I left the apartment in the bright sun of morning. The narrow passage I stepped into was hidden in cold shadow. I hadn’t gone far when my eye fixed on a glimmer of gold in a shop window. Magnificent gilded mirrors! And a lonely red christmas ball dangling from a tinsel garland. hello sparkly ball
Once onto Campo San Barnaba sunlight poured down warming everyone and everything in its path. Here at this campo is where Katherine Hepburn fell into the canal in Summertime. I promise a decent photo of that exact spot soon! Also here is the church where Indiana Jones searched for clues. Clues to what… I’m afraid I can’t remember. I began following my Venice Walks book, but abandoned that idea after the first 20 minutes. Deciding instead to just let my feet, who have a mind of their own, roam freely. They wanted to keep me under the giant heat lamp beaming down from the sky. I didn’t disagree with their choice. I followed the canals and ended up on a wide fundamente. Few people were out and I strolled beside the lagoon wondering where exactly I was, but not really caring.
I’m in Venice. The sky is blue. The rays of the sun are warm. That’s all that matters.
It didn’t quite seem like the Grand Canal, more like the open sea, or in this case the Venetian Lagoon… when I finally made it back home I looked at the map and saw that I had walked completely around the entire outer perimeter of Dorsoduro. A warming winter walk I can’t recommend enough. I kept stopping to capture on video some of the clear green-blue water lapping against the stone canal walls. The canals don’t have any sort of unpleasant odor that I could detect. They are just tidal sea water. In case you were wondering.
As I walked I thought of how good it was to be surrounded by the sea. The color of the water is lovelier than I imagined. Almost sea foam green. There are boats with handpainted names scrolled over the bow and stern.
Tourists taking pictures of themselves in mirrored windows.
Then of course there are the Venetians themselves. Regal women in furs and capes.
There are only a few Christmas decorations and lights. Small boughs of pine, poinsettias, garlands, strings of lights here and there. Simple.
Refreshing.
It’s only been 2 days and I already know I will return. I have been bewitched.
Seriously lovely! I am enjoying every bit!
Wonderful… you’re making me want to return to Italy…:)
Loving being along for the ride with you.
Another great post. Sounds like you found the magic! I fell deeply in love on my first visit. Had you been there before??
Planning to return in 2014. Your posts are so wonderful.
Your photography is stunning. I feel like I could step right into the picture and everything would begin to move. Ah Yes! The women of the Mediterranean! They know who they are and how to dress (Droooool) .. love the black cape. As strange as it may seem, some people go to Venice and never feel the magic. We are so fortunate to be sensitive enough to pick up the vibes. Incredibly beautiful day MA – Girl reporter on assignment. Carry on! xoDonna ps: Today’s postcard it also a stunner. Thank you.
i love the photos . and the weather how lucky are you !!!
i think a person needs to spent time there to truly appreciate
the gifts of venice . it is so nice to be along with you and seeing
it with your eyes .
Another fab photo of the ‘tourist’ girl reporter! Love it. Very happy you are letting the “feet” be in charge. They did a wonderful job and I felt the warmth of the sun.
Looks awesome Mary Ann! When do we get to see your journal? I want to see how you are going about filling it up!
Grazie ragazza … cosi bella!! I am thinking I need to take an Italian class. This trip of yours has inspired me in so many ways <3
I’m in love with that aqua blue green water, and that photo of the mysterioso black cape wearing woman.
Watched Rick Steves Venice tour video tonight. Although I’m firmly committed to the quality of his luggage (seriously, it’s indestructible) he does not bring the magic the way you do.
He doesn’t visit handmade paper shops either. Choosing between religious architecture, and paper…I’ll take paper.
Loving it all! Especially the photo in the mirrored window and the shot of the grand canal! Did you go into the shop with the sliding glass door? Looked like there were some wonderful masks in there…
I am sitting here in Southern Ontario on a dark and stormy night green with envy and wishing I was walking beside you.
happy wknter solstice dear mam -what another great day! i went oo oo when you brought out the paper.omg.my husband said,you saw gorgeous paper right? its the only time you make that kind of noise! lol.thank you for todays postcard.gorgeous tinted colour.blessu.
it is truly beautiful! i have to visit in person some day!
There is no way of escaping the magic of Venice. I am glad you found it. I so want to come back, but Mr wonderful tells me it is not in the cards. It’s Venice or buying a house. Don’t ask. I might be tempted to pick Venice. I love it all, your movies, your photographs, you taking us along with you. Thank you, thank you
Miss MAM, I am bewitched by your photographs.
While I absolutely LOATHE old movies, I did watch Summertime just a few days ago, so I’m looking forward to your pic of where Katharine fell into the canal. 🙂
Ciao! Buongiorno! I’m wondering if you’re considering an excursion to Murano or any of the other little islands? If you get over to Murano, you can watch them blow glass (and it’s warm on account of the torches!!) either way, thanks for bringing me back to Venice. It’s been too long.
Such a lovely journey!
You write wonderfully Mary Ann – taking all of us along with you chasing the healing warmth of the sun. Btw – those canals do not smell as pleasant when the temperatures are warmer 😉
Beautiful post, Mary Ann! I’m up here in cold, rainy Oregon; I swear I feel that Venetian sun. I love it all, and am so glad you are feeling full of Venice’s beauty and unique wonderfulness. There was no doubt, of course! But to have you share it with us is such a gift! Not just a Christmas gift, but a forever gift. Ah…..I am over the top, I know, but I like that about myself. When I talk travel, I gush with wonder and excitement.
If I never put pen to paper, what you are giving us each day would be enough. But we get your translation too, and a chance to enlarge our own translating skills. Thank you.
After I watched your first video of Venice, my husband, John, said, ” Now you want to go to Venice, don’t you? ” My wide smile was self explanatory!
Lots of sweetness there. I’m imagining being surrounded by the sea, like on a cruise ship but not moving. How amazing!
Just some sighs of memory you sparked…Even tho we rarely had sunshine on our short time in Venice, there is that magic. And seriously, how lost can you get? I’m very glad I am just seeing this after Christmas or I may have had to book a flight!