We’re in the middle of the story of how little Venice got to be powerful Venice. If you’ve been following along, you may recall that in the 13th century, the Venetians were in a very interesting position. Venice, thanks to tax-free trade and its perfect location between East and West, was prospering mightily. But their sweet deal was in jeopardy. Continue reading “How Little Venice Got to be Powerful Venice”
Standing at the Gateway to Venice
There’s something special about the place called “The Gateway to Venice.” Buildings here seem as if they haven’t changed in hundreds of years. There’s a regal spirit in the air, maybe left over from when Venice was a force to be reckoned with in the western world. Continue reading “Standing at the Gateway to Venice”
Ciao from Saint Mark’s Square
It’s early morning in Venice, Italy. It was a grueling travel day yesterday, but we slept through the night and woke up feeling refreshed. Let’s see… first day in Venice. We need to go see Saint Mark’s Square. We’re tourists. It’s our job! Continue reading “Ciao from Saint Mark’s Square”
Locked in a Venetian Dungeon? Mamma Mia!
It’s been a long day. Long flights. Long, slow boat ride. Long schlep through winding Venetian alleyways to our hotel. But we made it. We were ready to conk out, but there was one more challenge in store for us. Mamma mia! Continue reading “Locked in a Venetian Dungeon? Mamma Mia!”
We Just Want to Find Our Hotel!
We’ve just arrived in Venice, Italy. Well, almost. We landed at Marco Polo airport. Now we’re trying to get to Venice. We took “the long way” from the airport to the city. Now we really just want to find our hotel, check in, and conk out. But it won’t be easy. Continue reading “We Just Want to Find Our Hotel!”
Covid-Positive in Portugal – Now What?
We interrupt this series of posts from Italy and the Greek Isles to tell you about a recent Covid-related travel experience. We found ourselves Covid-Positive in Portugal. Maybe knowing what I know now, but didn’t know then, will come in handy on your next trip. Continue reading “Covid-Positive in Portugal – Now What?”
Slow Boat to Venice
There’s no place like Venice. Gondoliers steering their polished black craft while belting out “O Sole Mio,” picturesque bridges arching over narrow canals, Saint Mark’s Square… But reaching Venice from California isn’t easy. It’s gonna be a long day. I found a way to make it even longer, opting to take “the slow boat to Venice.” Continue reading “Slow Boat to Venice”
Au Revoir, South of France!
Ah oui. The time has come to say “au revoir” to the South of France. But why? Do we really have to go home? Why can’t we just stay here? I could get a job in a vineyard or a bakery. We could eat freshly-baked bread each morning and wash down lunch with rose. But then there would be no more travel letters. Non. C’est l’heure de partir. Continue reading “Au Revoir, South of France!”
A Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape
Avignon was neat, but now it’s just a fading image in the rear-view mirror. We’re on our way to Chateauneuf du Pape. We’ve heard enough about the wine. We want to see the place for ourselves. Continue reading “A Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape”
A Connection between Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape?
We’re in Avignon, on a guided tour of the Palace of the Popes. We’ve just learned that the first pope to settle in Avignon arrived in 1309. He hadn’t planned on moving in permanently, but some invisible force kept him from leaving. Wanna know what it was? I think it had something to do with Chateauneuf du Pape. Continue reading “A Connection between Avignon and Chateauneuf du Pape?”
