Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Nestled in a small piazza in Rome’s historic center, the fountain is a spectacular blend of art, architecture, and legend that draws millions of visitors every year.

Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, the Trevi Fountain stands at the junction of three roads (“tre vie”), which gives it its name. It marks the terminal point of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built in 19 BC to supply fresh water to the city. The fountain is both an artistic masterpiece and a celebration of water’s importance in Roman life.

At its center stands a dramatic statue of Oceanus, the god of all water, riding a shell-shaped chariot pulled by two sea horses. One horse is calm, the other wild, symbolizing the varying moods of the sea. Flanking Oceanus are statues representing Abundance and Health, with bas-reliefs above depicting the aqueduct’s history.

One of the most enduring traditions associated with the Trevi Fountain is the coin toss. Legend holds that throwing a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder ensures a return to Rome. An estimated €3,000 are thrown into the fountain each day, and the money is used to support local charities.

Beyond its stunning aesthetics, the Trevi Fountain has also made a significant impact in popular culture, notably in Federico Fellini’s film La Dolce Vita. The iconic scene featuring Anita Ekberg wading through the fountain helped solidify its place in cinematic history.

Whether admired for its artistic grandeur or simply enjoyed as a magical spot to make a wish, the Trevi Fountain remains one of Rome’s most beloved and iconic sights. 

Hotel Revival in Baltimore, Maryland

A few visuals from a stay at the Hotel Revival in Baltimore, Maryland.

I Funko'd Myself in Hollywood (Again)

My strict rules for purchasing any Funko Pops aside, I took the bait at the Hollywood Boulevard store in in Los Angeles, California and created myself in miniature vinyl form once more.

As was the issue last year, a blonde dude in a hoodie doesn't look personalized. Then I saw the popcorn and trophy accessories and it clicked. In keeping with this year's over-extended theme I made the Monarch Theatre premiere / film festival version of myself to compliment last year's mini-me Funko travel photographer. 

In short, this became another brilliantly kitschy souvenir from the latest Hollywood travel shoots ... and, let's be honest, one more opportunity to name-drop "Your Cinema Needs You" as the international festival tour rolls on through 2024. 

Centre Pompidou in Paris, France

The Centre Pompidou, located in the heart of the Beaubourg district in Paris, is one of the city’s most striking and innovative landmarks. Opened in 1977, it serves as a cultural hub dedicated to modern and contemporary art, housing the Musée National d'Art Moderne, one of the largest collections of modern art in Europe.

Designed by architects Renzo Piano and Richard Rogers, the building is famous for its radical "inside-out" design. All the structural and mechanical elements—pipes, ducts, elevators, and escalators—are placed on the exterior, color-coded for function (blue for air, green for water, yellow for electricity, and red for circulation). This daring approach freed up interior space for exhibitions and created an industrial aesthetic that challenged traditional architectural norms.

Inside, the Centre Pompidou offers a rich and dynamic experience. The Musée National d'Art Moderne spans the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Matisse, Duchamp, and many others. In addition to its permanent collection, the center hosts rotating exhibitions, performance art, film screenings, and lectures, making it a vibrant space for creative exploration.

The building also includes a vast public library, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Paris, and various educational and research facilities. Its open plaza in front of the entrance is a popular gathering place for street performers, artists, and tourists.

The Centre Pompidou has been both praised and criticized for its unconventional appearance, but over time it has become a beloved symbol of avant-garde architecture and cultural innovation. More than just a museum, it represents a bold vision of what a cultural institution can be—open, accessible, and constantly evolving. As such, it remains one of Paris’s most important and engaging cultural centers.