blew our minds and we instantly fell in love. I’ve had a long love affair with the sea and for me, Cinque Terre embodied the perfect synergistic balance between civilization and the ocean. I instantly felt comfortable, at peace, and at home. To this day, my photos from Cinque Terre continue to be some of my greatest inspiration.
A Sincere Thank You to Scott Kelby
Yesterday, I was honored and humbled to find out that Scott Kelby listed BlameTheMonkey.com as the “Best New Blog For Photographers.” — Part of his 3rd Annual “Best of 2011 Awards.”
He also has Crazy Stupid Love as the best romantic comedy of 2011 and I couldn’t agree more. That movie has kept me laughing out loud on multiple flights… And, there’s a lot more cool stuff on there too. Check it out. 
I found your website because of Scott’s awards
And I have to say, good job!
Thanks Tomas, I appreciate it! That Scott Kelby is a good guy.
Congratulations…truly an amazing journey.
Cheers
Cheers Mate!
Found you through Scott Kelby’s site. Glad he recommended you, great job! Look forward to following your work in the future; John
Thanks John! I’m glad you found the site. It sounds like I owe Scott Kelby a coffee next time I see him.
Elia…I also found your site through Scott Kelby…call me your latest fan!! Outstanding work, and great blog….I will have to advertise you on Google+ as well,..I have added you to my blog roll, and look forward to reading your posts daily. By the way, I went to Cinque Terre two summers ago with my wife, and couldn’t agree with you more about the beauty there!! Awesome place!! Cheers, Scotty
Thanks Scotty — I’m glad Scott Kelby pointed you in my direction! It’s good to have you here. I read through your blog as well. I love how you’re also putting happiness above all else. Cheers Mate and thanks again!
Fantastic site. I will be a regular visitor dude.
Cool Ian. Glad to have you here!
By the way, I also had no idea that there was such a place as Cinque Terre, even with my Friuli and Trentino Alto-Adige roots.
Of those five magnificent viillages, Vernazza for me is the ultimate one.
Kalk Bay, in Cape Town, South Africa is my daily consolation for not being in Vernazza!
With a name like Locardi you must also have Italian origins?
Vernazza and Riomaggiore were my favorite by far and yes, I was lucky enough to inherit an Italian Surname.