Ocean lover that I am, the city of Venice, rising slightly above sea level, inundated with water, flooded by acqua alta (exceptionally high tide) and threatened by global warming, is the stuff of my dreams. While others cringe at the thought of buildings rising from the water, I am drawn to it. It is one of the loveliest places I have ever been.
I’m not sure which Venice sensory experience is my favorite. It might be the scent of jasmine climbing over courtyard walls or the fragrance of the linden trees in full bloom in the parks. To say that these scents are intoxicating is almost an understatement. They are so rich and heady. You breathe them into your subconscious and the next time you catch their scent, you are transported back to a place in time. Venezia!
Perhaps the sun reflecting on the palazzi with walls of pink, ochre, pale green and rich orange is my favorite. It makes me yearn to be a painter.
It could be the bitter taste of a Campari Spritz, sipped while watching the boats move along the Grand Canal at sunset.
It might be the sound of the water lapping against the buildings. The water is everywhere. It’s the lifeblood of the city.
Or is it the ringing of church bells? I’ve always loved that sound and in Venice, the bells ring often. They may ring on a schedule, but it feels charmingly random.
There’s also the delicious chew of al dente pasta. The romance of a man getting on one knee in a gondola to propose to his love (my husband caught that moment and pointed it out to me). The feeling of wandering down narrow alleys and bursting out into the sunlight of an undiscovered piazza.
It’s easy to get lost in Venice, but it’s the best kind of getting lost. Maybe getting lost is my favorite Venice experience.
It’s remarkable to be in a city of waterways. You get where you need to be on foot or by boat. Trash and recycling is picked up by boats, supplies come in on boats, couples go out on boats for dates, families pack boats for Sunday picnics on islands in the lagoon. Ambulances dock at the hospital entrance to deliver patients.
Our apartment on a small canal was close to a four-way intersection. We awoke in the morning to the traffic sounds of commuting boaters, sounding horns to signal their approach. In the evenings our little canal was a tranquil escape. Here’s a glimpse of it from the apartment terrace.
Life in Venice – a gondola ride with washing hanging overhead. This is such a typical scene.
There are bridges everywhere to cross canals the way we cross streets at home.
Flowers cascade over rooftops and walls.
The many lovely churches covered with statues and ornamentation.
Their bell towers, the sources of the musical chimes I love so much.
Including the famous Campanile di San Marco.
Along the lagoon gondolas are lined up and covered when not in use.
I’m drawn to views of rooftops and catching glimpses of the last trace of sunset between buildings.
And the sunset at the mouth of the Grand Canal while sipping a cocktail.
“You have to be tone deaf and blind not to respond to the beauty of Venice.” From Women in Sunlight by Frances Mayes.
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Beautiful, Dottie. Thanks for sharing this special spot.
Thank you Lynda. I had Negronis, Aperol Spritzes, Campari Spritzes, Prosecco and red wine. (Just in case you are interested in the drink side of things.) I am crazy about Venice and hope to get back there soon. I also hope that you have the chance to visit.