Venice is exactly as I expected. Completely picturesque, it looks identical to every postcard, picture or movie you have ever seen. The only thing I found that doesn't translate is how old and fragile the entire city felt. Considering it was founded over 1500 years ago it is no wonder that things are crumbling and constantly being renovated. But when the setting sunlight hits the buildings, the canals and the bridges it is beyond beautiful. The colors are warm and vibrant at the same time and the scene stirs something deep inside that inspires and awakens passions that have long been dormant.

If you are ever blessed with the opportunity to visit this quaint little Italian island I suggest packing EXTREMELY light as it can be quite difficult to maneuver through the cobble stone streets and countless bridges with cumbersome luggage. But if you must, definitely invest in a porter. For 30 Euro they will come and take your bags wherever you are headed.

I think the thing that surprised us the most was the music we heard. I suppose, like most Americans, we had preconceived ideas about what it would be like to sit at the cafe table eating authentic Italian spaghetti, pizza or lasagna while a sweet little Italian man plays his accordion. Or at least a record player in the corner with traditional music playing. But instead when we sat down what did we hear? Taylor Swift followed by Alannis Morsette.

While we were in Venice we stumbled across this little stationary store which left us inspired to take up calligraphy. Inside we met the owner, who told us all about how his son blows the glass that makes the pens (the old fashioned kind that you dip in ink wells) and the letter stamps all by hand. He even showed us a video on his phone of his son doing the work. By the end of this chance encounter we purchased a pen set with the ink wells, hand made stationary and I even picked up a wax stamp with my initial to seal the envelopes. The whole thing reminds me of characters in an old period piece like Pride and Prejudice, writing letters back and forth that sometimes took weeks to get where you wanted them to go. It makes me nolstagic for simpler times, back when things were slower and people had more patience. So with this purchase I have committed to writing more free hand letters and postcards to family/friends for no other reason than to say, "Hello, someone is thinking of you".

After being thus inspired we decided to take our gondola ride while the canals were peaceful. It was mid morning, the sun was shining and the ride was tranquil. When we passed over the canals later that day we were grateful we chose this time of day because there were boats and gondolas stacked on top of each other trying to get through like rush hour traffic in LA (only on water instead of pavement) The gondolier, Stephen, took us through the oldest parts of the city guiding us with what appeared to be an effortless grace. It was yet another dream come true.

Between the beautiful views, the serene gondola ride, the fabulously unique shopping and the bustling life; Venice was everything we hoped it would be. Now it is time to move on to Florence and all the adventures that await us there.

Until next time

Liz

Picturesque Venice