Travel Theme: Exits

As I looked through my travel photos for samples of exits I realized I was much more likely to take photographs from the point of view of the entrance, a time of anticipation. When I leave a place my mind has often moved on to the next. There are a few notable exceptions. The sculpture of Seated Hermes in the sculpture loggia of Villa San Michele in Capri drew me in to the pergola covered pathway beyond.

Villa San Michele, Capri

The waterfront exit from Ca' Rezzonico in Venice made me think of the legendary rogue Casanova and his cronies as they might have departed by gondola from an evening of frivolity at this palazzo on the Grand Canal.

Ca' Rezzonico, Venice

The exit from lovely Isola Bella on Italy's Lake Maggiore is, by necessity, a dock.

Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore

And speaking of docks, river cruise vessels are often required to double dock when space is limited. This means they are docked alongside each other and passengers on the ship furthest from shore must exit by passing through the neighbouring vessel.

Double Docked River Cruise Ships

Some exits are grandiose, not only because of their size but also due to the view framed by the open doorway. The exit from the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence leads directly to the Renaissance sculptures on adjacent Loggia dei Lanzi.

Palazzo Vecchio, Florence

Simpler exits are also interesting, like this access point to Rue Obscura, a covered street in Villefranche-sur-Mer that served as an air raid shelter during World War II.

Villlefranche-sur-Mer, France

Back again to grandiose... this exit is a shortcut to St. Peter's Basilica from the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. It can save visitors a time-consuming second security screening.

The Vatican Museums, Rome

And one must not exit from Casa di Giulietta in Verona without pausing to view the messages left by the lovelorn on the large graffiti wall.

Juliet's House, Verona

Visit Wheresmybackpack? for more photos of exits and next week's travel photo theme.