aftermath

I think it went pretty well.  That is to say, given the worst case scenarios I had been imagining, it was a spectacular success.  I would like to apologize to my panel-mates for going overtime by a LOT. That’s what happens when you ad lib your way through something that isn’t entirely finished.  So, of course, my relief at having survived it and having had good work to talk about is quickly followed by all sorts of post factum remorse of various kinds.  But I’ll refrain from going into all that.  Doesn’t really serve anything or anybody, least of all me.

It’s been great to catch up with a bunch of friends.  Three appointments today alone!  Somehow I must get my taxes done and a few other serious errands before leaving on Tuesday.  That’s a bit daunting.  High on the to-do list is to do some shopping for my friends back in V.  I have a list of requests they’ve given me, as well as my own list of souvenirs/gifties that I want to get for folks.

The weather is beautiful.  Sunny and warm.  Crocuses are out.  Very pleasant for me, but a real thrill to those who have been here through a hellish winter.

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.

where am I?

We’re having a glorious spate of sunny days, and the city is suddenly different.  It’s not just that I’ve spent most of the last month at home (there, I’ve said it).  There’s a slate-gray flatness to Venetian winter.  Sunshine is to this city as varnish is to fine wood.  It brings out the texture, the depth, the grain, the color.  Animates it.  Gives it life.

Preparations for carnevale are also underway.  I knew this, of course.  Confetti has dotted the sidewalks more and more since New Years — like crocus heralding spring.  The passarelle for aqua alta are disappearing.  And the mask-shop saturation has cranked up a notch.  But I didn’t anticipate market stands (?) in Campo S. Stefano.  And, frankly, I’m a little alarmed that there’s a crepe stand in the little campo on our side of the Accademia bridge.  Somehow that crosses an invisible, psychological line for me.  This is liable to be more crowded and literally carnival-like than I anticipated.

sun’s out!

Here’s what I saw when I went to the window this morning and looked up. Blue sky and sunshine! Maybe winter will end.