Victorious Venezia!
Ahhhhh, how exciting to wake up in Venezia! As usual it was up early and breakfast around 7:30. Since our hotel didn't have a lobby to speak of, we were to meet in the square at the end of the block at 8:15. It was a beautiful, clear day and the temperature was actually warm. Bliss!
Our guide for the morning was Elizabetta- or Betta- a woman who seemed to be all the stereotypes of an Italian woman: tall, slim, dark hair, attractive, stylish, feisty, opinionated, proud and best of all, nice. Oh yeah- she talked with her hands!
Our guide for the morning was Elizabetta- or Betta- a woman who seemed to be all the stereotypes of an Italian woman: tall, slim, dark hair, attractive, stylish, feisty, opinionated, proud and best of all, nice. Oh yeah- she talked with her hands!
Trying to find a decent picture of this woman- in spite of my having taken a ton of them, was near to impossible as Betta was a woman in constant motion and with much to say.
I really enjoyed her animated commentary as she led us around Venice. She talked about the flooding, and how special walkways (that look like folding tables) are kept in key places to put out when the flood waters come. She talked politics, lifestyle, education and family. Like all of the local guides, she was great with sharing the positives of her country/city as well as negatives- which are much the same as what we have in the States. We walked along the Grand Canal- and watched the local water police pull over speeding boats. We walked to the Realto Bridge, which, unfortunately, was under construction, so hardly visible beneath the giant construction sheet, but we can say we climbed over it. We saw some lovely sights. Venice is a beautiful city, especially in the less touristy hours.
I really enjoyed her animated commentary as she led us around Venice. She talked about the flooding, and how special walkways (that look like folding tables) are kept in key places to put out when the flood waters come. She talked politics, lifestyle, education and family. Like all of the local guides, she was great with sharing the positives of her country/city as well as negatives- which are much the same as what we have in the States. We walked along the Grand Canal- and watched the local water police pull over speeding boats. We walked to the Realto Bridge, which, unfortunately, was under construction, so hardly visible beneath the giant construction sheet, but we can say we climbed over it. We saw some lovely sights. Venice is a beautiful city, especially in the less touristy hours.
What you don't see in the brochures...
Beggars are everywhere, in the US AND in Europe. In Italy they were especially pesky. Some will chase you down. Others will pick your pockets. Others will send their children to beg from you. Some might be legitimately troubled, but most are doing their "job" by triggering your pity and then taking your money. Just as in the States, BEWARE.
Beggars are everywhere, in the US AND in Europe. In Italy they were especially pesky. Some will chase you down. Others will pick your pockets. Others will send their children to beg from you. Some might be legitimately troubled, but most are doing their "job" by triggering your pity and then taking your money. Just as in the States, BEWARE.
Delightful Dog of the Day
After our Venice tour, Betta then took us to a local shop where Venetian masquerade masks are made. The man who made the masks didn't speak English, so Betta acted as translator and sometimes demonstrator of this interesting and beautiful art form.
There was no time for mask shopping after our demonstration. We were told we were welcome to come back and shop during our free time- as we had other appointments that morning and needed to go. Our tour ended outside in St Marco Square at St Mark's Basilica next to the Doge's Palace. We were allowed time to go inside and see it. Dimitri told us about the gold interior and how the colors changed when they turned the lights on. He really wanted us to get the chance to see it during the transition of light.
I was struggling with my ankle after our long morning tour. I went inside the Basilica briefly, long enough to take a few pictures and enjoy the changing gold within the cathedral. It really was quite dramatic and beautiful.
I was struggling with my ankle after our long morning tour. I went inside the Basilica briefly, long enough to take a few pictures and enjoy the changing gold within the cathedral. It really was quite dramatic and beautiful.
The picture above is from the internet. The basilica was under construction when we were there, and I forgot to get a good picture.
One thing you quickly learn in Venice is that there are two Venices. There is the Venice in my picture below, the idyllic, beautiful and dreamlike Venezia, the postcard Venice...
And then there is THIS Venice- the Venice NOT seen in postcards
This Venice, while still appealing, is bustling and over-crowded. This Venice exists between 9AM and 7PM. If you want to live the dream, do your exploring near sunrise and sunset and in the evening. Stay in your hotel room and nap during the afternoons unless you enjoy the crowds of tourists.
While we took a short bathroom/gelato break, I took a minute to just "be in the moment". I tried to make sure to do that at least once a day. I'd pause and tell myself to close my eyes, to listen to the sounds, smell the air, feel the breeze or the sun or rain or whatever on my skin. Then I'd open my eyes and tell myself, "This is Venice (or wherever). You are in Venice. YOU have the amazing and incredible opportunity to BE in Venice. Remember this forever. Thank you, God." It worked. Even now, months later, when I think back, I can recall the sounds, the smells, the sun on my face. Glorious.
Next on our list was a tour of the Murano Glass Factory- The Galleria San Marco. The general public is not allowed access to the factory. The factory is reserved for special tours and demonstrations- usually for companies that sell Murano glass.
We were led into a special demonstration room and given nice bleacher seating- which I gratefully accepted. For a half an hour or so one gentleman gave us the spiel about what makes Murano glass special while another gentleman gave us a glass blowing demonstration. It was all very interesting, intricate and detailed work.
The factory warehouse did house a gift shop and if we purchased anything during our visit, we would be given a significant discount. The catch was- since the factory was not open to the general public, we couldn't leave, change our minds and go back. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Hmmmm...
Our tour ended in the gift shop, where we were shown some beautiful glass jewelry and some exquisite teacups and saucers. Exquisite and durable, as the man demonstrated by dropping them loudly on the table- and making me gasp/screech each time! We were then given around 45 minutes to shop if we wanted.
Many of the tour folk left right after the demonstration. Others made small purchases and some made not so small purchases. Naturally there were a million lovely things that I could easily imagine in my home.
Murano glass is not cheap- nothing of quality ever is. However, I was pleased to find a shelf with clearance items on it and was hoping I might find a small figurine to put on my fireplace mantle. First things first though, I found a pretty necklace of black and gold beads for my daughter, Kaylie. Then, when I saw a glass dolphin on the clearance shelf, I sighed- as Kaylie collects glass dolphins. Then I saw a lovely swan and knew that was for me. I had enjoyed swans in the canals of Amsterdam, Brugges and Venice. The swan was a beautiful reminder of so many of the lovely places I'd visited so far.
Because the figurines were on clearance at half price, I didn't get the other discount off of them, but I did get the discount on the necklace AND they threw in 3 blown glass "candies" as an extra thank you for my business. I also got certificates of authenticity on each of the pieces, stating they were one of a kind and made in house of Murano glass.
We were led into a special demonstration room and given nice bleacher seating- which I gratefully accepted. For a half an hour or so one gentleman gave us the spiel about what makes Murano glass special while another gentleman gave us a glass blowing demonstration. It was all very interesting, intricate and detailed work.
The factory warehouse did house a gift shop and if we purchased anything during our visit, we would be given a significant discount. The catch was- since the factory was not open to the general public, we couldn't leave, change our minds and go back. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Hmmmm...
Our tour ended in the gift shop, where we were shown some beautiful glass jewelry and some exquisite teacups and saucers. Exquisite and durable, as the man demonstrated by dropping them loudly on the table- and making me gasp/screech each time! We were then given around 45 minutes to shop if we wanted.
Many of the tour folk left right after the demonstration. Others made small purchases and some made not so small purchases. Naturally there were a million lovely things that I could easily imagine in my home.
Murano glass is not cheap- nothing of quality ever is. However, I was pleased to find a shelf with clearance items on it and was hoping I might find a small figurine to put on my fireplace mantle. First things first though, I found a pretty necklace of black and gold beads for my daughter, Kaylie. Then, when I saw a glass dolphin on the clearance shelf, I sighed- as Kaylie collects glass dolphins. Then I saw a lovely swan and knew that was for me. I had enjoyed swans in the canals of Amsterdam, Brugges and Venice. The swan was a beautiful reminder of so many of the lovely places I'd visited so far.
Because the figurines were on clearance at half price, I didn't get the other discount off of them, but I did get the discount on the necklace AND they threw in 3 blown glass "candies" as an extra thank you for my business. I also got certificates of authenticity on each of the pieces, stating they were one of a kind and made in house of Murano glass.
The Murano Glass Factory was our last group event of the day. So people started to splinter off to get lunch and explore on their own. I met up with Ila and Tom and as we stood around debating where to get lunch, Dimitri passed us by. We stopped him to get some suggestions, as Tom was craving pizza. Dimitri gave his suggestion and walked us part way to find it. We asked him to join us- and at first he said no, he had a lot of things to do for the next day. I pestered him further and said, "so much to do that you can't even have lunch first?" He grinned at me and then said he'd love to join us.
The restaurant he took us to was perfect. Of course the people knew him and they escorted us right to a nice corner table. My three table mates were all ready for pizza, but as soon as I saw spaghetti and meatballs on the menu, I knew I had to get it. I'm so glad I did. It was truly the best spaghetti and meatballs I've ever eaten. I wished I could take 10 to go orders with me. My mouth waters up even now, thinking about it. Yum!
The restaurant he took us to was perfect. Of course the people knew him and they escorted us right to a nice corner table. My three table mates were all ready for pizza, but as soon as I saw spaghetti and meatballs on the menu, I knew I had to get it. I'm so glad I did. It was truly the best spaghetti and meatballs I've ever eaten. I wished I could take 10 to go orders with me. My mouth waters up even now, thinking about it. Yum!
After we stuffed ourselves on authentic Italian food, Dimitri bid us good-bye and Ila, Tom and I decided to walk to the mask shop and look around. I'd promised my daughter a mask for her collection and a friend (whose bucket list #1 is a trip to Italy) one as a souvenir.
It didn't take us too long to find the shop- which was just over a bridge from the where they make the masks.
What a great shop. But how to decide? Of course the price-tags helped a lot in my decisions. The masks were beautiful, and creepy. I could have spent all day in that shop just admiring the creativity. Mindful of my buddies and my limited time in the city, I narrowed things down. I bought a purple cat mask for my daughter, as well as a pink princess eye mask. For my friend, I bought a Harlequin eye mask.
It didn't take us too long to find the shop- which was just over a bridge from the where they make the masks.
What a great shop. But how to decide? Of course the price-tags helped a lot in my decisions. The masks were beautiful, and creepy. I could have spent all day in that shop just admiring the creativity. Mindful of my buddies and my limited time in the city, I narrowed things down. I bought a purple cat mask for my daughter, as well as a pink princess eye mask. For my friend, I bought a Harlequin eye mask.
With my masks carefully wrapped by the mask maker himself, the three of us headed back out into the busy city. So much careful shopping deserved a gelato break! For those who haven't had gelato, I'd describe it as a creamy sherbet. The flavors are sharper, such as in a sherbet, but the texture is more like an ice milk- yet there is a creaminess like ice cream without the heaviness. Got it? The main thing to know is that it's delicious and when in Italy, one should enjoy them as much as possible.
I had to snap a few pictures as I, Tom and Ila (EYE-la) made our way back to the hotel. I find that I really enjoy this couple's company. They are so warm and kind and fun to talk to. One of my favorite pictures is the one I took of them smooching on the canal bridge.
I had to snap a few pictures as I, Tom and Ila (EYE-la) made our way back to the hotel. I find that I really enjoy this couple's company. They are so warm and kind and fun to talk to. One of my favorite pictures is the one I took of them smooching on the canal bridge.
Memorable Moment
Back at the hotel I figured there were several things that I could do. Napping won out. It felt so good to take off my shoes and socks and get my ankle up in the air to deflate.
I woke up a couple of hours later wondering what in the world to do. I walked around the hotel a bit, trying to see if anybody else was around that I might hang out with. Not finding anybody about, I put on my brave face, grabbed my camera and headed out to have my own explore. I made sure to put a hotel card in my pocket and said a little prayer that I wouldn't need it.
I had no idea where I was going. I just picked a random direction and started walking, snapping pictures as I explored.
I was thrilled to find the Campanile of Santo Stephano. I and a few others had spoken to Dimitri about sneaking away from Florence on our free morning to take a bus to Pisa and see the leaning tower. From all I had read, we would have time to make the trip, see the tower and hurry back in time to make our appointment at the Uffizi Gallery at 2PM. Dimitri said that while that might all work out on paper, he doubted we would have enough time to wait in the always long lines to go inside of the Tower of Pisa and did we really want to go through all of that hassle just to see it from the outside? And we were assuming the busses would be on time, which they are known to often NOT be. If we really wanted to go to Pisa, he would help us work out the details, but he did emphasize that the Uffizi Gallery was spectacular and NOT something we should miss. So reluctantly we let the thoughts of Pisa go. Dimitri then went on to say that Europe was full of leaning buildings, Pisa did not have the market cornered there. And he told us about the leaning Campanile of Santo Stephano. So it was fun to stumble upon it and get some pictures of it.
Another thing you see a lot of in Venice, are little window-like alcoves in buildings that house religious icons and/or paintings. I'm not sure if these are prayer stations or memorials or what, but most look quite old and many are beautiful and for whatever reason I can never seem to get a clear shot of one.
I woke up a couple of hours later wondering what in the world to do. I walked around the hotel a bit, trying to see if anybody else was around that I might hang out with. Not finding anybody about, I put on my brave face, grabbed my camera and headed out to have my own explore. I made sure to put a hotel card in my pocket and said a little prayer that I wouldn't need it.
I had no idea where I was going. I just picked a random direction and started walking, snapping pictures as I explored.
I was thrilled to find the Campanile of Santo Stephano. I and a few others had spoken to Dimitri about sneaking away from Florence on our free morning to take a bus to Pisa and see the leaning tower. From all I had read, we would have time to make the trip, see the tower and hurry back in time to make our appointment at the Uffizi Gallery at 2PM. Dimitri said that while that might all work out on paper, he doubted we would have enough time to wait in the always long lines to go inside of the Tower of Pisa and did we really want to go through all of that hassle just to see it from the outside? And we were assuming the busses would be on time, which they are known to often NOT be. If we really wanted to go to Pisa, he would help us work out the details, but he did emphasize that the Uffizi Gallery was spectacular and NOT something we should miss. So reluctantly we let the thoughts of Pisa go. Dimitri then went on to say that Europe was full of leaning buildings, Pisa did not have the market cornered there. And he told us about the leaning Campanile of Santo Stephano. So it was fun to stumble upon it and get some pictures of it.
Another thing you see a lot of in Venice, are little window-like alcoves in buildings that house religious icons and/or paintings. I'm not sure if these are prayer stations or memorials or what, but most look quite old and many are beautiful and for whatever reason I can never seem to get a clear shot of one.
Somehow my journey deposited me right back in St Mark's Square. I found Barb and Tom at one of the outdoor cafes and joined them. I ordered a chocolate, vanilla and lemon gelato and decided to try some fizzy wine. The rule of sitting at the outdoor restaurants and enjoying the live music is that you must buy something. So I did. The gelato was fabulous. The fizzy wine- not so much.
St. Marco's Square is really something, especially in the evening when the music starts. People are happy, chatty, dancing in the square, enjoying their meals and company. It's something special.
St. Marco's Square is really something, especially in the evening when the music starts. People are happy, chatty, dancing in the square, enjoying their meals and company. It's something special.
Barb and Tom planned to go back to the hotel. With nobody else around to join, and not wanting to sit there by myself, I walked with them back. I figured it would be a good evening to try to Skype back home.
Memorable Moment
I took my laptop into the breakfast room just off of the front desk and managed to connect on Skype with my BFF, Becky. We'd barely begun talking when Imants and Barb passed by. They saw me and came over and I introduced them to Becky on the computer and our conversation took a more interesting turn! Imants is a hoot and had Becky laughing. I could see her wishing she was with me, there in the thick of Europe with fun people and exciting goings on. I was wishing she was there too, because there was no way we'd be sitting in the hotel while it was still daylight. With a close friend beside me, giving me courage, and Becky's own penchant for adventure, we'd have certainly found something crazy and fun to do to brag about later!
No sooner did Imants and Barb leave then Joe and Julie peeked in. They too talked to Becky. Then Julie leaned over and whispered to me that they were heading to the Square and did I want to go with them?
Having just returned only a half an hour before, the thought of leaving again didn't thrill me. Then again, Becky and I had already been disconnected a couple of times on Skype and I didn't relish a long night alone, especially without internet access. So I told Julie I'd meet her in just a few minutes.
Becky and I had were disconnected again and I was unable to reconnect- even to say good-bye. So I left her a message of apology and told her I'd try again to get her the next day. I hurried to join Joe and Julie on the walk to the Square.
Julie and I had hit it off really well. We have similar senses of humor (crazy) and love to talk to people and explore. Joe too is fun to talk to and has a good sense of humor. The more I hung out with them, the more I liked them. We found ourselves back at the restaurant I'd just vacated. The sun was just starting to go down and St Marco's Square was starting to fill up. We ordered wine and limoncellos which were served with delicious chocolate bites. I fear I'm in love with limoncello, especially when it's served with little bites of chocolate. I almost never drink back in the States, but found myself really enjoying the different local wines and limoncello. I kept reminding myself that I was on vacation and could indulge.
No sooner did Imants and Barb leave then Joe and Julie peeked in. They too talked to Becky. Then Julie leaned over and whispered to me that they were heading to the Square and did I want to go with them?
Having just returned only a half an hour before, the thought of leaving again didn't thrill me. Then again, Becky and I had already been disconnected a couple of times on Skype and I didn't relish a long night alone, especially without internet access. So I told Julie I'd meet her in just a few minutes.
Becky and I had were disconnected again and I was unable to reconnect- even to say good-bye. So I left her a message of apology and told her I'd try again to get her the next day. I hurried to join Joe and Julie on the walk to the Square.
Julie and I had hit it off really well. We have similar senses of humor (crazy) and love to talk to people and explore. Joe too is fun to talk to and has a good sense of humor. The more I hung out with them, the more I liked them. We found ourselves back at the restaurant I'd just vacated. The sun was just starting to go down and St Marco's Square was starting to fill up. We ordered wine and limoncellos which were served with delicious chocolate bites. I fear I'm in love with limoncello, especially when it's served with little bites of chocolate. I almost never drink back in the States, but found myself really enjoying the different local wines and limoncello. I kept reminding myself that I was on vacation and could indulge.
Scenes in the Square. I took video of the people around us, dancing in the moonlight. Just wonderful
You never know what you'll see sometimes.
Another of my favorite pictures so far, with a happy Joe, and Moses!
Another of my favorite pictures so far, with a happy Joe, and Moses!
Curious Capture
Eventually it was time to return to the hotel- yet again. As usual, morning would come early and our day will be full of great things and great people.
I bid Good night to Venice. I didn't want to leave. The only joy was knowing tomorrow would bring more wonderfully exciting things.
I bid Good night to Venice. I didn't want to leave. The only joy was knowing tomorrow would bring more wonderfully exciting things.