Episode 1: Alla Venezia - Un Giorno del market, Guy Fieri, Michelle Obama, piove, e il Doge di Venezia - la famiglia Rizzardo
Ciao amici
Yesterday was a fun adventure for all. We got up early (relative to the past week) and made the 930 train from Bassano Del Grappa to Venice for a fun day out.
The train takes about an hour and stops at many locations along the way picking up a lot of commuters working in Venice. There are a lot of construction trades in Venice because the city is one big ongoing fix - a city where real estate is too expensive, historical/cultural designations make modernization and new construction impossible, and so life of a Venetian palace is one repair after another - applying band aid after band aid. Its really too bad because this is one of the most mysterious and romantic cities on the planet. A day or two in Venice may be enough for a single trip, but you find yourself drawn back over and over for good reason - down every calle and around every corner is a new adventure.
Our trip to Venice was especially interesting. We had heard for a few days that Michelle Obama was to be in town. We thought maybe it was Thursday, but indeed it was to be Friday. I guess she was either on her way or coming from the Expo in Milan. In any event, even on the train we heard others "Obama..."... "...Obama...". American politics, culture, etc really does impact the rest of the world beyond ways we can comprehend.
Well, Michelle Obama or not, we were on a mission to enjoy a day of Venice with little or no real goals other than to see what we could see and maybe get lost among the many small canals, calle (small streets), and bridges.
The Rick Steves book (or mini book that he now sells) actually came in quite handy for today. I could fit the book in my pocket (and thus became a pickpocket barrier) and it included not only a map and some suggestions on shops, etc - but it had some suggested walks through neighborhoods that got you away from the crowds and helped you discover some gems about Venice that are off the major tourist agenda. Don't get me wrong, if you have never been to Venice and you have one day, then you should prioritize Piazza San Marco and the Basilica, a trip up to the top of the campanile (bell tower), maybe a peak at the Palazo Ducale (Doge's Palace), a hop over the Rialto Bridge, etc. etc.
We've done all of that - except the kids and they could probably care less about most of those.
So the suggested walk from Rialto to the Frari Church (Franciscan church) was ideal. We hopped off the vaperetto (water taxi) at the Rialto, made our way over the famous bridge, and immersed ourselves in a thriving market - first of trinkets and souvenirs and aprons featuring exposed body parts. Then the market evolved into a lively produce market and the smells of fresh fruits and vegetables was amazing. Beyond the produce markets was the indoor fish market, which could be smelled well beyond the walls.
At the market, my mom and dad were shopping from a vendor when one thing led to another and my dad was in full embrace with the guy. Turns out, if I understood the Italian, the guy is married to a Sartor from Cavaso and the name Maria Anna was brought up several times (my grandmother's name). I think promises for visits were made, an agreement may have been made to marry my niece to someone, etc. It was interesting, fun, and just plane weird all at once.
As my dad was being adopted, I walked from the market towards the produce area to snap some photos and possibly snag a peach or nectarine to eat. As I was snapping photos, I notice a little mini entourage approaching with obvious Americans including one full of tattoos in a UNLV basketball jersey. I did not really pay it much attention until more people gathered around and gawked. Turns out it was Guy Fieri, the famous chef on TV. He does a variety of shows if you are not familiar. One features dives, drive ins, etc. (white trash places). I've seen him do other shows on Disneyland cuisine, etc. Apparently there will be a Venice episode forthcoming. I'm probably in the background shots of him picking out veggies.
Guy was a nice guy. Once the filming stopped, he chatted with the Americans and apologized for having to be brief and ignore comments while filming. It was nice to see him embrace folks who clearly watch his shows. He darted off by wishing everyone a buon giorno. I was chatting with his assistant who said it was the TV networks that push him - otherwise he'd probably invite people into a bar for a drink and talk. Nice to know Guy is a genuine guy.
Well, we are off to the market in Bassano today (Saturday) so I will finish up Venice later and post a lot of photos. All are doing well. My momma was in shopping paradise yesterday.
ciao
Yesterday was a fun adventure for all. We got up early (relative to the past week) and made the 930 train from Bassano Del Grappa to Venice for a fun day out.
The train takes about an hour and stops at many locations along the way picking up a lot of commuters working in Venice. There are a lot of construction trades in Venice because the city is one big ongoing fix - a city where real estate is too expensive, historical/cultural designations make modernization and new construction impossible, and so life of a Venetian palace is one repair after another - applying band aid after band aid. Its really too bad because this is one of the most mysterious and romantic cities on the planet. A day or two in Venice may be enough for a single trip, but you find yourself drawn back over and over for good reason - down every calle and around every corner is a new adventure.
Our trip to Venice was especially interesting. We had heard for a few days that Michelle Obama was to be in town. We thought maybe it was Thursday, but indeed it was to be Friday. I guess she was either on her way or coming from the Expo in Milan. In any event, even on the train we heard others "Obama..."... "...Obama...". American politics, culture, etc really does impact the rest of the world beyond ways we can comprehend.
Well, Michelle Obama or not, we were on a mission to enjoy a day of Venice with little or no real goals other than to see what we could see and maybe get lost among the many small canals, calle (small streets), and bridges.
The Rick Steves book (or mini book that he now sells) actually came in quite handy for today. I could fit the book in my pocket (and thus became a pickpocket barrier) and it included not only a map and some suggestions on shops, etc - but it had some suggested walks through neighborhoods that got you away from the crowds and helped you discover some gems about Venice that are off the major tourist agenda. Don't get me wrong, if you have never been to Venice and you have one day, then you should prioritize Piazza San Marco and the Basilica, a trip up to the top of the campanile (bell tower), maybe a peak at the Palazo Ducale (Doge's Palace), a hop over the Rialto Bridge, etc. etc.
We've done all of that - except the kids and they could probably care less about most of those.
So the suggested walk from Rialto to the Frari Church (Franciscan church) was ideal. We hopped off the vaperetto (water taxi) at the Rialto, made our way over the famous bridge, and immersed ourselves in a thriving market - first of trinkets and souvenirs and aprons featuring exposed body parts. Then the market evolved into a lively produce market and the smells of fresh fruits and vegetables was amazing. Beyond the produce markets was the indoor fish market, which could be smelled well beyond the walls.
At the market, my mom and dad were shopping from a vendor when one thing led to another and my dad was in full embrace with the guy. Turns out, if I understood the Italian, the guy is married to a Sartor from Cavaso and the name Maria Anna was brought up several times (my grandmother's name). I think promises for visits were made, an agreement may have been made to marry my niece to someone, etc. It was interesting, fun, and just plane weird all at once.
As my dad was being adopted, I walked from the market towards the produce area to snap some photos and possibly snag a peach or nectarine to eat. As I was snapping photos, I notice a little mini entourage approaching with obvious Americans including one full of tattoos in a UNLV basketball jersey. I did not really pay it much attention until more people gathered around and gawked. Turns out it was Guy Fieri, the famous chef on TV. He does a variety of shows if you are not familiar. One features dives, drive ins, etc. (white trash places). I've seen him do other shows on Disneyland cuisine, etc. Apparently there will be a Venice episode forthcoming. I'm probably in the background shots of him picking out veggies.
Guy was a nice guy. Once the filming stopped, he chatted with the Americans and apologized for having to be brief and ignore comments while filming. It was nice to see him embrace folks who clearly watch his shows. He darted off by wishing everyone a buon giorno. I was chatting with his assistant who said it was the TV networks that push him - otherwise he'd probably invite people into a bar for a drink and talk. Nice to know Guy is a genuine guy.
Well, we are off to the market in Bassano today (Saturday) so I will finish up Venice later and post a lot of photos. All are doing well. My momma was in shopping paradise yesterday.
ciao
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