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Italy—Prima Parte
“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”— Ibn Battuta
Day 8—July 10th, Venice
Next stop Italy. We head through the sheer cliffs of the Dolomites on our way to Venice. Along the way we make a stop for lunch in the quaint town of Egna-Neumarkt. After lunch we had some time to wander, eat gelato, and stretch our legs before we get back on the road. As we get closer and closer to Venice you can feel the excitement in the coach. We are itching to get our first glimpse of those famous canals.
“One's destination is never a place,
but a new way of seeing things.”
—Henry Miller
After a smooth ride from Peter, we see the skyline of Venezia. We leave our rolling home for the next few days to board several water taxis. As we make
our way onto the Grand Canal the taxi explodes with squeals of excitement, giggles and exclamations of wonder. It was definitely a taxi full of WOW moments.
Andy leads us through the streets to our hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Serenissima. Once we settle in, we head out for a group dinner. Another food adventure
“I see my path, but I don’t know where it leads. Not knowing where I’m going is what inspires me to travel it.”
—Rosalía de Castro
for me, and another lesson in trying something new, you may like it… and I did like it! Sitting outside in a courtyard with good company, a cute cat, and a local with a pet owl—it was a magical time.
After our delicious meal we strike out on our own to explore the Baroque streets of this charming city. Remembering the tips Andy gave us on navigating Venice, and that I am on an island, I tell myself I can only get misdirected, not lost.
After wandering though the city, seeing the lights and the
beautiful sunset, it is time for bed. Tomorrow is a full day of sightseeing.
Day 9 —July 11th, Venice &Burano
Today we get an early start. First though, the hotel outdid themselves with an amazing breakfast buffet! We meet outside the hotel and are joined by our local guide for a walking tour. We soon head out to visit and learn about many key sites.
“If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet.”
—Rachel Wolchin
After visiting the Bridge of Sighs, we are treated to a mask making demonstration at Ca' del Sol. This was such a treat. If there was ever the embodiment of what you would envision an eccentric Venetian artist to be, it would be our artist this day. With a quick visit to the quirky
Libreria AcquaAlta Bookshop ,and the Campo Santi Giovanni e Paolo, we end our tour at Piazza San Marco.
“Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost.”
—Erol Ozan
The rest of the day is free to explore Venice on our own. I decide to be brave and head out to the colorful lace island of Burano. With encouragement and advice from Andy, I make my way to catch the #12 Vaporetti (Waterbus)
to Burano.
What a wonderful gem this little island is. Walking among the artist and shops I say a little prayer that we do not lose these intricate arts. After purchasing a sweet little handkerchief from Martina Vidal, I find a great spot to get some pizza and do a little people watching. It was a perfect afternoon.
Day 10—July 12th, Florence
We are off to the birthplace of the Renaissance—Florence. After checking into Hotel Accademia, we have some free time before we meet our local guide for a Renaissance walk and a visit to the Accademia Museum.
While looking up at the facade of Cattedrale di
Santa Maria del Fiore I am amazed at what
humans can accomplish. The intricate design
of marble makes this one of the most
beautiful cathedrals.
“Of all the books in all the world, the best stories are found between the pages of a passport.”
—Unknown
Across form the cathedral is the Battistero di San Giovanni with the stunning east doors, known as the Gates of Paradise by Lorenzo Ghiberti. Although these are copies, you can appreciate the artistry. The originals are safe
from the elements at the Mueseo dell’Opera del Dumom.
“Travel can be one of the most rewarding forms of introspection.”
—Lawrence Durrell
Next, we go to visit a certain man named David at Galleria dell'Accademia. Before viewing the man of the hour, I visit a few
of the other galleries, including some beautiful works by Stradivarius. I make my way over to the alcove that holds the Renaissance masterpiece: Michelangelo’s David (Did you know David is 17 feet tall, not counting the pedestal?).
We finish our day with a group dinner at
Ristorante Giglio Rosso. As one of my tour mates said “This is not Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.” No, no it is not. YUMMY!
Day 11–July 13th, Florence—Boboli Gardens
We have the morning and afternoon to explore on our own. I decided to get up early and walk to the Boboli Gardens. I now know why they have defibrillators at the top of that hill!
After taking a few minutes to recover, I start exploring the 111 acres that make up these beautiful gardens. The more that I explore the more I find. From the formal to the informal. Just when I think I have reached the end I find even more. For most of my time here I felt as if I had the gardens
all to myself.
“Travel improves the mind wonderfully, and does away with all one’s prejudices.”
—Oscar Wilde
“The most beautiful in the world is, of course, the world itself.”
—Wallace Stevens
I cross the Ponte Vecchio bridge on the way back to the
hotel. After a power nap and a change of clothes I make my way to the Piazza della Signoria to meet the group. We are to visit the Galleria degli Uffizi (Uffizi Gallery).
With the guidance of another wonderful local guide, we visit key pieces in a museum full of masterpieces. It is amazing to view these masterpieces. Two of my favorites were The Birth of Venus, and Primavera, both by Sandro Botticelli. Your mind can only wonder what it would have been like to view these for the first time in the late 1400s.
With two pieces of art from local street artists, I make it back to my comfortable bed for a good night’s sleep.
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Day 8 Today we left Germany and headed to Venice Italy. We traveled through the Dolomites. Mom ate lunch at a wonderful little restaurant. Mom had Spaghetti Bolognese. But again, she got gelato and didn’t get any for me. Seriously Mom? Our guide Andy even explained how to spot real banana Gelato. We than went on a water taxi. Mom made sure I was secure in my backpack so I wouldn’t fall in the water. It was breathtaking. Tomorrow is going to be all day in Venice. Mom and I may go out to the island of Barono where they make lace.
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Day 9 La Serenissima — Today was Venice. We had a great guide who showed us all around. We saw how REAL Venetian masks are made. Mom even found one that would fit me. After the tour mom and I went out to Burano. That is one of the islands out in the lagoon. Mom figured out how to do it and didn’t even get us lost. We had fun seeing all the colorful houses. Mom bought a pretty handkerchief with Burano lace on it. Again, mom with the gelato. When are you gonna figure out I want some!
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Day 10 We made it to Florence. After checking into our hotel we headed out for an orientation walk. We saw these really big buildings all covered in marble. They were beautiful. For a second I was scared because I thought these dogs were going to eat me but mom said I was okay, they were just pretend. Next we went to the Accademia Museum and saw some really neat things. We saw a violin actually made by Stradivarius. It was really beautiful.
We then continued on and came across a statue. Everybody was taking pictures and standing around. He was naked. I thought I would have to close my eyes but mom said it was OK because it was art. Couldn’t they have put a fig leaf on him or something? Dave, you know you're naked, right?
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Day 11 I am sure tuckered out. We got up early and walk to the Boboli Gardens today. We had to go up a big hill and we finally got there. It was beautiful and very big. Those Medici’s really knew how to spend money. Not sure why you’d want a fat baby riding a turtle but to each their own.
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