Italy is full of American Tourists (and French, Canadians, Japanese, British, German, Dutch, you name it) who love the Italian lifestyle, the culture, the sightseeing and the art. It seems nobody can ever get enough of it. Including of course myself. I have been to Italy many times over the years and always loved it and especially Venice has always been one of my dream vacation spots. There is nothing like it in the world.

Venice

This time around I am spending a week in Venice, my absolute favorite city in Italy. Its unique, crowded,
even at this time of the year, yet it has a special place in my heart.

We are walking a lot, which is fun in Venice, walking through the tiny alleys, and getting lost is part of the adventure  and the charm of this city, built on water. And of course, we are taking the waterbuses (vaporettos) which run just like  a subway system, except they are ships mostly packed with locals and tourists alike. The views in Venice are best taken in from the canals. The Grand Canal is extremely busy, Gondolas, Waterbuses, Watertaxis, boats transporting goods, private yachts.
Even ferries and larger ships. And then of course, there are the large cruise ships docked along the piers bringing loads of more tourists into the city.

Venice is expensive and the Euro exchange against the Dollar makes things worse. So we rented an apartment for the week which gives us a much better value than staying in a small hotel room so typical for Italy. Our apartment is a newly renovated 2 bedroom with kitchen/living area in the Castello District, about 7 minute walk to Saint Mark’s Square, a quiet neigborhood, mostly residential it seems. There is no elevator in the building, so be prepared to walk stairs or ask for an apartment on the lower floors.

We stayed at the  CorteNovaResidences. There are 11 apartments accomodating parties of 2-5, all nicely decorated and recently updated.  TV’s (only in english) WiFi available. I’d go again in a flash, so that means, I recommend it.

There is a supermarket right around the corner and we have our breakfast “at home” before we embark on our daily sightseeing tours around Venice and Murano. A flooded Saint Marks Square and everybody is walking on elevated planks around the square, the tide floods the square nearly every morning this time of year. The crowds are waiting patiently to get into St. Mark’s Church.

Santa Maria della Salute

Of course I’ve been spoiled by living too long in the U.S. where the service in shops and restaurants is so much better than in Europe and especially much better than in Venice, but all in all we try to be a nice as possible to the shopkeepers and mostly that works, even if they are at times a little short with us. I just keep telling myself “how would I be dealing with this on a daily basis?”

Venice is fantastic and if you get the chance to go, please do.

Happy Trails!

P.S. If you are interested in Travel yourself, go check this out

A Birdseye View Of Venice, Italy

Florence, Italy is, simply put, a feast for the senses. Art lovers from all over the globe flock to this magnificent city and are never disappointed. From some of the greatest art in the world to luxurious accommodations and gourmet food, Florence is Italy’s greatest treasure.

Sadly, Florence was almost Italy’s buried treasure. Or, to be more accurate, a burned treasure. In the middle of the greatest art movement in Italy’s history, the Renaissance, a crazed monk rose to power and began a campaign to “rid the city of its immorality”.

In the late 1400’s the Medici family, the ruling family of Florence and great patrons of the arts, fell from grace and Girolama Savonarola, prior of a nearby covenant, ruled the city. He despised all objects that “reflected sin” and set out to destroy all the great art, sculpture, and more in the city. The highpoint of catastrophe occurred in 1497 when bonfires of the vanities were held around Florence and citizens were made to bring anything immoral and throw it in the fire.

Florence suffered during these dark years but in 1497 political tides changed, Savonarola was executed, and the Renaissance began to flourish again. It is from this time that some of the great works you will see in Florence today were born.

You could spend years exploring Florence and still not discover all it has to offer. Fortunately, the city is home to many 5 star hotels which will serve as an excellent home base as you set off each day to see the sights.

Any art lover’s tour of Florence should begin with the Uffizi Museum. Housed in a 400 year old Medici palace, the Uffizi has over 45 rooms filled with glorious paintings and sculpture. Caravaggio, Titian, Michelangelo, and da Vinci are all represented here. One of the Uffizi’s most treasured pieces is the Birth of Venus by Botticelli.

If you can tear yourself away from the Uffizi you can take a short stroll to the Duomo. Located in the center of city, the famous dome atop this cathedral can be seen for miles. The dome is considered to be an engineering masterpiece. Don’t miss Brunelleschi’s golden doors on the front of the Duomo. Michelangelo called these intricate sculpted doors the “gates of paradise”.

After the Duomo it is on to the Galleria del’Academia. Here you will find one of the world’s most famous pieces of art, Michelangelo’s David. A true masterpiece, this sculpture originally stood outdoors but was moved here for safe keeping. You will also find lavish frescoes at the Galleria.

No trip to Florence would be complete with a visit to some of the city’s quaint piazzas. Many date from medieval times. Cafes abound and impromptu theater and musical performances occur daily. After a long day of touring the city sights you can enjoy a cool refreshing drink while lounging at one of the many outdoor sidewalk cafes and watch the interesting mix of tourists and locals swarming around you.

Do you have extra time? One last recommendation is the Boboli Gardens. Originally a part of the Medici family holdings, the gardens are full of fountains, secluded grottos, pools, and acres of flourishing gardens. The Boboli Gardens are an excellent place to picnic or, if you are so inclined, bring your paints and let your creative juices flow while you are inspired by the beautiful surroundings. John Singer Sargent did it – the Boboli was one of his favorite places to spend the day painting.

Gila Beckermann
www.BuzzyVoyager.com