I had the opportunity to visit the city of Padova in the Veneto region for a week. I worked on my Italian in the city at the Betrand Russell Language Institute. I look forward to fostering a friendship with the wonderful classmates and instructor I studied with. This was my first time to visit Padova and I am extremely happy …
During my morning walk to San Polo and San Croce I cross the Rialto Bridge. It has been raining in the latter part of January. The early morning rain and fog created a beautiful scene on the Grand Canal. Here’s a video:
Only in Venice! Well, you may have something similar at The Venetian in Las Vegas, but it’s not the same! This is what you get when you mix nice winter weather, a beautiful gondola, and an amazing view WITH singing in the gondola! I haven’t been on a gondola yet. I will be, but it isn’t confirmed. It will be …
The stage, masks and festivities are ready for the last week of carnevale. The last week of carnevale is the most popular; a full programme every day of the week. It was amazing witnessing the set-up process of the stage in Piazza San Marco. The square was empty for the most part, but there is a big stage and seating …
I am always interested in the journey. The start and end are important; however, it is about the richness in sights, sounds, feelings and touch in our daily lives. How much do you live each day? Do you acknowledge the beauty and ugliness in simple things on your path? How hard did you love and laugh? Did you exploit every …
Enjoy these videos. It was a magical night. We gathered around the canal in Cannaregio and watched French company Ilotopie lead us through a floating dream. Welcome to Carnevale Venezia 2013—- Live In COLOR
It’s a pilgrimmage for lovers. Love thanks to Matteo Bandello. Love thanks to The Bard. Verona has done a great job capitalizing on the famous star-crossed lovers! Verona–Paolo Cagliari’s birthplace. In Venice, he’s known as Paolo Cagliari, il Veronese, the person from Verona. His father was a sculptor. The Verona market is full of chocolate artisan vendors. They have delicious …
I love classical music. As a forever music student/pupil, I enjoy every opportunity to listen to musicians perform classical music. The Vivaldi and Mozart concert was at the San Vidal Church. By the way, Joaquin Turina’s La Oracion de Torero IS AMAZING! They killed it!!! Here’s the programme: Antonio Vivaldi Concerto per violin, archi e cembalo op. 8 …
As I mentioned in an earlier post, Venezia is a walkable history book and it’s easy to get scatter-brained when exploring the city. There is so much to see and touch. Plus, it’s very easy to get lost. One of the ways that helped me navigate the city is the Chorus pass. For 7 euros (for 29 and under—it’s 10 …
Death is one of the two guaranteed things in life. I’ve learned in Venice that how we choose to remember our loved ones and how we choose to be remembered are both dependent on finances and art. There are so many buildings and sub-sections in buildings dedicated to religious figures, saints, priests, nuns, artists, and other notables who have graced …
There is a unique theme to Barabaobao. The interior, osteria’s name, and everything else about the osteria has this innocent, fun and dark feel to it. Initially, I came to the restaurant because it was recommended by a friend. Then I was drawn to the masks, interior decorations and dark posters on the wall. The owner of the restaurant greeted …
When you think about Venice, you think about canals, churches and San Marco Piazza. Some travel blogs and friends mentioned beautiful gardens, so I visited these gardens and small parks on the former Queen of the Adriatic. These gardens are: San Marco Gardens Biennale Gardens of Venice Papadopoli Gardens in Piazzale Roma The San Marco Gardens can easily be overlooked …
As a rule of thumb, I always try to venture away from restaurants that cater to tourists. I stay away from eating at establishments that are considered or advertised as ristorante or trattoria. I have done a good job so far. Another requirement is to steer away from eating establishments near major tourist attractions such as St. Mark’s Square, Venezia-St. …
Romance. Love. Lust. So many couples walk hand-in-hand strolling the alleys and Rialto Bridge in Venice. They canoodle, kiss and hug. It’s considered a romantic city. But there is heart break, too…and lots of tears. Where there is love and lust, there is heart break. After all, this is one of Lord Byron’s cities; a hot spot during the Romantics …
Now, I’m in Venezia! My 2010 visit was very superficial. I did the usual touristy things (and I still plan on doing them) in a 5 day time frame. It was fun and fantastic, but it wasn’t enough. 5 days is not enough time to explore these labyrinths, islands and districts that are full of history. Venezia is a history …
The holiday cheer in Italy is very interesting. There is Babbo Natale (Santa Clause) for December 25th and there is the witch-looking Befana for Epiphany. Also, most of the churches in Venice maintain the nativity scene during this time of year. I took some pictures of Babbo Natale and Befana. It’s cute that Babbo Natale is depicted as climbing up/down …
Grateful. Forever grateful for the opportunity to revisit Italy. The energy, the language, the art and the winter! I enjoy traveling to Italy during the winter because it is more economical that way; both airfare and lodging prices are reasonable compared to the high season rates. My first stop: Lake Como and Bellagio. Here are some highlights of my stay: …
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