The Doge’s council of Venice, by its singular act of confining seven hundred Venetian Jews within an abandoned foundry on March 29, 1516, gave to the world a word that is now synonymous with segregated ethnic populations. Jewish presence in Venice dates back to the 10th century. Jews were not allowed to live on the main islands even then, but […]
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This post comes to you from Paula’s lovely photo blog – Lost in Translation – where I am playing hostess for her Thursday Special Challenge. The theme is ‘Symbolism’, and I have chosen to feature the visual metaphors inherent in the design of a Venetian Gondola……. Click on the link above or the image below […]
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Travel for me is all about the transient moments I encounter. Fleeting fragments of life that evoke mood and a sense of place. To be able to freeze those ephemeral stories, to ensure they endure long after their momentary enactment, is such a boon. Here are a few examples. All from Venice.In Torcello….Exiting a vaporetto….A selfie beneath the […]
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Status was paramount in the ancient world. For empires as much as for ordinary citizens. The aura of power as important as the exercise of power itself. Visual imagery and symbolism went a long way in engendering that impression. And so it was that a maritime republic of the stature of Venice felt the need […]
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A handy guide to the island of Burano famous for its colourful houses and lace. Discover the best things to do in Burano and how to get there on a day trip from Venice.
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All you need to know before you visit Torcello island from Venice: the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the exquisite mosaics it is famous for.
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San Marco’s monumental magnificence aside, it was a relief to escape its relentless crowds and persistent fake bag vendors. My second hotel, the Al Ponte Mocenigo in the sestiere Santa Croce was far enough away from the touristy center to feel local, while being close enough to the Stan Stae vaporetto stop to remain connected. In my four full days there – not […]
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I spotted her from the vaporetto on my way back from Santa Maria della Salute. Her lone self on the balcony of the Palazzo Genovese (now the Centurion Palace Hotel) overlooking the Grand Canal, and juxtaposed against the glorious details of the church beyond. What a fabulous vantage point from which to survey the panorama below! I admit I felt a wee bit […]
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A fleeting moment in time, en route to a new beginning.
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One of our friends wanted to know if two days was time enough for Venice. I laughed. That is more time than we had in the city on our first visit nearly three decades ago. Even then, when leisure travel was the prerogative of the extremely wealthy, and we were certain we would never ever step outside our […]
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To me, Venice is in itself a work of art. Today, I showcase some delightful window displays from the magical city…from chocolate art to carnivale masks. All but the first, shot through glass. Hope you like them as much I did discovering them. Happy travels…no matter where life takes […]
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Venice was all floating fabulousness! It felt like I was just getting to know the city, when it was time for me to leave. “What will you do there for an entire week? And alone?” my friends exclaimed before I left. I could easily have stayed another two. I walked mostly. Through endless narrow calli, over innumerable ponti and onto picturesque campi presided […]
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The Urge To Wander 