I was planning, in this post, to show me pool-side in Jamul with a martini within an arm's length; but no one had the energy to grab the iPad to take a picture. So you will get my prose instead.
We had a wonderful time with our wonderful family and met many wonderful people, with fantastic support back home.
Love you all.
Ciao.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Long Day
We left Murano today at 5 am via water taxi, to the Venice airport. Flew to Paris and had to walk the entire length of the Charles De Gaulle Airport to make our 12 pm flight to Chicago. Arrived in Chicago and were processed though immigration and customs; so we are now able to wander around
the US at will. Left Chicago at 5 pm for San Diego. Home in Jamul at 8 pm.
From Murano to Jamul in 24 hours. Sweet.
These were the three beings occupying the single seat next to me and Jason on the flight to San Diego. Oy.
Mr. Beans ( the dog)
You can see Lisa and John in the background; isolated from the mayhem transpiring next to me.
And Jason sleeping through much of it.
the US at will. Left Chicago at 5 pm for San Diego. Home in Jamul at 8 pm.
From Murano to Jamul in 24 hours. Sweet.
These were the three beings occupying the single seat next to me and Jason on the flight to San Diego. Oy.
Mr. Beans ( the dog)
You can see Lisa and John in the background; isolated from the mayhem transpiring next to me.
And Jason sleeping through much of it.
Snooze-fest
On our last full day in Europe we were craving soft drinks on ice. This concept, soft drinks on ice, has not yet been adopted in the Old World.
We found the only McDonald's in Venice. These weary travelers were taking a respite at the "Mac".
In a related note; earlier in the day we passed a full sized statue of modern art depicting a conquering warrior holding the head of a recently decapitated Ronald MacDonald. Hmmm.
We found the only McDonald's in Venice. These weary travelers were taking a respite at the "Mac".
In a related note; earlier in the day we passed a full sized statue of modern art depicting a conquering warrior holding the head of a recently decapitated Ronald MacDonald. Hmmm.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Venice - It's Not About the Canals
You think, Venice; you think, canals. The canals certainly lend the city its uniqueness and overall character. The canals also restrict (eliminate) typical means of transportation, e.g. Cars, trucks, buses, and bicycles. This also adds to the city's character.
But the real soul of the city is found in the vast network of narrow passages created by the close proximity of adjacent buildings. Within the the narrow passages are excellent restaurants, shops, and occasional open spaces with churches or museums. The delight is that there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to the way the city is laid out. So as you navigate the passages, generally aimlessly, you are frequently surprised by interesting restaurants and shops.
It's even more fun at night. There are plenty of people walking around, so you won't feel alone. Just when you think you may have walked into a dead end, you will encounter others coming the other way, out from some dimly lit passage; likely as lost as you. The good news is that Venice can be viewed as an island, the length of which can be traversed in about 60 to 80 minutes. You can get lost; but not hopelessly so.
But the real soul of the city is found in the vast network of narrow passages created by the close proximity of adjacent buildings. Within the the narrow passages are excellent restaurants, shops, and occasional open spaces with churches or museums. The delight is that there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to the way the city is laid out. So as you navigate the passages, generally aimlessly, you are frequently surprised by interesting restaurants and shops.
It's even more fun at night. There are plenty of people walking around, so you won't feel alone. Just when you think you may have walked into a dead end, you will encounter others coming the other way, out from some dimly lit passage; likely as lost as you. The good news is that Venice can be viewed as an island, the length of which can be traversed in about 60 to 80 minutes. You can get lost; but not hopelessly so.
Ice Cream Cultures
The French and Italians must really love ice cream. It's everywhere. If there's any retail business activity in an area, there will be ice cream available within 50 yards. It can be ice cream treats, ice cream by the scoop, or extravagant ice cream desserts. You will not wont for ice cream in France or Italy.
Do You Need to Go to Paris and Venice?
Yes.
If you haven't been to Paris and think you don't need to go, you are wrong. If you haven't been to Venice and think you don't need to go, you are wrong.
Both cities are fantastic and worth your time to visit. They both are unique cities with unique and vibrant energies.
Why do you need to go? I don't know. I don't even know why I had to go. But after I visited each city, I knew I had needed to visit them.
You don't need to make an exhaustive visit. Just go and experience them.
Really. Do it.
If you haven't been to Paris and think you don't need to go, you are wrong. If you haven't been to Venice and think you don't need to go, you are wrong.
Both cities are fantastic and worth your time to visit. They both are unique cities with unique and vibrant energies.
Why do you need to go? I don't know. I don't even know why I had to go. But after I visited each city, I knew I had needed to visit them.
You don't need to make an exhaustive visit. Just go and experience them.
Really. Do it.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Venice and Murano
We left the mountains today and drove to the Venice airport. From there we took a water taxi to Murano, where we'll be staying for two nights. Murano is a short water taxi ride from Venice.
These pictures are taken from our bed and breakfast:
These pictures are taken from our bed and breakfast:
Last Day of Hiking
[Tuesday, August 9] We hiked around Corvara again. We took a ski lift to the top and walked around and down in three hours.
It was cold enough for Alexander and Jason to start building cacoons.
It was cold enough for Alexander and Jason to start building cacoons.
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