Ciao from Venice!
April 16, 2011 in 2011
Over the past five weeks, Venice has completely captivated me. I am constantly in awe that I am living in such a unique city. The majesty and glory of landmarks such as the Basilica and Piazza San Marco are only the beginning of the incredible sights I have experienced. Part of the charm of Venice is walking down the different calle (Venetian streets), getting lost in the twist and turns while at the same time discovering new pathways and canals. I have spent countless hours exploring the city, discovering hidden gems, and becoming accustomed to the everyday Venetian lifestyle.
I share an apartment with two other students on the trip, and we live about five minutes from Piazza San Marco. We get to hear the church bells from San Marco and the other churches every half hour. It’s wonderful! Although many tourists stay near the main attractions of Venice, the privilege of living here has afforded me the time to explore some of the surrounding Venetian islands. Here is a quick recap of what I have been able see so far:
Lido – This is the only Venetian island that has cars, and it also has a beach. Though it wasn’t warm enough to swim, I enjoyed looking for seashells!
Murano – Murano is known for its world-famous glass products. They are beautiful, and I learned a lot by watching a demonstration in one of the glass factories on the island.
Torcello – This ancient colony had its glory days before the rise of Venice. While visiting the site of the Byzantine Basilica di Santa Maia dell’ Assunta I was able to take in the most glorious Venetian sunset of the trip so far.
Burano – This was my favorite of all the islands. It is known for its lace and colorful facades. The brightly painted blue, pink, green and yellow facades are unlike anything I have ever seen.
Our schoolwork began with studying the campi (squares) of Venice. Venice is organized of various campi and calle, and it is the campi that are the heart of the city and the means of orientation for both tourist and residents alike. Our studio work has been to design a new park with a campo and artisan district on a new island right outside of Murano. Interacting with landscape architecture students and getting feedback from Venetian designers has been invaluable to my studies.
Every day in Venice brings new opportunities and experiences. I have been incredibly fortunate in my journey thus far, and I can’t wait for each new day. There is so much that I want to see and do, and the opportunities are endless!
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David Arkin said on April 18, 2011
Kelly : Bongiorno! It was in Venice (possibly on the island of Burano) that I met an architect from South America who recommended I visit San Gimignano, and stay at the monastery there. While it may come as a disappointment to Ken to hear this, it was this little Tuscan hilltown, with it’s diminutive towers and narrow pedestrian-only streets, that truly captured the Italian experience for me (OK, picnics in the surrounding vineyards with a new friend no doubt helped). But Venice, Rome (of course) and all the Italian cities we visited were Italy in their own unique ways. Enjoy!
KAMartinez said on April 23, 2011
Hi David,
Thanks for the recommendation! I have heard that San Gimignano is a great city, and I actually studied it a little this spring! I hope I can find time to visit!
Cheryl Fosdick said on April 19, 2011
kelly- my best to you. Hope you’ve had some clear and fresh breezes- spring should be about to explode there- it seems the whole country flowers and leafs in the course of a week, around the first week of May or last week of April. It would be lovely to see in pictures more of the observations you record in words- the colors and the intricacies of the place through your eyes would almost make up for the fact I will not take my annual bike trip to Italia this year, thanks to the US economy! If you get a chance, check out the 30 permanent Biennale exhibits located in the Venice Giardini. I was fascinated when I stumbled aross them back in the early 90’s….and when and if you do get to Toscana e Maremma and are looking for some interesting small villages to visit, I can advise. Further, if you make it to Apulia or Bascilicata, I have friends who can further advise- my father is also teaching in Bari through Mid May at the Polytechnic di Bari- perhaps I can make a connection for you there as well….wonderful coastal places like Ostuni and Monopoli…..DO send pictures tho- help us see what and how you see it all! It would be a treat indeed.
Un viaggio piacevole, il mio amico . Cheryl
KAMartinez said on April 23, 2011
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for all of your wonderful suggestions! I hope I can make it to at least some of the places you mentioned. I will definitely seek your advice if I get there!
Sorry you can’t make it to Italy this year. I have added some pictures to the post – I hope you enjoy them!