An Italian Side Street

Propped up on its stand, a vintage bicycle patiently awaits its owner in a cobblestone alley of Mantova, Italy, a stone's throw away from Verona, the city that immortalised the star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. In Italy, history seems to linger at every turn, whispering timeless tales of the past.

The presence of a modern motorbike in the frame reveals the photograph's recent origin, though it might have been hard to discern the time period otherwise. Captured just a few years ago with a Fuji X-Pro1, this camera proved just right for street photography. Its near-silent shutter allowed for discreet snapshots, producing only the faintest of sounds.

This memorable scene was captured during a brief afternoon stroll, a chance to unwind before returning to visit a business supplier in a neighbouring town and eventually flying home the next day.

One good reason why you should always pack your camera, even when travelling on business :o).