Many years ago when I was stationed in southern Germany, I was fortunate to be close enough to Venice to take our three adult kids there on separate trips. I took the scenic South Tyrol route and would stop at Lake Garda for a few overnights, then proceed to Vicenza where we would stay at the US Army base billeting. From there we would take a taxi to the Vicenza train station for about a 1 hour ride to the Venetian station. I’ll never forget walking out of the station in Venice the first time and being overwhelmed by the beauty of the buildings and canal.
I just wanted to share a few of the photos those visits. Beside memories, my favorite items I brought back from Venice were two hand-blown glass Christmas trees and, of course, a decorative mask. We did go on a glass blowing factory tour, which was intriguing, and took the required one-time gondola ride with some Asian friends we met.
If you walk the back streets far enough, you will eventually find small piazzas, some with benches where you can sit and enjoy the quiet. Friends always advised us to go there in the Spring time because the canals can be odorous in the hot parts of the year.
Photographs …..
A religious man looking a the daily paper stand.
Gondolier awaiting his next fare.
Grand Canal produce being delivered by boat.
Restaurants put out storefront displays that beckon evening diners to enter their establishment.
Moored gondolas on a quiet side canal.
Leaning over a footbridge I photographed a blue and white cloth table with a canal view.
View of the colorful blue poles (pali da casada) across the Grand Canal to Church of San Giorgio Maggiore.
View of Church of Santa Maria del Rosario. My daughter and I stayed at a hotel adjacent to the church where it was just a quick canal crossing to Piazza San Marco.
Crowded Piazza San Marco with tourists and pigeons.
Café on the Grand Canal below the Rialto Bridge.
Grand Canal view.
Walking down back canals I found myself at a dead end at the Hotel Splendid Suisse entrance. It always helps to have a detailed map to find your way around the smaller canals and passages.
Our Hand-blown Christmas tree and a wall medallion from Venice.
Another Grand Canal view
Gondolas lining up outside Hotel Cavalletto.
Dark narrow canal.
Throngs of tourists in front of San Marco.
Souvenir shop on a back passage.
