I don't care how many Sophia Loren movies you might have seen. Nothing could compare you for Italy. Crossing the boarder, even the sun seemed to know that for many of us, this was a special moment. The sun shone brightly and turned a golden shade that seemed to coat everything as if it were freshly painted. We stopped for lunch in the small city of Verona where we were served pizzas and I do mean plural. The restaurant, simple but beautiful with antique lace draped over modern light fixtures, served the sweetest homemade wines and the most delicious thin crust pizzas imaginable. And they kept them coming - each one topped with regional herbs and meats and each one more tantilzing than the one before.
It was a well sated bunch of tourists that left Verona. In our minds was the dizzy images of Venice - the city on the water, the city with the canals. Was it sinking? Did it really exist at all? Well, we sure as heck found out on one of the most memorable days of my life.
We boarded the ferry and felt the remarkably clean breezes towel our faces with coolness. On reflection, I cannot recall if the water was choppy or if Popeye were sailing the boat - in front of us was the most beautiful city you can imagine - Venice.
Painted in soft colors and standing proud as if it were jewels on display in the finest of shops, the antique towers and buildings were the most beautiful of sights to us.
The boat - more a water taxi if you will - finally reached our stop and we happily stepped into Venitian spendor.
That first night, Dimitri introduced us to the most beautiful, captivating and bewitching city in the world. It seemed as if there were music everywhere and the sky - dark and solid - made it seem as if the skies were merely royal blue velvet and all the shops draped in watered silks. Shops were brightly lit and the famed Murano glass objects were twinkling and sparkling like stars. We had a fantastic dinner (pasta, of course) and then the treat of the night - a gondola ride. The waters were smooth and the boats comfortable. Surrounding us were the old buildings with lights burning brightly in hidden dens. We saw the Piazza San Marco and marveled again at this city that seemed, until then, only to exist in a story.
It was a well sated bunch of tourists that left Verona. In our minds was the dizzy images of Venice - the city on the water, the city with the canals. Was it sinking? Did it really exist at all? Well, we sure as heck found out on one of the most memorable days of my life.
We boarded the ferry and felt the remarkably clean breezes towel our faces with coolness. On reflection, I cannot recall if the water was choppy or if Popeye were sailing the boat - in front of us was the most beautiful city you can imagine - Venice.
Painted in soft colors and standing proud as if it were jewels on display in the finest of shops, the antique towers and buildings were the most beautiful of sights to us.
The boat - more a water taxi if you will - finally reached our stop and we happily stepped into Venitian spendor.
That first night, Dimitri introduced us to the most beautiful, captivating and bewitching city in the world. It seemed as if there were music everywhere and the sky - dark and solid - made it seem as if the skies were merely royal blue velvet and all the shops draped in watered silks. Shops were brightly lit and the famed Murano glass objects were twinkling and sparkling like stars. We had a fantastic dinner (pasta, of course) and then the treat of the night - a gondola ride. The waters were smooth and the boats comfortable. Surrounding us were the old buildings with lights burning brightly in hidden dens. We saw the Piazza San Marco and marveled again at this city that seemed, until then, only to exist in a story.
Who could sleep? Well, I was in Venice - beautiful Venice - and I sure could not. I was out early and wandered the
cobble stoned, uneven streets. I crossed bridges and went down narrow paths. All led somewhere and nowhere at the same time. It was an exhilerating and fascinating start to a new day.
After breakfast, Dimitri gathered us and we went on a walking tour of Venice. Our guide, Elizabeth,
showed us the remarkable architecture, the old world charm and the flavors of a forgotten past that Venice will always embrace. We walked (and walked) and saw a glass blowing exhibit, beautiful, large and airy churches,
gelatto stands, outdoor cafes, canals, boats and a mask making demonstration that was not to be believed. Every step we took seemed to endear Venice, and Italy as well, into our hearts.
That evening, with our heads full of the grandeur we had seen but still couldn't believe we were experienceing, we held an impromptu cocktail party at our hotel. Laughter, love (and a lot of wine) made a wonderful group of travelers grow to love Italy even more. In the wee, small hours (sorry Mr. Sinatra), we made our way to bed but
not until we heard the dueling bands in the Piazza San Marco.
cobble stoned, uneven streets. I crossed bridges and went down narrow paths. All led somewhere and nowhere at the same time. It was an exhilerating and fascinating start to a new day.
After breakfast, Dimitri gathered us and we went on a walking tour of Venice. Our guide, Elizabeth,
showed us the remarkable architecture, the old world charm and the flavors of a forgotten past that Venice will always embrace. We walked (and walked) and saw a glass blowing exhibit, beautiful, large and airy churches,
gelatto stands, outdoor cafes, canals, boats and a mask making demonstration that was not to be believed. Every step we took seemed to endear Venice, and Italy as well, into our hearts.
That evening, with our heads full of the grandeur we had seen but still couldn't believe we were experienceing, we held an impromptu cocktail party at our hotel. Laughter, love (and a lot of wine) made a wonderful group of travelers grow to love Italy even more. In the wee, small hours (sorry Mr. Sinatra), we made our way to bed but
not until we heard the dueling bands in the Piazza San Marco.