In my head I have foresworn Venice as too full of tourists for my taste. I remember the only time we visited Florence and I found it overwhelming. It set the tone for my expectations of Venice. It made me think I would never visit in person. And, of course, there are travel writers who bring places to vivid life - like this stunner of a piece (I particularly love the historic interjections, each of which is a story waiting to be told). Vicarious travel without the crowds. Bliss. But then … I have a new determination to visit Florence since reading ‘Still Life’. Perhaps there is a visit to Venice, a chance to make my own memories while blocking out those other ‘tourists’. A way to overcome my blockage. I recall the quiet beauty of Bologna and how much I enjoyed its shaded walkways, enjoyed to the full by residents and university students (and the odd tourist … me). Could I make Venice feel the same. It must be worth a try.
It took me a couple of visits to Florence to appreciate it, because, like you, I too found the crowds overwhelming. I have a small recommendation: if you can possibly avoid Santa Maria Novella station and go to Campo Marte instead you can bypass a lot of the crowds and chaos. It'll take you 10 or 15 minutes more to get to the historic center, but you'll walk through residential areas instead of through throngs of tourists. You'll get to tourists eventually of course, but you won't be bombarded with crowds as soon as you get off of the train!
I feel kind of lucky because I've only ever been in Italy in November and December, I know that my experience would definitely be different during the summer! Very early mornings and off-season are the way to go - and squinting away the crowds, of course. :)
Thank you for taking me once more for a stroll around the most fascinating city in the world. You do it so well that it makes me want to go for another visit. Was there not long ago at the biennale. If you’re interest I invite you to read my newsletter “Venice with a Hemingway Wink”. Looking forward to read your next letter. Ciao
How lovely to find another fan of I Gesuiti which I first discovered years ago when idling away some time waiting for the next boat to Burano. Oh those marble curtains. Their curves and swags. Hard to believe they didn’t impress Ruskin.
Oh Jodi, how well you describe Venice and its beauty, and your photography is brilliant! You certainly create a wonderful image of places you visit and what we missed when there. Thank you so much for sharing this story again, 🤗
Ruskin was probably looking at the I Gesuiti wall colours and thinking “hmm William Morris got here first?”
Venice in a softer light is a lovely sight. Thank you for your insightful photos.
In my head I have foresworn Venice as too full of tourists for my taste. I remember the only time we visited Florence and I found it overwhelming. It set the tone for my expectations of Venice. It made me think I would never visit in person. And, of course, there are travel writers who bring places to vivid life - like this stunner of a piece (I particularly love the historic interjections, each of which is a story waiting to be told). Vicarious travel without the crowds. Bliss. But then … I have a new determination to visit Florence since reading ‘Still Life’. Perhaps there is a visit to Venice, a chance to make my own memories while blocking out those other ‘tourists’. A way to overcome my blockage. I recall the quiet beauty of Bologna and how much I enjoyed its shaded walkways, enjoyed to the full by residents and university students (and the odd tourist … me). Could I make Venice feel the same. It must be worth a try.
Thank you for the nudge towards it.
It took me a couple of visits to Florence to appreciate it, because, like you, I too found the crowds overwhelming. I have a small recommendation: if you can possibly avoid Santa Maria Novella station and go to Campo Marte instead you can bypass a lot of the crowds and chaos. It'll take you 10 or 15 minutes more to get to the historic center, but you'll walk through residential areas instead of through throngs of tourists. You'll get to tourists eventually of course, but you won't be bombarded with crowds as soon as you get off of the train!
I feel kind of lucky because I've only ever been in Italy in November and December, I know that my experience would definitely be different during the summer! Very early mornings and off-season are the way to go - and squinting away the crowds, of course. :)
And thank you so much for the nice words!
Storing these excellent tips away. VERY wise.
Thank you for taking me once more for a stroll around the most fascinating city in the world. You do it so well that it makes me want to go for another visit. Was there not long ago at the biennale. If you’re interest I invite you to read my newsletter “Venice with a Hemingway Wink”. Looking forward to read your next letter. Ciao
Thank you Tino, for the kind words and for the recommendation! I will look your newsletter up!
How lovely to find another fan of I Gesuiti which I first discovered years ago when idling away some time waiting for the next boat to Burano. Oh those marble curtains. Their curves and swags. Hard to believe they didn’t impress Ruskin.
I know - I just love it, even if it is a little over the top!
Belle foto!
Grazie, sorella!
Oh Jodi, how well you describe Venice and its beauty, and your photography is brilliant! You certainly create a wonderful image of places you visit and what we missed when there. Thank you so much for sharing this story again, 🤗
Ah, thank you so much Sally! 🧡
These letters are wonderful for anyone passionate about travel. Thank you.
I really, really appreciate your kind words!!
So beautiful 😍 I hope to get to Venice again soon 🫶🏽
Thank you Rachel! I hope you get there, too!
Thank you
Probably Venice is the most beautiful city. One of the reason that is in Italy, a country of friendly people and simple but amazing food and drink.
Very true!