Martina said with a knowing smile, ‘Its the best way to enter the piazza for the first time’. I was ushered through a jostling crowd, staring up past the archway into the bright bright blue sky i soon stepped out onto Piazza San Marco and gasped..stumbled...the beauty, open space and the history before me literally took my breath away. As my eyes darted from cornices and corners of the square...i must admit...i welled up! Martina grinned warmly and with open arms announced. ‘Welcome to Venice’
For as long as i can recollect, i have always wanted to visit Venice. As an odd kid, (now proudly an odd adult), growing up in Tividale..which is not quite Dudley...that is certainly not Birmingham. I would escape what i felt was the drudgery and grey of the Black Country by endless wandering around the cities Museum and Art Gallery. The first noticeable work of art, that greeted my naive eyes, was placed prominently in the domed lobby that certainly captured my imagination. It was an oversized oil painting of San Marco square with all its colour, life and intrigue on display. Supersized. Stood before this work looking up at it grandeur i promised myself that one day i would go there, i will visit Venice, i will get out!
So the journey into the square was only one step but for me the journey was a lifetime in its making.
Venice is FULL of snap happy tourist that are often spewed out by the beast like cruise ships that shadow the canal in the summer. Thankfully i was not visiting in peak season, better still i had my good friend Martina, a Venetian, to guide me through. During the day we slipped into the labyrinth of streets, arriving at her former home she spent her Venetian childhood, which was a real treat for me.
So not only did i get to enjoy the numerous bridges, the faded magnificence of the buildings the Grand Canal and the beautiful piazzas tourists can stumble upon with guidebook in hand, i was also invited to see the secret streets and sights that Venetians frequent.
Lunch was a particular highlight as we went to a cafe serving an ongoing buffet of fried fish, various pastas, thick soups and of course the clash and calamity of Italian dining! Despite the appearance of chaos everything smoothly run and service was incredible. Each patron, much like a jigsaw, located their fit and happily enjoyed their food. I stood wide eyed at the bar and display of eats before me, we opted for a childhood favourite of Martina's, a light tempura pocket of cheese and anchovies. Delicious with red wine. So delicious we happily ate two. A special mention for the much needed warming hot chocolate we delighted in as the sun set over the Basilica di San Marco, the thick chilled cream afloat the cupped mug was a perfect indulgence.
As we walked and talked the city became ours to enjoy and proudly opened up its sights and sounds for our indulgence. Later, away from the sway of winter tourists we strolled the paths of a park on the waters edge. Admiring the artworks left for all to see from Venice's cultural festival and enjoying the tranquil peace, Martina spoke of childhood anecdotes and a life in Venice with infectious glee which really brought a personal touch to the views before me.
As the evening descended and the lights began to shine throughout the maze of streets and perfectly placed piazzas we turned to see the last colours of the sunset fading across the water and over the Punta della Dogana, I smiled...a big wide.. i admit..smug smile... oh yes, i certainly was far from Tividale!
Thank you to Martina for making this day a truly special memory
Next Installment two exhibitions visited in one night within historic Bologna
