The ABCs of Greece & Italy! X, Y, and Z, and that Friends is THE END!!! :) See you in Asia and Australia, Join Me THERE!!

[Steppesister]

Kids these days. No get up and go!

Generally, and sadly, true.

Love the theater.
Some of my favourite Broadway classics that may have been performed there:
Moulin Rouge Like Blood
The Phantom of the Pancreas
The Sound of Screaming
Les Miserables Bowels
The Sound of Morticians

Wow, what a lineup!!

You have?!?!?!?

Indeed I have. One was an older woman and another a middle-aged man.

Whoa. I always find that... incredible.

See?!

Meh. We have Readers Digest here too.

And smart phones.

Free???
How to say you're not in America anymore without saying you're not in America anymore.

Sooooo much is free or super reasonably priced in Europe. It's almost like they WANT people to be culturally enriched and educated. Weird, I know.

This place is far more ornate than I would have expected.
I'm curious if Anara regretted not joining you, later?

Good question! I never even asked her. But will now that you mention it.

"as each student in turn puked upon the ornately tiled floor."

I'm sure more than a few got sick or light-headed. I know in my class at least a couple had to leave the room.

I can imagine the scene of the cadaver lying on that slab...

It would sure be an interesting scene. Although I do wonder a little where they got the specimens. Prisoners? Homeless?

Dude! Put some pants on! There are children present.

Or...

I like big butts and I cannot lie!

...without anesthetic. <shudder>

Quite possibly true. I think though they used alcohol for a long time before ether.

Well!
That's just a little jarring. We went from cadaver carving to dinner in one paragraph.

Oops! Sorry for the whiplash!

Jimi Hendrix?

Definitely!!

 

[Steppesister]

X is for: eXhausting Walk for an eXquisite View​

The next morning, I struck out on my own, which is fairly usual for when Anara and I travel together. She would rather sleep in and doesn’t need her morning cuppa. I don’t mind, it gives me a chance to catch up with writing some notes and just enjoying a bit of time alone. It’s definitely not hard to find a place serving up coffee every morning. Most cafes are coffee by day and bar by night. Generally, the process is to just plop yourself down at any empty table and someone will be by to take your order at some point. Soon enough, this little beauty showed up to keep me company along with a little dish of pickled veggies. I confess, this was so odd to me and yet I sat there and ate the whole lot. I mean, who doesn’t want a serving of pickled veggies with their morning pastry?

​

Heading back to the Airbnb, I gathered up Anara and my camera, and we set off for our day’s adventure. We went back to the Main Piazza so we could grab a taxi to The Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca, a basilica set high atop a hill overlooking the city of Bologna and another one of the several UNESCO World Heritage Sites we got to see this trip. The drive only took us about 20 minutes and soon we were exploring this lovely small basilica. The present structure was built in 1723, but some form of church or chapel has sat on this hill since 1160 and a particular icon was assigned to it in about 1193.

​

Entering the main sanctuary is free, but we had decided to pay the nominal fee of about $5 to climb to the top of the sanctuary and do the “Panoramic Terrace” which opened in 2017. From there we were able to see an amazing view of Bologna down below and the surrounding rolling hills around it.

(Sorry for the black line. I had to shoot through the window covering.)

​

Along the way, there was an empty room about halfway up with a window that looked out. What was absolutely fascinating was the texture on the walls and ceiling. The only thing I can guess is that there were bundles of hay, like thatching, used in its construction at some point. Then maybe plaster was put on top of that? Ideas?

​

Also, how often do you see graffiti that’s almost 100 years old and from war-time nonetheless?

​

Compared to the San Petronio in Bologna, this sanctuary was fairly plain, and I only took a couple of photos of the interior.

​

but what did catch my eye from a photo composition standpoint were the many spiral staircases there.

(I wonder how many broken legs they see every year?)​

We made use of the facilities before we headed back down the hill and encountered one of the cycling teams that was practicing for one of the races that use this route. The same Wiki article in the next part talks about that bit of interest as well.

​

Continued in the next post....

 

[pkondz]

I kinda like the "odd" knots with extra twists. Makes a statement!

True. Not classic, but... definitely a statement!

Exactly! I'm MORE than happy to fill up just before returning it.

They say taking video is the best way to deal with this.

Oh? Might have to change my tactics.

The only way that would happen I think is for it to be an inside job. I think?

Unless they got hacked. But otherwise... yes, I agree.

LOL!!! Nice comeback.

Good luck! Let me know about how plan to go about that.

Clean living. Cut out flour tortillas.

Side note: it's also the largest church in the world built entirely from bricks. (As opposed to marble) This church is really quite something with biggest, longest, etc...

Huh!

They are cool! The Smithsonian has a really neat one too. I like the ones with little cones that get knocked over as the day progresses.

Yep!! And for the life of me, I cannot figure out why she is one of the most sketched and painted figures like...ever.

I guess she's just so recognizable?

Water with a side of porn.

 

[pkondz]

Wow, what a lineup!!

Feel free to take in any or all

Indeed I have. One was an older woman and another a middle-aged man.

Sooooo much is free or super reasonably priced in Europe. It's almost like they WANT people to be culturally enriched and educated. Weird, I know.

I'm sure more than a few got sick or light-headed. I know in my class at least a couple had to leave the room.

I wonder how I would fare... Not in a rush to find out.

It would sure be an interesting scene. Although I do wonder a little where they got the specimens. Prisoners? Homeless?

I wondered as well.

Quite possibly true. I think though they used alcohol for a long time before ether.

"There's good news and bad news"
"The good news?"
"The patient didn't feel a thing!"
"The bad news?"
"It's because he died of alcohol poisoning."

 

[pkondz]

Sooo... I'm going to comment on your last update, but it's pretty obvious that you've forgotten to post almost all your photos with it. I'll come back later to look if I remember.

The next morning, I struck out on my own, which is fairly usual for when Anara and I travel together.

I think we already commented on kids these days.

It’s definitely not hard to find a place serving up coffee every morning.

I think that's pretty universal now.

Generally, the process is to just plop yourself down at any empty table and someone will be by to take your order at some point.

Much better than lining up.

along with a little dish of pickled veggies.

That's... different.

The present structure was built in 1723, but some form of church or chapel has sat on this hill since 1160

Everything is so old!

And thus... so cool

From there we were able to see an amazing view of Bologna down below and the surrounding rolling hills around it.

A nice view would be worth $5 I think.

What was absolutely fascinating was the texture on the walls and ceiling. The only thing I can guess is that there were bundles of hay, like thatching?, used in its construction at some point. Then maybe plaster was put on top of that? Ideas?

No clue. Even if I had a picture of it.

Also, how often do you see graffiti that’s almost 100 years old and from war-time nonetheless?

That's cool

Now, whereas we’d taken a taxi UP to the church, our plan was to walk back DOWN to Bologna under the longest portico in the world. Yes, you read that right.

Whoa!

Legend has it that in a particularly wet season when the icon was paraded down into town for its annual stay in the city folks were worried about it getting wet, so they built a 3.8 km long covered arcade (portico).

Holy cow! Long!

I find it hilariously ironic that a portico meant to lead worshippers on a pilgrimage to this quiet basilica has 666 arches.

Anara ordered an Aperol Spritz, which she absolutely hated.

Whoops!

But, she forced herself to drink the whole thing because, “(she) paid good money for it, Mom!”.

 

[Steppesister]

Our ticket also included the area of the sepulchers and there are several people laid to rest there. Neither of us were intrigued enough to linger in there, so we moved on fairly quickly. However, I did take a couple of photos as I was enamored with the intricate burial garb on one. And the style of monument they used. Sorry for the dark photo, I didn't bother to edit that one.

​

Now, whereas we’d taken a taxi UP to the church, our plan was to walk back DOWN to Bologna under the longest portico in the world. Yes, you read that right. Here’s the scoop:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madonna_di_San_Luca,_Bologna

Legend has it that in a particularly wet season when the icon was paraded down into town for its annual stay in the city, folks were worried about it getting wet, so they built a 3.8 km long covered arcade (portico).

From Wiki-

“… it is also possible to reach it along a 3.8 km monumental roofed arcade (Portico di San Luca) consisting of 666 arches, which was built in 1674–1793. It was meant to protect the icon as it was paraded up the hill. A yearly procession from the Cathedral of San Pietro in the centre of Bologna to the Sanctuary goes along this path. Originally the arches held icons or chapels erected by the patron family.”

I find it hilariously ironic that a portico meant to lead worshippers on a pilgrimage to this quiet basilica has 666 arches.

​

We set out on what most encounter as a 45-minute walk back to town. For the most part, this portico is pretty utilitarian. There are a few painted frescoes tucked into gated-off recesses that are (were?) used as family chapels, but otherwise, the portico was a uniform orange and yellow color throughout its length. The 14 Stations of the Cross are also painted into the portico at regular intervals, and it is still used as a site of pilgrimage by worshippers from all over Italy and beyond. Some were VERY faded and hard to see, but they are there.

​

At the beginning (or ending, depending on which way you're headed) of the portico area back down in the city, there are several shops and kiosks for drinks and snacks, and we were definitely thirsty and needing to sit for a while. I ordered an affogato and Anara ordered an Aperol Spritz, which she absolutely hated. But, she forced herself to drink the whole thing because, “(she) paid good money for it, Mom!”. (I’m pretty sure I helped her out with a few long pulls at it.)

​

Trying to save some money at this point in the trip, we also decided to walk aaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllllllll the way back into the area of our Airbnb too. It was a very, very long walk. We thought some of the more modern art was fun:

​

And I was able to get a few more door knockers for my collection. Dang these were fascinating to me!!

​

We hadn’t eaten much at all since breakfast and not much was open for a true dinner yet, so we found a place to hang out and get a cocktail. Fun fact, here in Bologna the bars bring out FREE snacks with your drinks and they aren’t your average popcorn and pretzels either! Here is what you can get for about $10 as a pre-dinner happy hour:

​

Most bars in Italy also have the added bonus of views like this:

​

Around 7:00 we found a place to eat, and once again it was outrageously delicious. If you like food and a lot of it, Bologna is your go-to place.

Random parmesan cheese store, just to stick with the food theme:

​

Next up: Our last day in Venice

 

[Steppesister]

Oh? Might have to change my tactics.

Might be a good idea!

Unless they got hacked. But otherwise... yes, I agree.

I thought of that too, but they knew too much.

Clean living. Cut out flour tortillas.

Excellent advice! I might live til I was 82!

I guess she's just so recognizable?

Maybe? I see her everywhere!

Feel free to take in any or all

I'm sure they are riveting... I"m dying to watch them!

I wonder how I would fare... Not in a rush to find out.

Probably with back and knee pain.

"There's good news and bad news"
"The good news?"
"The patient didn't feel a thing!"
"The bad news?"
"It's because he died of alcohol poisoning."

Or worse... infection.

Sooo... I'm going to comment on your last update, but it's pretty obvious that you've forgotten to post almost all your photos with it. I'll come back later to look if I remember.

Yes, my fat fingers hit "post" instead of CNTL V. So, go back and you can see the photos.

I think that's pretty universal now.

Did I mention it was Italian GOOD coffee. THAT is hard to find here despite it being on every corner.

Much better than lining up.

100%

Everything is so old!

And thus... so cool

For sure! Speaks to the craftsmanship!

 

[Steppesister]

Y is for: Yes, We’re Back in Venice​

It was time to say a sad farewell to Bologna; I really enjoyed what this city had to offer, and I would easily go back given the chance. Our train was scheduled to leave right about 9:00 AM so we packed up and were at the Main station by 8:30ish. One can never be too careful. Is it just me, or am I the only one who arrives at the airport with 2 hours to spare because… what if there's a traffic jam? Or flat tire? Or the longest security line since… never? Anyway, while we were waiting to head to our track, this piece of historical work sat on its own rails belching coal smoke in all of its yesteryear glory. There was a HUGE crowd gathered around it and getting a nice shot of it was tough, but, since I don’t generally like people in my photos, I persevered and got this shot I’m happy with. It was super cool watching the fireman shovel coal in now and then.

​

As I’ve mentioned before Italian trains will NOT wait for you and they are very rarely late, so we made our way to the track to wait our train's arrival and soon we were on our way. The views along the way didn't suck:

​

The trip only took a little over 2 hours and we pulled into the Stazione Mestre. Huh? Yeah, we did NOT go all the way onto the island to Stazione Santa Lucia choosing an Airbnb much closer to the airport. Since our flight the next morning was super early, we didn’t want to be trying to get a bus off of historic Venice when it wasn’t even running. CAUTION, Traveler, Venetian buses do not run 24/7. So, we got off, then took a taxi from the station to our very comfy Airbnb, dumped our bags, and checked in. It worked out quite well being so close to Marco Polo Airport but was a little bit of work getting into Venice for the afternoon and evening.

Our host gave us directions to the local bus and instructions for buying tickets and after paying for a round trip ticket that could be used at any time that day at the small tobbacaria (remember those from Bari?) we walked to the pickup/station. It was super cheap and easy (not as easy as using a vaporetto that would have cost like $200), but very doable. The only drawback is that it took almost an hour getting there due to traffic and the many stops. Still, we were at the Santa Lucia area by 1:00 and ready to get lost once again in the alleys of Venice. I’m not going to give a turn-by-turn tour as that would be impossible. I have no idea our route as we chose to just walk and do what seemed good in the moment. So… just enjoy a few shots as we strolled along.

​

I do know that we found a little pizzeria and were eating by 1:50 just to stave off hunger until a bigger dinner later. We thoroughly enjoyed being serenaded by this guy while we dined on soup and whatever Anara got. Sorry, I know the soup doesn’t look amazing, but it was actually quite good and a nice change from the pasta we’d lived on for a very long time. It was really filling and I do remember that I didn’t finish it all.

(Does every Italian restaurant have a Brothel Lamp?)

​

Again, we just started walking in the general direction of another place I wanted to see- The Libraria Acqua Alta. But once again, here are a few of my favorite outtakes as we made our way there:

​

Unfortunately, the bookstore, while very lovely, was a bit of a disappointment. It was mobbed by tourists and even the line to walk through it was long. We did wait and did walk through, but it felt more like a Disney attraction rather than a romantic stroll through aisles of artfully grouped books, stacks on gondolas, etc… Ah well, we tried.

​

Continued in next post....

 

[Steppesister]

Z is for: Ze END!
​

Our next destination, only a 13-minute walk from the bookstore, was La Fenice Theater. WOW!! All I can say is WOW! This ended up being Anara’s most favorite place we visited of all that we did, and she wants to go back and see an opera there someday. Yes, it was so moving for her, she’d actually sit through an opera just to hear music in that beautiful space. I would agree that it is a truly stunning work of art. Judge for yourselves.

​

There is an audio tour that you can get with a headset which we paid for. For the most part, we toured in silence but mostly together. It gave quite a lot of history of the theater which has burned more than once. It also gave some biographical information on Maria Callas and other famous opera vocalists that have gotten the privilege of performing at this treasure of a theater. At one point on the tour, we were taken through some of the halls where grand dinners and parties were held (still are, if I’m not mistaken). It was wonderful that for a few moments we got to hear a local pianist playing for whoever wanted to sit and listen. I absolutely loved this!

​

The La Fenice has an amazing history and it'd be well-worth reading a bit about it. Just a tip. I'd highly recommend The City of Falling Angels by John Berendt if you want a good historical fiction option.

When the self-guided tour was over for us, we made our way out and headed to the last destination I’d wanted to see- the Squero di San Travaso Gondola Shipyard. From one website: “The age-old Squero di San Trovaso has been the place where traditional Venetian boats, in particular, gondolas, the city’s symbol all over the world, have been built and repaired since the 1600s. A magical place where Lorenzo, the current squerariól and owner, has been working for about thirty years. Considering how often these fascinating boats need maintenance, as the average lifespan is about fifty years, repairing constitutes a significant part of the activity. But the Squero also builds new boats, usually one per year. The building of a gondola, in fact, takes two to three months of non-stop work and 280 pieces of wood from eight different essences. No preliminary design or drawing, all the knowledge is handed down from one generation to the next, just like Lorenzo is doing with his son Alberto.”

​

This is a VERY small little museum but with some really fantastic gondola history and pieces to see. There is a little movie to watch about the construction of gondolas with some history as well. Here are the few photos I took while there and then one from the outside taken from the opposite side of the canal looking back to the gondola-shipyard.

​

And a few last photos of Venice as we found dinner:

​

By now, it was getting dark and time to find some dinner. We’d passed a place earlier in our wanderings that made our mouths water and made note of it. Like they always say, when in Italy, make sure to get some excellent African food. Okay, fine, it was rather unconventional, but that’s exactly what we did. And we weren’t sorry even a little bit. This food was incredibly flavorful and really a nice change from Italian. Best of all, we had the entire place to ourselves and the kind attention of our Eritrean hostess. The whole place we full of African art from carved wood to tile work to colorful cloth and costumes. I remember I had a fresh juice drink (non-alcoholic) with turmeric and the mafe which I’ve eaten many times in the past. It’s super spicy and soooo flavorful with a rich peanut sauce. Yum! Sadly, we had to leave some behind as it was our last night and we had no way to eat it before taking off in the morning.

(This reminded me of the Tree of Life.)
​

We didn’t hurry as we made our way back to the bus station to take us back across to the mainland and our Airbnb; we wanted to soak up our last few moments of a magical vacation.

​

The next morning, the Airbnb provided a little shuttle van to the airport and man are we ever glad we got there wayyyyyyyy too early! Remember that little bit at the beginning of the last chapter? About being way too early? Yeahhhh, ummm, the Marco Polo Airport is an absolute $hit$how and I will NEVER fly into or out of there again. I will for SURE choose to fly into Bologna and just take a train. So, we get there and wait around forever to check in because they don’t post which window to go to until like 90 minutes before your flight. By then, it’s WAY too late for all of the bull$hit they are about to put you through. We finally are told which check-in window to use and wait in line for like half an hour. Only to get to the front and find out that Anara’s ticket didn’t have baggage included?! Like ***? What international flight doesn’t have at least one bag of #70 included?! About 30% of the folks in line were told the same thing. (I smell a scam!) But to make it even more bizarre and maddening, we were all sent to another place in another part of the airport to pay for said bag. We wait in line another 30 minutes (you’re doing the math right?) because this lady’s electronic credit card reader wasn’t working! How can you expect people to pay if you don’t have a way for them to pay? She finally got it working, but by then the people in the line were absolutely livid and totally freaking out- us included. I can’t know for sure, but I do fear some may have missed the flight. After we paid, we had to go back to the original line and wait again so we could show we’d paid and were then given boarding passes. We made the fight, but only barely and were some of the very last people to get on. NOT a good way to end such an otherwise wonderful and unforgettable vacation.

As we flew out and over Venice, then over the Alps, and the over the lovely fields of Europe, my blood pressure came down and I was able to reflect on my grand tour of Italy and Greece. Would I go there again? Oh yes, definitely. I’d stay longer in Tuscany and Bologna, I’d skip Naples altogether, and make sure I visited Murano near Venice, make my own Carnival mask, and see a symphony at La Fenice. I loved Zakynthos in Greece more than Santorini, Ioved that I sought out places that fewer tourists go, and I love that I could share all it with my girls.

​

And with that, my friends, this TR comes to a conclusion. I can’t thank those of you who stuck around for more than a year with me to comment and tell me you were reading. TRs can be lonely places when you feel like you’re writing for an audience of only a few. I hope you liked this whirlwind tour of the Southern Mediterranean and the photos that I so enjoy taking. Now, the day after TOMORROW, I take off for another month of new-to-me places to explore.

Join me there for my exciting adventures in the Philippines, Bali, and Australia!!

https://www.disboards.com/threads/a...e-of-a-philippines-wedding-thrown-in.3939687/

 

[Dirk van der Burch]

Great trip report. Thank you.

 

[Steppesister]

Great trip report. Thank you.

Thank you, Dirk!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and hope you'll join in on the Asia-Australia TR.

 

[Wood Nymph]

The basilica of San Luca is almost a modern-day building compared to the rest of them. I am still trying to wrap my head around the covered walkway. That is more than two miles! There must have been thousands of artisans working for centuries to make all those beautiful buildings, frescos, stained glass, sculptures, painting, etc. It is so very different from anything we have in our "new" country.

You made good use of your last day in Venice. I love the picture of the boats heading out to sea. The airport was a disaster but at least you made it out of there.

I really enjoyed your trip report. I'm looking forward to reading about your next adventure.

 

[rdkeim]

Wonderful TR! I'm just in awe of everything you did and saw. The portico walk - something I would love. Very special. We spent 2 nights in Venice last Sept. Such a unique place - no where I can think of like it. Photo-ops everywhere you look. What a airport nightmare! Sad your trip ended on such a sour note but glad you were able to quickly put it behind you. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and all the beautiful photos.

 

[Steppesister]

The basilica of San Luca is almost a modern-day building compared to the rest of them. I am still trying to wrap my head around the covered walkway. That is more than two miles! There must have been thousands of artisans working for centuries to make all those beautiful buildings, frescos, stained glass, sculptures, painting, etc. It is so very different from anything we have in our "new" country.

It really is quite a marvel! The artistry is something I never tire of! And yes, the fact that it’s all so old is a testament to how well it’s all made.

You made good use of your last day in Venice. I love the picture of the boats heading out to sea. The airport was a disaster but at least you made it out of there.

It was a really nice day of wandering , and yes, yikes… that airport. No thanks!

I really enjoyed your trip report. I'm looking forward to reading about your next adventure.

Starts tomorrow! With the “travel day”. Travel Day #1 anyway!

 

[Steppesister]

Wonderful TR! I'm just in awe of everything you did and saw. The portico walk - something I would love. Very special. We spent 2 nights in Venice last Sept. Such a unique place - no where I can think of like it. Photo-ops everywhere you look. What an airport nightmare! Sad your trip ended on such a sour note but glad you were able to quickly put it behind you. Thank you for taking the time to share your story and all the beautiful photos.

We really packed in so much! And so many things not often seen by the masses. Isn’t Venice dreamy?! It’s honestly a photographer’s paradise!

I hope your airport scenario was better.

You’re very welcome! I enjoyed sharing it all with you!

 

[irene_dsc]

I can't believe it's over! But yes, just in time for the next one - you did good.

 

[missjackiemcg]

Thanks for taking us along for the ride. It was equal parts history lesson, travel adventure, and incredible fun! Loved every minute and can't wait for the next one!

 

[pkondz]

I've got some catching up to do!

Legend has it that in a particularly wet season when the icon was paraded down into town for its annual stay in the city, folks were worried about it getting wet, so they built a 3.8 km long covered arcade (portico).

Almost 4... Kms?????

I find it hilariously ironic that a portico meant to lead worshippers on a pilgrimage to this quiet basilica has 666 arches.

But then again, maybe that didn't mean anything to them back then.

I love this photo. Is that Anara in the foreground? If you remove the extraneous stuff and the people in the background, it sure would make for a nice photo for her.

Feel free to hit me up if you're interested.

Anara ordered an Aperol Spritz, which she absolutely hated. But, she forced herself to drink the whole thing because, “(she) paid good money for it, Mom!”.

And I was able to get a few more door knockers for my collection.

Who doesn't like a nice set of knockers?

Fun fact, here in Bologna the bars bring out FREE snacks with your drinks and they aren’t your average popcorn and pretzels either! Here is what you can get for about $10 as a pre-dinner happy hour:

Not too bad!

If you like food and a lot of it, Bologna is your go-to place.

I like food!!

Excellent advice! I might live til I was 82!

Maybe? I see her everywhere!

She is... everywhere. Yes, I've seen her up here too.

I'm sure they are riveting... I"m dying to watch them!

Probably with back and knee pain.

For me... back, for sure.

Or worse... infection.

Yup. No need to wash hands! No such things as germs.

Did I mention it was Italian GOOD coffee. THAT is hard to find here despite it being on every corner.

My mom laments the lack of good European coffee on this side of the pond.

 

[pkondz]

Is it just me, or am I the only one who arrives at the airport with 2 hours to spare because… what if there's a traffic jam? Or flat tire? Or the longest security line since… never?

It's not just you.

this piece of historical work sat on its own rails belching coal smoke in all of its yesteryear glory.

Cool that it's still in use.

The views along the way didn't suck

Not at all surprised.

Yeah, we did NOT go all the way onto the island to Stazione Santa Lucia choosing an Airbnb much closer to the airport

I didn't know that was even an option, having only taken the train there once and to Santa Lucia station.

It was super cheap and easy (not as easy as using a vaporetto that would have cost like $200)

?? I thought the vaporetto was the cheap option? I must be mixing that up with something else.

ready to get lost once again in the alleys of Venice.

So… just enjoy a few shots as we strolled along.

Loved all the shots. This next one stood out, for me.

Really like it.

Unfortunately, the bookstore, while very lovely, was a bit of a disappointment. It was mobbed by tourists and even the line to walk through it was long.

Our next destination, only a 13-minute walk from the bookstore, was La Fenice Theater. WOW!! All I can say is WOW!

That's better!

This ended up being Anara’s most favorite place we visited of all that we did

I would agree that it is a truly stunning work of art. Judge for yourselves.

Wonderful. Reminds me of the Paris Opera House in some ways.

The age-old Squero di San Trovaso has been the place where traditional Venetian boats, in particular, gondolas, the city’s symbol all over the world, have been built and repaired since the 1600s.

Oh! That's cool! Wish I'd thought of that.

the Squero also builds new boats, usually one per year.

Only one!

No preliminary design or drawing, all the knowledge is handed down from one generation to the next, just like Lorenzo is doing with his son Alberto.

That's so cool!

Great shot!

Like they always say, when in Italy, make sure to get some excellent African food.

Um....

That looks so interesting.

(This reminded me of the Tree of Life.)

We didn’t hurry as we made our way back to the bus station to take us back across to the mainland and our Airbnb; we wanted to soak up our last few moments of a magical vacation.

Yeah... no one ever wants the vacation to end.

Well, unless it's been a bad one, which this one has not.

the Marco Polo Airport is an absolute $hit$how and I will NEVER fly into or out of there again.

Really! Not my experience. But then again, I was in a wheelchair the one and only time I've been and I'm sure it made a difference. It certainly did on the other end of that flight.

Only to get to the front and find out that Anara’s ticket didn’t have baggage included?! Like ***? What international flight doesn’t have at least one bag of #70 included?! About 30% of the folks in line were told the same thing. (I smell a scam!)

Did you ever look into it? To see if you did have baggage on it already?

She finally got it working, but by then the people in the line were absolutely livid and totally freaking out- us included.

Not cool. Flying is already stressful enough for some people.

We made the fight, but only barely and were some of the very last people to get on. NOT a good way to end such an otherwise wonderful and unforgettable vacation.

But at least you made it. Trust me, you won't arrive at your destination any faster whether you board first or last.

I was able to reflect on my grand tour of Italy and Greece. Would I go there again? Oh yes, definitely. I’d stay longer in Tuscany and Bologna, I’d skip Naples altogether, and make sure I visited Murano near Venice, make my own Carnival mask, and see a symphony at La Fenice.

All wonderful goals.

Ioved that I sought out places that fewer tourists go

I really enjoyed seeing your more off the beaten path places.

and I love that I could share all it with my girls.

And with that, my friends, this TR comes to a conclusion.

nooooooo!!!

TRs can be lonely places when you feel like you’re writing for an audience of only a few.

The few, the proud, the...

Wait... you mean you didn't write this just for me???

I hope you liked this whirlwind tour of the Southern Mediterranean and the photos that I so enjoy taking.

Enjoyed it a lot! Thanks so much for writing all about it, especially when you've been so busy.

 

[Paulaparm]

Thank you for sharing!