Venezia

It took a while but I'm finally posting photos from my trip to Venice in 2008.

:D

I probably walked at least a good 5-6 miles but it was a slow, leisurely walk with a lot of photo stops. I ate at a local chiketta spot and sampled their Vino Suave. Marvelled at the intricate craftsmanship of the gondolas, street art and music. It was very crowded in Venezia that day. I've stopped by a couple of mask shops which is starting to be a lost art in this area. It's amazing how it could hold up so many people, especially that underneath our feet are wooden pylons that is a thousand years old. I don't think it will be long before Venice gets reclaimed by the Adriatic. The first floors of the buildings here are uninhabitable. She is beauty and decay at the same time. The denizens of Venice are also very stylish - espcially those who are 50 years old and over. I've lost counts of the many bridges I've crossed, or the gondolas I've seen.

We also rode an evening Gondola ride for $20 (it was a group rate). We ended up in the grand canal and we have an accordion player and a singer singing "Ne blue de pinte de blue (Volare) song.". It was cliche but at that moment, I was in the grand canal, in a gondola being manuevered by a handsome gondolier, under a beautiful Venitian twilight being serenaded by a nice venetian man in very very good company :D

The bells tolled over at Saint Marks Square. People milled about enjoying the sun and nice weather. A brick tower lean dangerously at and angle - testament to the shifting foundaion of Venice. Saint Mark's church stood proudly exhibting its golden Byzantine art and architecture. We heard mass inside this church and it was very serence and solemn. Soft golden sunrays streamed from the windows casting a golden glow on the golden tabernacle.

Nighttime at Saint Marks Square is an experience you can't miss. The ambiance is different, you can't help but feel ramance in the air. The square is softly lit by lights and the cool Adriatic breeze is refreshing if not cold :D.

We went to a local chiketta bar. It is what we would call a "hole-in-the-wall" in the states. A chiketta bar that is about 800 square feet filled with beautiful locals. I can't remember what I pointed out in their glass case but I made sure I ordered their local spritz (can't remember whats in it). I really enjoyed the ambiance of the place because it was so laid back and also very welcoming. A black cat is resting gracefully behind the counter which could make any OSHA-FDA people cringe.

We met some young men some are from Scotland. I really didn't converse much with them but ones I'm with did. I did however met a handsome young man who immigrated from...I can't remember the African nation and I think his name is Lyle. He had asiatic eyes, beautiful shoulder-length dredlocks and a medium brown complexion. He speaks fluent Italian, French, English and whatever African language his origin was. I ran into him in the streets of Venice the next day while I was looking for a restroom. All of a sudden this young man stepped in front of me and said "Hello." with a wave. I recognized him from the night before and exchanged a few buon-guornos-how-are-yous. I noticed he was wearing a green uniform complete wih golden buckles and buttons - very, what is the word..Tudor or Victorian you know.

"I work here." , he motioned with his hand at the entrance of a hotel. He then was kind enough to show me where the closest restroom was - in the McDonalds (yes que horror) a few doors down.

"Grazie, see you later!", I said before I can catch myself. He seem to get it though because he also answered , " See you later!." :D

Venice, I look forward to being back to your beautiful streets again.