Caution Venice Ahead

Caution Venice Ahead

Check out Gio’s website.  Cool stuff.

water and Easter

I couldn’t resist. Got up, slapped on clothes, tucked into my boots, and took a walk last night. Of course, at 12:30am, the only people out are random tourists. One pair of kids was working their way across the piazza on three chairs they borrowed from Florian.

As for Easter, I decided not to brave the crowds at San Marco. Instead I went to the early service at Santo Stefano, held in the small side chapel with about thirty people in attendance. I learned later that the second service was not only held in the main sanctuary, but that there was a floor show of sorts. A cat strayed into the church and behind the altar, where it was crying until a parishioner fished it out. Sorry I missed that.

mid-night acqua alta

I’ll be damned if the high water siren didn’t just go off.  It’s the first time I’ve heard it when it wasn’t a drill.  Bit of a  dilemma.  I still haven’t had a chance to use my rubber boots, but it’s 12:15 and I’m in my jimjams, tucked into bed (computer at hand, yes).  How frivolous would it be to stay up late, get dressed, and go walk around in the middle of the night?

photos — winter quarter

No words. Just some photos, in chronological order, from the last three months. (Three months? That does not seem possible.)  Buona Pasqua e tanti auguri, y’all.

Venice 2008, January-March

bells — Easter vigil

I have much to write about.  Much on my mind.  Much that I’ve thought of writing.  But right now there are distant bells ringing.  I think from San Marco.  It’s 10:15.  Other, closer bells rang 15 minutes ago.  Those were Santo Stefano, I believe.  It’s Easter vigil night.   Wonderful.  Will write later.

sunshine and starry skies!

What a great thrill that the sun finally came out about 4:30 this afternoon.  The weather has been positively offensive at best this week, so I’m thankful for the couple of hours of sunshine I got to share with my guests.  My fingers are tightly crossed that tomorrow will remain clear.  The only obligatory item on our itinerary is the fire station (John’s a fire fighter, and there’s a tradition of visiting other fire stations and trading badges…etc, etc).  Otherwise we may just ride the vap all day, since their pass is good through tomorrow night about 10pm.  

visitors from home

I’m thoroughly enjoying having Amy and John here for a week.  They’ve got an apartment close to Campo Santa Margherita, very convenient to groceries and hip places to spritz.  The weather is not cooperating — high forties and rainy.  I’m a little righteously indignant that the sun is scheduled to come out only on the day they leave.  We’re having a ball, nonetheless.