It was a glorious spring morning a few years ago when my brother Ryan and I and our friends Ben and Nat scurried through the deserted, pre-dawn streets of Venice, eager not to waste one precious second of our time there.
The sun was just rising as we emerged in San Marco Square and found our way to a vaporetto (water bus) stand. Although not as romantic as a gondola or fanciful as the colorful Venetian boats, Venice water bus tickets are very cheap (6 Euro as opposed to 90 Euro for a gondola) and if you are quick enough to get an outside seat, the views are impeccable.
Since we were among the first in line at just after 5 a.m., we had our pick of outside seats and chose the very outsidey-est ones with views unencumbered by the large hats or telescopic lenses of strangers.
Soon we were motoring along the relatively deserted canals, seeing a Venice awash in pure morning light, the cool, fresh breezes masking the oft malodorous air.
I love seeing European cities before most people are even awake. The lack of interruptions and distractions make for peaceful and thoughtful viewing.
Usually the only people up are locals, heading off to work or stopping by the bakery for their morning bread or pastry. I like that.
I liked the hundreds of boats tethered securely to crooked wooden poles, rolling gently on the waves, creaking rhythmically with each heaving swell.
I was enchanted by the intricate detailing on the windows, balconies and doorways of lavish villas. Who lives behind those huge locked doors, those barred windows, those fluttering white curtains?
Some buildings looked welcoming with window boxes spilling over with flowers and cheery, brightly-painted boats tied up front, but others were austere, like this beautiful but imposing edifice.
My favorites were those with hidden gardens: ivy-covered trellises, lush plants trailing over courtyard walls, and blossoming trees reaching up for the sun. What lovely escapes in a city with so little ground that isn’t covered by towering villas and exquisite churches and palaces. How precious each square bit of earth must be.
If I lived in Venice, I would love a hidden garden to putter in.
I would also love one those fabulous little boats painted in deliciously bright colors. A little Venetian boat, all of my own. That sounds like pure bliss. 🙂
While we’re indulging in such lovely daydreams, what little things would make your heart happy if you lived in Venice?
PS – Thank you with all my heart for your unbelievably kind responses to my last post. Your supportive and celebratory words made me laugh and get teary and feel so lucky that you are part of my world. Thank you. xo
Early morning is the best time to discover the world. I am sorry that I ill miss venice this time on my journey, but it gives me a reason to go back.
I agree completely, Val. It is my favorite time to explore a new place. 🙂 I’m so happy that you’re heading out on your trip soon!! Can’t wait to hear all about it. XO
Isn’t it magical? I too am absolutely captivated by the little bits of green tucked away throughout Venice (though if I were to live there, I would choose Sant’Elena, the tree-covered “tail fin;” nature does my heart good). I never get tired of visiting, and your pictures take me back in a heartbeat. 🙂
Magical is the perfect word to describe it, Bethany. 🙂 I’ve not heard of Sant’Elena – but it sounds like my kinda place. I will have to visit it next time I’m in Venice. 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE Venice – gorgeous photos!
🙂
V
Thank you, dear Valerie! I love it too. 🙂
Beautiful photos Krista!
Thank you, Juci!! I’m so excited to see your new page on FB. I will love keeping up with you there. 🙂
It is a pleasure to share in your happiness. Lovely photos of Venice, you seem to have bottomless archives to draw upon Krista.
I’m afraid I do take rather a lot of photos when I travel, Linda. 🙂 But it’s served me well when it comes to blog posts! 🙂
Today seems to be the day for me to join people vicariously on their wonderful trips 🙂 We were there in 2007 and would love to go back some day soon! Enjoy the sunshine and the beauty! and happy I stopped by 🙂 cheers, Priya
Thank you, Priya! I’m so glad you stopped by too. It’s a lovely thing to revisit loved places, isn’t it? 🙂
I have never been to Venice and it is somewhere that intrigues me. I have heard so many contrasting opinions on it that I need to see it for myself. Of course, in your beautiful words and pictures, it seems like heaven 🙂
I think you would love it, Katy, simply because it is so unique. Yes in the summer it stinks, and the HORDES of tourists make it rather blechy at times, but in the early morning or the off season, it is exquisite. 🙂
God I love Italy!
Me too, Velva!! Don’t you want to fly there right this very minute?! 🙂
It is a long time since I have been in Venice. Your photos made me feel like I was there in the boat, early in the morning. Beautiful and refreshing. Thanks! Budget Jan
I’m so glad the pictures gave you that feeling, Jan. 🙂 It’s been a couple of years for me too and revisiting through these pictures makes me want to go back as soon as possible. 🙂
What wonderful photos. You’ve given me wanderlust :-). I hope all is well. Blessings…Mary
Thank you so much, Mary! 🙂 They made me want to travel again too. 🙂
Gorgoeus! I need to go to Venice. Like, yesterday.
You do indeed, Joanne!!! I cannot wait for the day you get to go. 🙂 If only I can hear all about your adventures and see the heaps of pics you will take. 🙂