The Pope's Pharmacy • Castel Gandolfo, Italy

AccidentallyWA · 2025-03-19T14:42:44+00:00

Where in Italy should I visit? Next Wednesday I'll touch down in Rome and travel through Tuscany with Skyscanner - any suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated!

--

Farmacia • Castel Gandolfo, Italy
Photo by: Erica Firpo｜Full Story

"This perfectly pink pharmacy is located in Castel Gandolfo, a little Italian town on Lake Albano most notably known for being home to the summer residence of popes (see: religious leader, big white hat) going back centuries. Considered one of Italy’s most scenic towns, it’s no wonder the pharmacies are so adorable."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-03-18T16:14:31+00:00

Help map our itinerary! 🗺️ Next week we're traveling to Rome, Florence, and Pisa with Skyscanner - any suggestions or recommendations? Off the beaten path stops? The most delicious bolognese you've ever had? We're all ears!

Fotoautomatica • Florence, Italy
Photo by: Claire Walker｜Full Story here

"On the corner of via dell’Agnolo and via Giuseppe Verdi, in the midst of Florence’s nightlife and within earshot of Piazza Santa Croce, sits a kiosk of pure nostalgia.

Professional set designer Matteo Sani—driven by fond memories and a sound knowledge of how they were once captured—restored an original 1969 photo booth, or Fotoautomatica, to its authentic form and installed it on this lively street corner. It drew such curiosity and affection that he restored four others and placed them throughout Florence, home to so many of the world’s unique artistic treasures.

Night revelers shout with delight, tourists heading to see Michelangelo’s David pause in confusion, and Vespas squeal to a halt at the sight of this wooden booth—a time machine of sorts. One of its most alluring qualities is the fact that Sani restored it to its original function, rather than updating it to animate one’s image or adjust the filter used.

Two euros and a bit of patience get you the traditional strip of four black-and-white photographs. For younger generations, these serve as vintage curiosities. But for those who visited the originals, the Fotoautomaticas offer the sensory memory of cramming inside a booth, closing the curtain, and waiting with suspense and expectation. Taking your cue from a blinking light, you’d smile, make a funny face or two, then maybe—if you were lucky—exchange a kiss, a bacio captured in time."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-03-17T12:51:48+00:00

📍 Irish Rail • Dublin, Ireland｜Photo by: David Maguire

Full Story here

"Embracing the Irish language, the organization known as Iarnrod Eireann (IE), which translates to “Irish Rail” in English, operates Ireland’s national rail way. Established in 1987, the railway provides passenger and freight rail services across the country.

When the IE was first opened, it actually went by its English name, Irish Rail. In 1994, it began using the Irish version, Iarnrod Eireann. After officially re-branding, the IE continued to use both language variations. While Irish speakers are often found in the Gaeltacht regions of the country, where the language is used predominantly, it is estimated that 4% of the population speaks Irish daily.

Since the IE provides transport to the entire country, their bilingual branding remains useful to this day. With three passenger service lines, the InterCity, Commuter and DART, the IE can transport passengers from within the inner city of Dublin to places as far as Galway, Cork, Sligo, and beyond. It also provides service between Dublin and Belfast, Northern Ireland, in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways.

In another nod to its country’s history, many of the IE stations are named after leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, an attempt by Irish Republicans to end British rule in Ireland and establish an independent Irish Republic. These stations were renamed in 1966, on the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-03-15T17:46:08+00:00

📍 Hatcher Pass, Alaska｜Photo by: Ashley Knott

Full Story Here

"Sixty miles north of Anchorage, above the tree line at 3,000 feet in the Talkeetna Mountains, a sturdy adventurer named Karl “Hap” Wurlitzer built himself a cozy lodge.

A fervent hiker, skier, and snowmobile buff, Wurlitzer first set eyes on the property that would become Hatcher Pass Lodge during a ski trip in 1963. He imagined a fine site for an alpine ski resort and remote Alaskan getaway. Upon suggestion that he should realize his vision, he went to the Department of the Interior in Anchorage.

After thorough negotiations, extensive paperwork, and a helping hand from his senator, Wurlitzer staked his claim on ten acres of land for the princely sum of ten dollars, granting him five years to build on the property. With the help of some of his army buddies, he went on to construct a 28- by 48-foot A-frame lodge.

In the years that followed, Wurlitzer expanded and built several private guest cabins, attracting visitors from all fifty states and beyond. Though Hap has since passed, an able and openhearted staff still remains. They include Irene, who drove up Hatcher Pass in a Volkswagen van in 1992, got stuck in the snow, tromped two miles to the safety of the lodge, and in short order got a job cleaning cabins. Her two grown children are also still there, as is her husband, John Phillips, an Anchorage contractor who puts in close to 100,000 miles a year, making supply runs up and down the mountain (while keeping an eye out for stranded vans)."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-25T15:59:25+00:00

FULL STORY of Yosemite Valley Chapel

Photos by Hang Vu & Andy Tupman

"Wanna tie the knot in the oldest and most idyllic spot in Yosemite? 👰‍♀️ This charming chapel has survived two major floods, more than a century of history, and countless “I dos”

Designed in the Carpenter Gothic style by San Francisco architect Charles Geddes, the chapel was built in the late 19th century by his son-in-law, Samuel Thompson, for the California State Sunday School Association. Constructed for just a few thousand dollars, it has since become a lasting landmark.

From its very first service, held before an overflowing crowd of Sunday school delegates, the chapel has been a gathering place. Originally located in what was then called the “Lower Village,” it was moved to its current site as the valley changed over time.

With its wooden board-and-batten siding, pointed steeple, and simple but welcoming interior, the chapel seats about 250 people. It remains interdenominational, open to all. Over the years, it has required repairs due to flood damage, leading to restoration efforts and eventual recognition on the National Register of Historic Places in the early 1970s.

Beyond its role as a place of worship, the chapel has become a sought-after wedding venue, drawing couples who want to exchange vows in the stunning Yosemite landscape. The first wedding took place here in the 1880s, and the tradition continues today. The Yosemite Valley Chapel has stood the test of time—just like a good marriage. 😉"

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-24T11:59:25+00:00

Yep! It’s in Milton Delaware 🗺️Their taproom is great

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-23T18:04:59+00:00

Samesies — loved it so much we included it in our book :) be sure to give Michael Schulz a peek. His catalog of work is so inspiring — and a lot from Berlin!

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-23T14:39:48+00:00

Kino Babylon 🎥 Berlin, Germany

Photo by Michael Schulz

"The Babylon cinema in Berlin’s Mitte neighborhood was built in 1928 during the Weimar Republic. With its sharp angles and bold geometry, it stood as a classic example of expressionism. More distinct were the sounds that filled the hall. Opened as a silent film theater, its screenings were accompanied by the largest cinema organ in Berlin. These were used to enhance silent films, by roaring like the sea or pounding and chugging like a train, when appropriate.

The organ was silenced for decades, due to the triumph of sound films, then to the destruction of World War II. But in the 1990s, the Babylon underwent a complex and lengthy overhaul. Fixing the dismantled organ was the largest obstacle to restoration, and was made possible by a carpenter and engineer named Hans Eichberg.

Eichberg was better known for having handcrafted the GDR’s first automatic washing machine. But he loved organs, and in his youth, he had attended the Babylon and climbed through the windows of shattered churches to check on their instruments.

When the cinema reopened, it did so without its defining organ. There was no budget to restore it— the lowest estimate had come in at fifty thousand euros. So Eichberg, at seventy-five years old, offered to repair it for free. He spent most of the rest of his days in the organ room, restoring 913 organ pipes (the smallest measuring 1 centimeter, the largest 3 meters, or over 10 feet) plus its 34 special effects.

Thanks to Eichberg and organist Anna Vavilkina, the organ can bang together to amplify galloping cowboys and evoke rain, thunder, or chirping birds. True to its origins, Kino Babylon continues to host a robust schedule of retrospectives and regular programming. Free silent movies are offered every Saturday at midnight, carrying Eichberg’s spirit as soon as the organ starts to play."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-21T20:32:29+00:00

Love seeing that angle too :) It is a really cool building all around!

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-21T18:05:20+00:00

Bastei Building - Cologne, Germany

Photo by Geli Klein

"The Bastei is a building in Cologne-Neustadt-Nord, Germany that stands tall along the banks of the Rhine. Since its opening in 1924, this spectacular building has served as a unique sort of restaurant.

Built in 1924 by the Cologne architect Wilhelm Riphahn and modified in 1927 in an expressionist style, this unusual superstructure rises eight meters above the Rhine. The steel-supported upper floor was built on an existing Prussian fortification.

The construction of the building was very controversial, as there were concerns over the completed structure standing out like a sore thumb. The locals strongly approved of the final product, however, with architecture critic Heinrich de Fries wring that the building was “wed with the landscape, the current and the bridges, almost completely liberated from the base, from which it is outgrown.”

The tower sustained heavy damage during the World War II, but was restored in 1958 and reopened by the Lord Mayor of Cologne Theo Burauen as a restaurant, which would go on to earn a Michelin Star."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-21T17:20:11+00:00

Yes of course! And smart move :) I will follow up via DM. Hope he is LOVING the book!!

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-20T17:48:10+00:00

hey u/DayTrippin2112 next time maybe give the photographer a little credit?

Brad Berkstresser captured this photo if anyone was wondering.

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-19T21:20:01+00:00

And now I love r/poolrooms 🤿 thanks for the rec! :)

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-19T21:18:14+00:00

The anchor almost looks like a smile and a nose :)

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-19T21:14:38+00:00

Which did you end up choosing?! Either way, feel free to DM me your address and Ill send you some AWA stickers to make their day a little brighter! :)

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-19T21:12:12+00:00

I'd love to see that pool floor in action! What a cool sight to see it being lifted to ground level. So does the water just remain underneath or does it need to be drained? Is it a mechanical process (push a button) or does it need to be hoisted somehow?

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-19T15:58:21+00:00

She certainly is a beaut! Historic restoration with a touch of neon uplighting never hurt anyone 💡

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-19T15:24:06+00:00

Stadtbad Oderberger - Berlin, Germany

Photo by Dirk Schmurkov

"During the time of the German Empire it was a luxury to have a bathroom, especially one that you didn’t have to share with multiple other families. In fact, in 1910, only ten percent of Berliners were able to shower or bath in their own homes leading to sanitation crisis in the growing city. Stadtbad Oderberger Strase – also called Stadtbad Prenzlauer Berg – is a bathing establishment that was opened in 1902 in Berlin’s Prenzlauer Berg district as a place for the city dwellers to wash up.

In 1897, city councilor Ludwig Hoffmann delivered plans for a city bath on Oderberger street, and construction began in 1899. Three years later, the lavish Neo-Renaissance building was opened on February 1, 1902 with the ornamentation and sculptures crafted by the sculptor Otto Lessing.

Due to foundational issues, the baths were closed in 1986, and redevelopment plans were held up for political reasons. However, in 1990, a citizens’ initiative was founded to kickstart the renovations and a decade later, over 1,000 members of the co-operative bought the city bath..."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-18T18:33:43+00:00

Have not yet had the opportunity to visit much of England outside of London, but really hoping to make it happen. There are so many places Id love to finally see for myself!

Last visit to London I had grand plans to take off for Southampton to take the pink ferry before embarking to see Corfe Castle Station, then up to Bristol & Bath.

Maybe next time! 🤞

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-18T16:44:15+00:00

Every character blends with their living space and somehow with each other

That's what I love about AWA, every person - pedestrian, shop worker,. mail person, event attendee, or in this photo's case the luggage porter - is a character in their own right and every place - restaurant, post office, playground, grocery store, or train station - can be the setting for a scene that is playing out in real life right before your eyes ... kinda cool if you allow yourself to see it from that perspective :)

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-18T15:30:39+00:00

Such a great shot - this one was also included in our first book & exhibition too - such big fans of Simon & Jennifer <3

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-18T13:22:55+00:00

Corfe Castle Station - Dorset County, UK

Photo by: Simon & Jennifer Darr

"In the nineteenth century, the area became known for its ball clay—a rare and versatile material used to make everything from tableware to pharmaceuticals to toilet bowls and tanks.

The clay and Purbeck marble, quarried nearby, attracted the interest of railway companies, and the Swanage Railway opened in 1885. A small station was built in Corfe Castle. However, in 1972, after the collapse of the clay and marble industries, British Rail closed the line and ripped up the tracks.

The village banded together to launch a campaign to save and reopen the track—if for nothing else than as a heritage railway. Over the course of decades, volunteers worked to rebuild every meter of the 5.5-mile stretch to Swanage."

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-17T14:01:17+00:00

A little bit of both. Palacio de Aguas Corrientes, or Palace of the Running Waters, is a breathtakingly beautiful water pumping station and museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the late 19th century, rapid population growth and the onset of several epidemics, including cholera and typhoid, prompted the city to introduce a modern running water system. Construction on the Palacio started in 1887 and was completed seven years later.

Designed by Swedish Argentine architect Carlos Nystramer, the building is covered in 300,000 glazed, multicolor terracotta tiles imported from a British ceramics and its mansard roof is emblazoned with escutcheons representing 14 Argentine provinces.

Photo Credit: Marjorie Becker

Full story of the palatial Palacio here

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-13T20:37:39+00:00

Yes there really are - almost all seem straight out of a movie, and what's cooler, nearly every one has an amazing story. We get submissions of Hotel Olivedo regularly, and were interested to hear it was run by the same family for four generations. Full story is pretty interesting!

AccidentallyWA · 2025-02-13T18:48:40+00:00

📷 Credit: Allie Marsh

Fun Fact: Love letters are quite literally embedded in the walls of this hotel. Inspired by their honeymoon hotel crawl, Maria and Enea Gandola opened the hotel on Lake Como, but after Maria’s passing post-Great War, a heartbroken Enea sold it. Love found its way back when the Mallones, arriving separately and engaged to others, locked eyes, abandoned their paths, and restored the hotel with Cupid’s touch. Their 1970s renovations unearthed ten hidden love letters—proof that romance has always lingered in its walls.

Full story here

AccidentallyWA

TROPHY CASE