I didn't expect to love Venice...
Trip Start
Mar 22, 2008
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17
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Trip End
Jun 23, 2008
Venice,
Italy
Sunday, April 20, 2008
...but did I ever! The weather forecast called for rain, rain, rain, and it was wrong, wrong, wrong. In case you are unaware, Venice is typified by clouds, rain, and cold this time of year. I have to say that my impression of this city on water has been seriously elevated, and I recognize that it is partially due to the weather conditions that I experienced. I got the chance to see Venice in all its glory, and boy was it glorious. Many of the things I loved about it are not exactly things I can describe in words. I'm back to that visceral experience that I tend toward. But here I will try to put it in to words:
The image that sticks in my mind is that of the buildings' vivid colors reflecting back on the still water. This is something that definitely would not have been seen under cloudy skies, and I am utterly grateful that I got to see it. Another thing about Venice that was a nice change from Rome was the lack of CARS. It was lovely to walk on pedestrian streets and not have to fear that my toes would get squashed. The people of Venice are a lovely change of pace too. They're a bit more rugged and rough around the edges than the super trendy, super slick Romans. And they're taller. My pal, Jaime, and I were pleased to see some rugged, tall men who weren't all metro-d out.
We basically shopped our way through Venice, which was actually quite fun. We skipped most of the typical tourist sites, although we did go to Piazza San Marco, just didn't wait in line for the cathedral. The shopping experience was honestly one of the highlights of Venice. You can literally wander your way through the entire city on shopping streets. Venice made me wish I were rich. There are amazing jewelry shops and beautiful leather purses everywhere. I came home with a super flashy red patent leather purse that I am in love with.
Going to a new city, I once again found that I have a severe lack of interest in the typical tourist things, and also in the architectural things that I would be expected to have an interest in. I simply wanted to wander around and have whatever experience came my way. On the surface, our time was spent doing a lot of shopping, but the overall experience was so much more. I find that if I open my eyes, ears, and all other senses, it is impossible not to have this experience. For me, this is what I will remember about the places I visit. It won't be about some church I saw or some piece of art; it will just be that thing that I can't put into words. (Or, it may be about a meal I had since this is my other love!).
Venice 1
Comments
Purse
I can't wait to see! I got a new purse recently too, but its second hand and i'm sure not as glorious. =)