Serenity at the Edge of the Adriatic
The First Breath of Magic Venetian Air
As the train coasts to a stop, we pick up our kit and make
our way onto the platform. The air is cool and we can sense the rain outside
the platform. Looking forward and navigating the bobbing heads. We walk across
the station lobby and step through the door.
It was as if we had stepped into a parallel world. The Grand Canal is laid out before you. Boats of many types
are running to and fro. There are people from all over the globe. The buildings
and the marble bridge in view seem as if they are from a fairy tale. I had the
good sense to take a minute and enjoy the scene.
It is hard to describe the effect of all this. It was as
impressive for me as the first morning waking up in the high desert of the
American west. What word? Marvelous, fantastic, transformative… You cannot
choose they all apply.
Maps & Pressure
After the wonder subsides a bit I realize that Bob and
Barbara are looking at me and expecting me to know where to go. I thank my
lucky stars that I spent some time going over the location of the Albergo Marin
on the train. I had read that finding your way in Venice can be a bit of challenge. My years of
map reading once again serve me well. We cross the bridge into Santa Croce and
I am able to locate the right alley. With little fanfare I find us standing in
front of the hotel. I think I was more surprised that they were.
A Perfect Reception
It was late and I am a bit worried. The hotel may not have
held our rooms. This happened to me once and I am always a bit uncomfortable
when I arrive late. We step into the reception room and shake off the rain.
Before I can speak Giacomo says in a very friendly tone “Mr, Gregg we have been
expecting you. Your rooms are ready”. I take one more step into a love affair
with Italy .
Our rooms are not only nice but exceed our expectations. We take a short break,
refit our clothes and head down to look for food.
Our First Walk in Venice
The Walk To Dinner On Our First Night in Europe |
We end up just picking a place. It was perfect. The ceiling
is low and the room is warm and cozy. The staff is very kind and patient.
The wine, pasta and salad really hit the spot. We have a very fun and relaxed
time. We are a little bit tipsy from the wine and no sleep.
A Window on the Way to Dinner Our First Night in |
So we wander back to
the hotel. The rain has stopped and we are all in very good spirits. It has
been the end to a very wonderful day.
We climb the stairs and fall into our bed. We go right out.
Up Early and Out
I wake up as the light starts to grow. I dress quietly and
slip outside. The soft morning settles over me.
Oh, what a joy, the sound of a city without the roar of automobiles. This sound is like no other city. It is a combination, chatting of people on their way to work, the echoes on the walls, the scuff of shoes on the pave stone. I just love it. Streets built for humans not automobiles.
Oh, what a joy, the sound of a city without the roar of automobiles. This sound is like no other city. It is a combination, chatting of people on their way to work, the echoes on the walls, the scuff of shoes on the pave stone. I just love it. Streets built for humans not automobiles.
I get a few pictures and a very nice wander. I then head
back to the hotel for breakfast.
Barbara and Bob are not up yet so
I step into the breakfast room and find a table. A very pleasant woman arrives
and offers me a cappuccino. Moments
later she returns with one of the best cups of coffee I have ever had. As I
enjoy this lovely treat I look over the list of things we want to do.
Barbara arrives and looks
wonderful and happy. We talk over the lost bag and decide to try to deal with
that first. Then we will wander around a bit
Bob comes down and is in the same
frame of mind. We eat and head out to our rooms to get ready for the day. This
is easy for Barbara because she no clothes to change into.
Another Fantastic Italian
We try to call the airline about Barbara’s bag on a phone in
the lobby. The young woman that provided us with the awesome coffee was now
working the desk. She listens to Barbara try to communicate for a few minutes.
She then comes from behind the desk and takes the phone right out of Barbara’s
hand and starts talking. She then turns to Barbara and says “I will do for
you”. Barbara tries to object but Allesandra raises her hand and starts talking
again. After a few minutes she says” Your bag will be on the bed in your room
this afternoon”. I feel Barbara almost melt with relief.
Fortified with a shared wardrobe and cappuccino we set off
for a transformative day.
It Is Not Like Any Other Place, Really!
A Few Views From That First Morning Walk
Our first impressions of Venice are now overwhelmed with the unique
qualities that make this a great place. There is no drone of traffic or
scooters. Everything is on the human scale. It feels as if you are being held
in a warm hand. The Venetians embrace of an architecture that is unique and not
enslaved to the “modern” view that new is better, is impressive. This bodes well for an amazing day. Every turn opens a new mystery.
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