late September 2026
Venezia
First, a little background
Zelda and I met in French class at the UW in 1989. At that time she was working on her Masters degree in Classics. She was and still may be the smartest person I have ever known. We were roommates, took our oral French exams together with Madame 'Ski, and remained friends. While Joe and I stayed local after our wedding and graduations, Zelda and her dear hubs began a military life which took them away from the PNW and all over the world. Through kids and other life changes we stayed in touch and visited one another when we could.
Fast forward to last year. We were talking on the phone about their upcoming return to the states when she lamented that her trip with her sister to Rome in January would likely be her last and I think I said, " No it's not," then I shared the scheme of seeing Rome with her. She did not hesitate. In fact we added Venice, and Florence to the itinerary.
What a tour it was!
Seriously - no filters. This was the view from the bridge outside our apartment door.
Aphrodite helping with art selections in her Jewish Ghetto gallery. Deb & Zelda both bought prints there.
Italian plums on an Italian canal while waiting for our AirBnB host.
At the colorful & zany Libreria Acqua Alta.
See descriptions below of Venetian sights.
We took a vaparetto out to Torcello where we saw the amazing Basilica de Santa Maria Assunta (di Torcello) but photographs were not permitted. It is known for its incredible mosaics. Read more about conservations efforts here: https://www.savevenice.org/project/11th-century-mosaic-floor-of-the-presbytery-in-the-basilica-di-santa-maria-assunta-torcello
Also saw the islands of Burano and Murano. They are known for colorful building facads and blown glass, respectively.
We averaged over 6 miles a day on this Italy tour
Zelda & Deb bought matching old Afghan bird rings at a charity flea market
Basilica Santa Maria della Salute
The mosaic floors in the 12th century Basilica of Santa Maria e San Donato were incredible!
Murano
Everything must be done by boat.
Forget what you think about navigating on foot with a map. The little roads are for walking. The big streets are waterways. Trust me, it's a trip.
Time to take out the trash that you have carefully separated? Up to 5 categories: plastic & glass, tin/aluminum, paper, bio waste (food scraps) and mixed (everything else). Follow the very specific schedule for taking it to the boat. They take certain waste on specific days and times at the barge. Don't delay. They don't want to have to deal with a vermin problem.
Delivery boats are outfitted with small cranes. Need a ride? Take a ferry, water taxi, private boat or vaparetto. Gondolas are for tourists. BUT it is important to note that an aspiring gondalier spends 6-8 years studying for their license!
Venetian garage with lift
Looking toward next stop: Florence
Venezia!
10/18/20263 min read