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Take a moment and join me as a very young girl sitting in front of the TV, watching a movie and becoming completely, totally enchanted….mesmerized …and falling in love…with Venice! ♥
♥ The movie is the 1955 romantic drama, “Summertime“, with Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi was filmed in Venice. (Directed by David Lean, music by Mantovani.) Oh my…!
♦ Fast forward a few decades as a young school teacher finally arrives by train and upon leaving the station, steps out into the dream that is Venice! At last, I was here and that thrill has never left me! And then Piazza San Marco, seeing the grandeur and splendor that is Venice as music from Caffè Florian fills the square and I am left speechless.
♥ It was on that very first visit that I saw a poster for the upcoming Regata Storica, September 1st, which is always held on the first Sunday of September. It was also an anniversary of Marco Polo’s voyage to the Orient. I LOVED and purchased the poster regretting I would miss the event but the seed of returning was planted.
♦ I proceeded to carry, frame, un-frame, and transport that poster for decades until now – now it hangs in my apartment here in Florence. And in all of the years I have traveled to Italy and throughout Italy and to Venice, the timing to attend the Regata Storica never worked out…until this year!
♦ This year I put the date on my calendar, made my hotel reservation far in advance, booked my train and I was absolutely determined to go…and I did!
♥ Arriving on the prior Thursday, and connecting with my amica, Cecelia, we attended the blessing of the gondolini at Campo della Salute – which I LOVED!
♦ And during my visit, we indulged in several scrumptious meals, a few Spritzes, visited a fascinating glass exhibit and so much more in her “hood”!
♥ Alas! The day has arrived! Finally! The Regata Storica! An unexpected invitation from another friend, Louise, to join her on her birthday to celebrate and to view the Regata from the Terrace of the oh so fabulous Palazzo Gritti was icing on the cake!
♥ A classic celebratory Bellini, the ideal ambiance and view, an absolutely sumptuous buffet brunch, lovely friends, and a stellar staff…in other words, an absolutely unforgettably marvelous time!
♥ Of course, I could not leave Venice without going to the Florian. On this last evening I meandered over and enjoyed their signature cocktail, the Bellini, savored the view and sighed my goodbyes to Piazza San Marco…until we meet again.
♦ Ah, but not quite good bye to Venice…I had another day before catching my train so after I checked out and leaving my bags, I headed over to The Peggy Guggenheim Collection. This was totally a serendipity decision – I had visited many years ago and although much of her art is not to my taste, I found a new appreciation for her and many of her pieces. (Not to mention the location!!)
♥ Visiting Peggy’s Collection…thought provoking and some of my favorites including Magritte, Picasso, Kandinsky, Calder…and that view!
♥ So many moments…just Venice, the ever enchanting La Serenissima! For me, you’re a dream and a dream come true…
♥ I just love Venice and seeing more of her treasures and backstreets was such a pleasure and it is such a pleasure to share with you! ♥
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♦ Are you ready to live YOUR dream destination in Italy? The perfect time to start planning is NOW and I would love to help you! ♦
Just CLICK here and let’s begin!
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