My first visit to Venice was as a study abroad student. Although it was many years ago, I can still see it vividly in my mind’s eye. It was winter and a heavy fog had rolled in as I walked along the canal. I could hear the lapping of the water against the gondolas and the hum of the water taxis ferrying passengers to and fro. There were lights in the distance, but the fog clouded the identity of any of the buildings. It was cold, but it didn’t matter. It was simply magical, and for me, it will always be that way.
As soon as I exit Santa Lucia train station and see this view,
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my heart starts to flutter. How grand, how impossible, how so many things!
I know today there can be huge crowds, ridiculous cruise ships, and flooding, but we experienced none of them. And perhaps because it is now illegal to feed the pigeons, even Piazza San Marco wasn’t very crowded.
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After the conference, we relaxed in the grand piazza for a bit,
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enjoying aperitivo,
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listening to music,
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and gazing at the incredible sights,
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especially those just caught by chance.
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Before leaving the piazza, we wandered over to this hotel where we celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary. Such incredibly fond memories.
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Afterward, we caught a vaporetto, or public water taxi, to another part of town, appreciating the efficiency with which they maneuver the canal traffic, dock at various stops, and manage the passengers disembarking and embarking.
And then there are the views – the incredible Renaissance and Gothic palaces, the gondolas, and the Grand Canal.
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Len said if he got lost, I’d find him on this special boat. Smart guy, that Len.
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Sunset and evening bring on their own special color palettes in Venice,
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making it difficult to know which way to look.
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The next morning, I awoke at dawn, so I decided to check out early morning Venice. First on my agenda was to find breakfast, and indeed I did… a delicious cappuccino and a just out of the oven freshly baked cornetto (croissant).
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Then I was ready to explore. This is the famously crowded Rialto Bridge, completed in 1591, covered with rows of shops, and one of the top tourist attractions in Venice.
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But that morning, this was my view, having the Rialto virtually to myself!
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In the early morning hours, however, while most tourists are fast asleep, locals are hard at work preparing for the the day.
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Fish, fruit and vegetables are being delivered,
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and taken to the various markets which supply local restaurants and shoppers.
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After a delightful early morning stroll, I walked back to the hotel through tiny vicoli filled with shops preparing for the day, and lovely old buildings that retain their charm.
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And so, Venice, although I leave you once again, not knowing when I’ll return, rest assured that for me, your mystery, beauty and magic will never fade.
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Ciao,
Judy
