Shortly after we arrived, we went for a walk, when we noticed two monks in long
brown robes walking behind us. It really made us wonder just what century we were in! At first it almost seems surreal. Bridges, canals, and narrow cobblestone streets wind in all directions.
I have seen many pictures of Venice and somehow I thought those picturesque canal views were only in parts of the city and the rest would be typically congested with busy streets, noise, and traffic. To my great surprise, I realized that ALL of Venice is canals...no roads, cars, or trucks...only boat traffic! What a contrast from Paris where we woke up every morning to beeping horns with cars and scooters speeding down the streets! It is wonderful to know that you can walk on any street and you will only have to negotiate fellow pedestrians!
We have fallen in love with our new neighborhood. We are a five minute walk away from San Marco Square on a quiet street lined with restaurants, artisans, a bakery/chocolate shop, and a pasta shop. Our apartment is the first building on your left.
The first day we were here, we had a lovely meal at a trattoria along the canal's edge.
But, then came the exciting challenge of trying to live like a local. We got directions to our local grocery store...cross the first bridge, turn left, cross the second bridge, turn right and you're there. We've never had such a picturesque walk to the grocery store!
After buying some breakfast, salad greens, and some amazingly cheap Prosecco, it was off to our local pasta maker to buy some fresh asparagus ravioli, and some gnocchi. Mmmmmmm....
And then home to our kitchen to cook up our delicious finds!
Venice is amazing! What a great introduction to Italy! And I haven't even mentioned the Murano glass. As someone who loves to work with fused glass, the glass artistry here has been truly inspiring for me. But I'll have to save that for another blog as it is time to go and get deliberately lost on an evening walk in Venice. Ciao for now...and Happy Easter!
