First two days in Venice

We traveled from Orvieto to Venice by train. It was a 5 hour journey through the country side.

When we arrived in Venice it was a short walk to the Vaporetto (waterbus) which took us up the Grand Canal to San Marc where our wonderful small hotel is.

Rather weary we took the advice of the receptionist at the hotel and had a superb fresh fish meal at the Trattoria da Fiore. Venice is known for the wonderful fresh fish as it is so close to the Adriatic Sea.

Graffiti for Jason The ever changing colors and texture of Venice

It is the Bicentennial art festival this year in Venice. This incredible structure is made out of bamboo by Mike and Doug Starn from the USA.

The Sculpture Garden at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum

Wonderful colors of Venice

The Grand Canal

The Rialto Market - Incredible fresh fish, fruit and vegetables as well as on lookers looking for fish scraps

Picture of baby artichokes especially for Pete. Wish you were here to cook some of your wonderful meals with all the fresh produce.

The Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge

The back streets of Venice

Venice is know for its incredible embossed velvets and silks as well as Murano glass. The shopping here is amazing loved these colorful silk scarves and artist pigments.

Two more days of Venice to follow.

Loving every minute! It has been as special time with my mom.

Sue

Last Days in Orvieto

The last few days mom and I spent in Orvieto were quiet but filed with wonderful visual experiences. We visited a couple of the local churches along with walking some of the back streets.

This little church is at the convent that we stayed at.

Saturday was a wedding at the Duomo. The bride was Scots and the grooms dad from Orvieto.

Mom took me to La Cocco for a birthday dinner and we had lemon gelato served in a lemon it was delicious.

Last gelato Last pear, gorgonzola and walnut pizza at our favorite pizza restaurant. It was wonderful!

Wash day in Orvieto. On Sunday evening we watch the local parishioners preparing for the Festival of the Madonna in the old district in town. They walked the Madonna from their church around town stopping at local homes to bless them.

We also visited the local ceramic museum. It was really interesting to understand what the imagery symbolized and how the colors changed over the years.

In town is a Folk Artist 'Michelangeli' www.michelangeli.it/bottega_eng.htm I was really drawn to his style all made out of carved wood. As you strolled through the streets his work was on many streets as well as in many businesses.

The Duomo glowing in the afternoon sun

Over the weekend the Wisteria and the Magnolia tree in the courtyard of the convent started to bloom. I can't imagine what these must look like in full bloom.

The jasmine and roses in the small garden in the courtyard were so in full bloom and were so fragrant.

I shall miss this wonderful serene place. Thanks to everyone who touched my heart over the last two weeks. Mom and I were sad to leave Orvieto on Wednesday but knew Venice would be a different and exciting experience.

Sue