We had three days, so much to see and so little time. The beauty and history of Venice engulfed us as we entered the city by water taxi in early evening of day one. After much confusion about the water taxi routes we found our way to the Ferrovia Station and our room at the Allogi agli Artisti which turned out to be a 4th floor walk up but comfortable and clean. Our first agenda was dinner in a little but extremely busy local place. called La Caravalle where we feasted on good bread, great local wine and fresh seafood. This was a very auspicious beginning. We wandered the streets nearby and were amazed by the number of people around us eating, drinking, smoking and talking. We found that crowds are the rule here in Venice rather than the exception. All in all this had been a very welcoming evening. Aside from a few mosquitoes in the room we spent a peaceful night.
Day two and the skies were clear and sunny and we set out to see as much of the city we could. As Venice is made up of 119 small islands there are hundreds of bridges of all sizes everywhere. It is very easy to get lost in it’s maze of streets and canals. The canals range from very narrow to very wide and the grand canal certainly qualifies as wide. We were amazed to see gigantic cruise ships entering the main docks one after another.
We were equally amazed at seeing how all sorts of items are moved around on barges packed to the gills with everything from produce to wide screen TV’s. Unloading them, often through mere holes in the wall, is truly an art which we never tired of watching. The gondolas are also fun to watch as they are skillfully maneuvered in the narrow canals most of them filled with photo snapping tourists like ourselves. Everywhere one looked there was a photo just begging to be taken.
The second day we walked in the opposite direction and slowly made our way to the Piazza San Marcos. After much meandering we came through a narrow passage which opened up to the square itself and we were faced with an incredible throng of people. They were packed in so tightly we didn’t think we could even get in much less move around once we were in. Never ending lines of people were waiting to enter the Basilica, the Doges Palace, several museums, and the renown clock tower to name a few of the fascinating aspects of this huge well know piazza which has been referred to as "The drawing room of Europe."
We decided not to stay amid the crowds but took in the local ambiance and relaxed at a local café of which there are many. Then after a walk along the dock on the Grand Canal we took a water taxi over to the San Basilico area. There we found a small but elegant al fresco restaurant and were seated at a lovely table out over the water. We selected one of several catches of the day from a huge platter and allowed ourselves to be pampered by the very attentive server. Food was terrific and so was the beautiful and romantic setting.
On our last day we had arranged to join a tour boat to three of the islands around the city, Murano, Burano and Torcello. The first of these, Murano, had become famous for its glass production and we were escorted around one of the Glassworks and allowed to watch a few of these masterpieces being created one of which was a gorgeous blue horse. It is interesting that in the late 13th century all the glass makers in Venice were forced to move their shops to the isle of Murano due to the danger of fire, as at that time most structures were made of wood.
Then we were wisked off to Burano which became famous for the tatting of lace, a craft which has all but disappeared in todays modern world. This small island is today distinguished by it’s very colorful houses all painted in vivid shades. Each lot has it’s own designated colors and one would need permission from the government to make any changes. It is a very quaint and delightful town.
Our third and last island was Torcello. This island with a current population of 20 was once a thriving community, more powerful than Venice itself with over 10,000 inhabitants back in the 10th century. It was a very busy port for importing and exporting trade goods but it’s imprortance declined as the open lagoons died and formed mosquito infested swamps. All that remains are two ancient churches, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (7th century) and The Church of Santa Fosca (11th century) and the Ponta del Diavolo.
Our short visit to Venice was complete. After a final dinner at our locale restaurant La Caravella we bid that fascinating city farewell.
Three good pictures of Venice/ Angles were "common". Didn't get the flavor. fell into the tourist trap of thinking everything in Venice was photogenic.
Posted by: George Mar 25, 2009 @ 6:38 PM EST
Sorry but I didn't find anything special about these photographs. They are more the run of the mill that are found in old albums.
Posted by: Audrey Mar 25, 2009 @ 7:57 PM EST
Just another "happy snapper".
Posted by: Kevin Brennan Mar 26, 2009 @ 7:14 AM EST
I've photographed Venice quite a few times and in different seasons. These were exceptionally poor images of an incredibly visually rich culture and city. Where did you find this guy, he takes pictures, but has never learned how to see? Nothing in this article is worthwhile.
Posted by: warren meddoff Mar 28, 2009 @ 12:42 PM EST
