In 2011, Kelly and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary. We decided that we would go to Europe to mark this special occasion. We had two weeks, so she chose that we spend the first week in Paris and I chose that we spend the second week in Venice. I'm not sure when my fascination with Venice began. Maybe it was growing up in Ft. Lauderdale which had a tagline "Venice of America", but it was always one of my bucket-list goal to visit.
Anything is Possible
Since 2011, we have visited Venice every year (except for COVID) and I'm still fascinated. This city looks impossible. Land was created out of a lagoon. Churches are filled with masterworks by the greatest artists. Grand palaces emerge directly from the water. They seem to float on the water every evening. The sunsets are magical as the pinks, oranges and reds cast a hue over the amazing architecture. How did they possibly build this? How did they make something out of nothing - a gorgeous city out of a swamp? If you visit Venice, I think you may have the same thoughts. To me, this city represents the human spirit. It represents that nothing is impossible. Centuries ago, people dreamed of this place and through their hard work and creativity it is an incredible reality.
Quiet Time is Important
If you've never been here, it is important to know that there are only two means of transportation in the city of Venice. First is boats! You will see every size, shape, and type of boat on the canals of this city. Everyone takes a vaporetto to navigate the city. The vaporetto is a "water" bus that is used by locals and tourists. The other way to get around Venice is on foot. There are no bicycles, scooters, cars or trucks. The sounds you hear on the streets are footsteps and not honking horns or revving engines. The result of having these only two options for transportation is peace and quiet. Venice is definitely an early city. By 9:00pm, most everyone is home for the night and the quiet begins. You may hear an occasional laugh outside or a muffled conversation as someone walks by, but the quiet is pure. To me, the quiet is important. It allows you to think without distraction. It allows you to appreciate the things around you and within you.
Always Do Your Best
Venetian food differs from the rest of Italy in that it is focused on the "fruits" of the lagoon - in other words seafood. Fresh seafood each day are brought into the Rialto Market for purchase by restaurants and locals. What ever was caught that morning in the lagoon will be featured in specials across the city that evening. Fresh produce is all brought in by boat, but the same philosophy persists. Use the best, freshest produce possible to create recipes for the day. What I have learned from eating at some of the wonderful restaurants in Venice is that you should always used the freshest products and do you best to create something delicious. I think this lesson applies to many things in life! Always do your best and never choose ease or convenience over quality.
Slow Down
Since retirement, I've certainly embraced the concept of slowing down. I used to be out of bed by 6:45am and at the office by 7:45am. Now, I'm happy to spend an hour after awaking to amuse myself with social media, local news, or online games before crawling out of bed. I'm not sure that I learned this lesson in Venice or it just happened spontaneously, but I can tell you that it's good for your soul. Not having too many items on your daily calendar feels good. There are many times that my iPhone reminds me that I have "No Events Today". Those are great days. There is freedom and peace that comes with slowing down. I encourage everyone to try it! Stop, sit on a bench, and have a gelato!
Come to Venice
This year, Kelly and I are spending a month in Venice. We are both using this free time to write. My autobiography is almost complete and her novels are heating up! As you travel to Venice, it won't be easy. There will be many flights, boats, stairs, and cobblestones to navigate, but I promise you that it is worth it. The things you will see and the lessons you will learn here will make all of the effort worthwhile!
Ciao!
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