Wednesday, September 24, 2008

ITALIAN DREAMS- VENICE


Detail from an assemblage "shrine"  to Italy by Karen Cole

"I stood in Venice, on the bridge of sighs; a palace and a prison on each hand. I saw from out the wave of her structures rise, as from the stroke of the enchanters wand; a thousand years their cloudy wings expand around me, and a dying glory smiles o'er the far times, when many a subject land, looked to the winged lions marble pines, where Venice sate in state, throned on her hundred isles." -Lord Byron


Back from a sleepless trip to a magical place.  Above, a "winged messenger" from Susanna, taken from the balcony of our hotel. The Rialto bridge in the background. (duh!)

The key to a great Venetian experience? The key to your room at the fabulous Al Ponte Antico, a Venetian Spritz (Prosecco and Aperol) made by Matteo our host, A CAMERA and a view.

Sharing it all with wonderful friends.

Al Ponte Antico from the other side of the canal.

Even the construction has style.

A "must see". The Fortuny Museum. The current show Un Mondo Di Carta, the work of Isabelle de Borchgrave, clothing and accessories made out of paper. Swoony stuff......oh my!


Do you like mosaics? Don't miss the Orsoni workshop where you can get beautiful smalti.

Food? How about an artichoke fresh from the Rialto market?



Perhaps I'll get to experience carnivale next time.

Venice is a jewel. Detail of another italian shrine by yours truly.