September 27, 2021 to September 28, 2021
Vicenza and Venice
Vicenza and Venice deserve so very much more than what I was able to offer, especially Venice. Though each city is in rich in art, architecture, and history, I did not visit any museums or go into any of the elegant buildings. I was a flanneur, a wanderer of city streets, and can share only snippets of each city.
Vincenza
Vicenza is well-known for the buildings and nearby villas designed by the 16th century architect Andrea Palladio. On this late September Monday morning, many of the museums were closed. Consequently, I spent most of my time exploring the streets of central Vicenza and searching for a new wallet to replace the sandwich baggie I’d been using since Mondsee. It was a morning of mixed success – it lacked a detailed look at some what Vicenza has to offer, but gave me inspiring architecture, bursts of color, a new change purse.
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Venice
By one pm, I was on a train to Venice. I emerged from the Saint Lucia station and for the next twenty-four hours remained in a perpetual state of awe at this jewel of a city. I was mesmerized by both its beauty and its blemishes, admiring the majesty and the mundane.
It started with the Great Canal – a vaporetta ride from the train station stop at Ferrovia took me around the canal to Accademia, near where I’d booked a hotel based on the forum advice from fellow CBers (good call). I was torn between just soaking it all in, or taking pictures while trying to maintain my balance and not toss my camera into the canal. Mostly I just soaked.
Along the Grand Canal - Ferrovia to Accademia
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After checking in, I stopped for a quick bite to eat and then headed to St. Mark’s Place – Piazza San Marco - getting thoroughly lost along the way. Getting lost in the network of small streets of Venice is inevitable, so I relaxed, enjoyed the experience, and eventually found myself in the Piazza San Marco – one the crown jewels of Venice. I spent almost two hours in and around the Piazza, - venturing down to canal and people watching while enjoying an ice cream with coffee at the posh Caffè Florian. By the time I left, the late afternoon sun cast a shimmering light over the square.
In and around Piazza San Marco
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The next morning, I’d planned to visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection but my unfortunate streak of museum closings continued. Overwhelmed with choices, I instead conceded that this was not the time to “do” Venice but rather a time to flavor Venice – by now it was clear that this was a city I’d visit again. I spent the morning and early afternoon meandering the maze of small passageways that often ended at the canal or a small courtyard. I was enchanted by color and brief glimpses into the lives of Venetians, both the well-to-do and the common folks.
Canals and other fancies
I left Venice a mere twenty-four hours after I'd first glimpsed the Grand Canal. I echo the chorus of CBers who have encouraged one to visit Venice - if even for a brief taste.
For now, I am on a bicycle tour and tomorrow I will continue south towards Bologna.
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