And that’s a wrap

The night before arriving in Venice, I didn’t sleep. I got myself into such a state about whether I would find the apartment (I had booked something more local and less hotel-y this time). The owner was going to meet me at the water taxi stop in Venice but then because of my flight times changed to meet me at the airport instead.

How many times had I been to Venice? At least half a dozen since my first visit in 1984? I am not really sure to be honest. I had been many times to the airport as that is where I had flown from all but twice when visiting my Nonna. To the city- I had done quite a number of day trips over the years, often stopping before heading on to my nonna’s house. This would only be the second time to stay – the other time in 2015. Needless to say, I had visited many times before without any problems; all my experiences in Venice had been positive.

So, I put on my big girl pants and sucked it up. After my cousins left to fly home I had many hours in the airport to sit and think and plan. I would be fine. Even Luciano the property owner messaged to say the same thing.

He met me at the airport to give me instructions and keys and helped me get all the transportation organized to get to the city. He was a chatty man, full of information and recommendations, and by the time I went to get the bus we realized I had missed it. So he drove me to the water taxi. Very kind of him. Saved me a bus ride!

When I got off the boat, my phone started ringing. Apparently during all our talking Luciano had forgotten to give me the keys to the apartment. Luckily there were other ways in. By this point I was wandering aimlessly and taking photos, remembering how much I loved being in the city and all my worries vanished. I was reminded that I need to have a little faith in myself… I generally figure things out.

I got to the apartment much quicker than anticipated and had just enough time to run to the supermarket which was just at the corner. I decided on a snack of marinated anchovies and potato chips, with a glass of Prosecco. Perfect start to my little Venice visit. I settled in quickly- the apartment was perfect! Great location, beautifully decorated and spacious! I would definitely stay again.

I slept well. I think I was so tired from not sleeping much the nights before that I just crashed. The apartment was clean and quiet and peaceful and had delicious aromas of aglio and sugo (garlic and tomato sauce) filling the corridors. I had sweet dreams and woke ready to take on the city.

First stop was Marchini Time for a coffee and apple pastry. Luciano told me this was where the locals go- while I was no local, I could certainly pretend.

My day was spent wandering and taking pictures, eating and having coffee while people watching, wandering through shops and talking to Italians and getting lost as I took turns that my map didn’t advise, all with my travel friend, Rick Steves in hand.

I have always been a fan of an appetizer dinner so when I read Rick Steves’ suggestion for cicchetti for lunch, I was all over it.

Gelato, a Banksy… while the temperature had dropped the sun was shining and my shoes were comfy so I walked.

I slow down here. I check my phone less (unless using my map) sit quietly and watch and feel no sense of urgency if I need to wait. It’s hard to adopt the same ways when home- life is busy, things are hurried and I always feel on call. I need to channel my Italian experience and figure a way to make it more a part of my everyday life.

I returned home in the late afternoon, had take away snacks in my apartment and then headed out for a Vivaldi performance at a church. It was wonderful- stringed instruments and a piano in an old church turned into a concert hall. The city was so beautiful at night that after the concert I headed back to wander around and take some more photos before finishing up.

In some ways it felt like I had been away for ages while in other ways it felt like my vacation had just started. Trip number 5 had come to an end. That was 5 trips in one year- the most I had ever taken. I figured it was one special trip for each decade I have been alive.

Here’s to the next 50! Can’t wait to see what lies in store.