Viewing and Visiting Venice

Another installment of our voyage through Italy.  The city of Venice conjures up many romantic images and it is certainly a place where romantics just have to go.  Surrounded by water below sea level and with visions of gondoliers paddling you around it has a unique flavor unlike any other.  Our quartet arrived via train on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from and then proceeded by water taxi to our hotel.  Traveling by water taxi is crowded and noisy but with no cars anywhere in this city which actually is composed of many islands connected by numerous bridges it is walk or take the water taxi.

Just as in Rome, our accommodations were just what we wanted and needed.  First location.  Our Hotel Pagnelli was just steps from the water taxi which meant that our over packed American suitcases only had to be drug a short distance into the lobby and up the stairs to our rooms.  The hotel Pagnelli was once a convent and our charming albeit small courtyard rooms overlooked nearby rooftops.  Soon after our arrival we were thrilled to hear the bells ringing from the nearby church.  As the title of this post indicates Venice is definitely a city with beautiful and picturesque views around every corner.

We settled in in time to set off for one of Rick Steve's suggestions the pub crawl. Another noisy water taxi but we soon found ourselves in another part of the city past the Bridge of Sighs and wandering in and out of shops in search of  of wine and dinner.  Ok so maybe the pub crawl is better for the younger crowd so we decided to choose instead to sit down to dinner in a restaurant and have wine and food served to us instead of jostle for space and limited table space in pubs where people seemed to mostly be standing.  Cannot remember the name of the restaurant and what we ate but  can suggest that if you visit Venice and see something you like you should probably stop then and there because in the maze of very narrow streets, you will never find it again but more on that later...following a quiet and wonderful dinner experience we set off to walk off the latest round of Italian dining which is not hard to do in Venice where walking is the best option.  Nighttime had set in a we wandered over bridges and through the narrow streets to a much quieter city than when we had arrived.  Venice is a popular cruise stop so during the day the narrow streets are very crowded with day visitors making evening and night when the big boats sail away a much better option.

Imagine at night with only light from windows...

Our evening still held a few more adventures in store.  First we took Rick Steve's suggestion about finding a gondola off the beaten path. 9 to 10 PM was a perfect time to hire a gondola and we did so far away from the Grand Canal.  The full moon was as the song says like a big pizza pie and the perfect setting for amore as we paddled quietly along the waterways and past the bridges and buildings and sights like no other in the world.

 Next Rick, that's Rick Bavec, set out with a mission to find the best dessert in all Venice. Did I tell you walking was the way to go?  Anyway Italy is supposed to be about canolis right we have all had them at the Olive Garden or Carrabbas...Just do a quick Yelp or Google search and you can find anything...well not walking in Venice! And probably not cannolis as they are Sicilian and Venice is in Northern Italy far from Sicily!  Nor with a declining battery in your Iphone.  We never did find it but we did walk off dinner and find our way back to the water taxi.

Bill  analyzing politics & leading the way

When you are in Europe everyone knows you are American, go figure.  Anyway while waiting for the water taxi, we encountered a group of French tourists who upon discovering we were American wanted to ask us for the name of President Obama's latest book.  Warning skip this section if conservative Republican politics offends you....Bill responded without skipping a beat, "How I destroyed America. " Just as in Rome when Sherrie and I went for gelato in our PJs pretending it was Walmart, we did America proud by letting them know that this group of Americans were not Obama lovers!

So no dessert but we did find another open restaurant nearby the hotel where we wandered in. Note European spaces are very small be extremely careful when walking through a restaurant especially after drinking wine!  While sitting down for a late night coffee  (could have been our 2nd night there) but is too funny not to share, I accidentally bumped into a gentleman's table and his bottled water spilled into his lap.  Being a polite semi Southern American, I did my best to apologize in my very best Italian.  I turned around to discover that all my companions had fled the restaurant leaving me!  Apparently, my loving and devoted husband upon discovering my mishap signalled Sherrie and Rick and led the way out of the restaurant leaving me abandoned in a foreign country.  Don't worry, I love you all and do forgive you!

Rainy day in Venice

Shopping!

Did I say the weather was perfect?  Ok forgot, it did rain in Venice!  Bad morning for walking through narrow streets past many cruise tourists with umbrellas.  Good day for some shopping and to wander through an art museum in St Marks square. Venice is a good place to shop for glass and is also fun to look a souvenirs from the annual Carnival which is the big festival prior to the beginning of Lent when elaborate costumes are worn with masks. St Marks Square is beautiful.  The Cathedral of St Mark houses the bones of the apostle Mark.  We went to Mass in this beautiful cathedral one of our days there, a highlight for us all on our trip.  Also walking into the square en route to the Correr Gallery, we walked past a string quartet playing music.  I have always thought that Sherrie and Rick were some of the most romantic people I know and still are after 25 years of marriage. Right there in the middle of the square Rick and Sherrie began dancing and twirling while the bad played. Check out the video below!  I guess the romance is still there!

St Mark's Cathedral, Piazzo San Marco

 Next stop the museum.  Sherrie and I both found that we love to look at paintings and try to comprehend the message of the art.  I myself was in awe of the beauty of so much religious inspired works of art.  Our boys like the quick tour and then to find a place to sit and take in the sights and people watching along the square.  They were patient with us but as Bill says," How many pictures of Madonna and baby can you look at?"

Rick & Bill loving the Art

Did I say Venice is crowded?  Next, we escaped the hoards of cruise tourists via water taxi to San Giorgio Maggiore another spectacular church across the Grand Canal. Wherever you are in Europe, Catholic churches are a great place to see amazing architecture and some fabulous artwork.  We also encountered  outside this grand cathedral some type of local rose festival where Sherrie and were crowned with roses by some of the locals.

San Giorgio Maggiore...no crowds!

 Back to the main part of Venice looking for a quiet place overlooking a canal for some lunch. If you walk back off the main streets of Venice you can hope to find somewhere away from the tourists where you can have lunch in a more peaceful surrounding right? Rick took the lead with use walking behind. Remember earlier, I warned to stop whenever you see something? Well we did find the less crowded parts of Venice but we never did find the perfect lunch spot next to the canal again!

Ideal spot for Lunch

Walking!

Resting from Walking

Finally we eat! 

By the time we stopped walking I'm thinking 2 hours later all the cruise people had mostly cleared out and it was dinnertime. Our Last evening in Venice had arrived.  Tuscany and Wine Country awaited us in the morning.  We were glad to have visited Venice as it is completely unique.  After Rome and Venice, we were ready for a few days of the Italian countryside and still saying each day, "We're in still in Italy."

View across is St Marks Square & Doge Palace

Revisiting Rome

I can't believe it has been 1 year since our amazing trip to Italy. "Our trip is Sherrie & Rick Bavec's, Bill and my trip of a lifetime that started with a wish from Sherrie to spend her 50th birthday in Italy. Remembering back gives me such joy as every moment almost without exception was perfect. Of course how could it not be when you get to travel to the Eternal City with two of the best friends that you ever had or will have in your whole life?  While I was there, I was just too busy to take the time to record every precious memory.  Now, one year to the anniversary of our time in Rome I want to share some of what made it so incredible. 

First of all the weather not only in Rome but throughout our 11 day Italian adventure was sunny and beautiful.  

Was that a blessing from God or what? Our flight over from Philadelphia was relatively turbulence free and despite the anxiety of one of our fellow travelers we arrived to a beautiful morning in Rome safe and sound.  We then traveled in the wrong taxi to the perfect apartment with a view overlooking the Vatican a bit jet lagged but nevertheless anxious and excited to start our tour on foot of this beautiful city.  Lunch was the first order of the day.  Just a few streets away we began our Italian feasting with what else but pasta and good wine. 

We sent out over the Ponte St Angelo which flows over the River Tiber and could be called the bridge of Angels with an eye toward exploring some of the cities ancient ruins. One of our tag lines for the trip quickly became, "We're in Italy, " as it was amazing to think that after 18 years of friendship we had finally planned and taken a trip together and it became our way of pinching ourselves each day to remind ourselves that we were really here in this magnificent country. 

Onto the Pantheon one of the best preserved ancient buildings in all of Rome... talk about a walk through History!  Today this structure is a Catholic church and this was my first opportunity to drag everyone through and to see every church that I could possibly find along the way throughout Italy.  But to me the beauty of each of these churches and artistic masterpieces found within, calls me to reflect upon the grandeur and majesty of God. 

At this point we found ourselves feeling the jet lag and the effects of it having been 24 hours since we left the US.  Time for us to return to our Vatican flat/apartment for some gelato and a little rest before our planned tour of Rome by night. 

We awoke refreshed well sort of and made our way downstairs to where we were met by Sergio who actually was supposed to have driven us from the airport earlier.  Who knew so many Campbells were coming to Rome on the same day?  We set off at sunset for a fabulous tour of the city.  One of our first stops was atop one of Romes seven hills for a spectacular view of this city.  

 Next, we were off winding through Rome's very narrow streets very grateful for the skill of our Roman driver.  No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Trevi fountain to toss in a coin and  hopefully ensure that you will one day return. Our stop here was full of laughs and comic relief .  That coin I tossed was supposed to land in the fountain not hit Sherrie in the eye!  Another highlight was seeing my favorite tea drinker experience her first taste of espresso. Coffee here is served in small cups but it is just the lift for the weary jet lagged traveler.    

On we traveled as the city began to light up past many famous Roman sites such as the Spanish Steps, Circus Maximus, and the Arch of Constantine to name a few.  It was quite a moment when Rick Bavec exclaimed looking out the window, "Look it's the frickin coliseum," we are really in Rome.! Indeed. Once again our evening finished with a wonderful restaurant in Trastaverde with pasta, wine and for the truly adventurous American, fish served with the head on.  A quick taxi ride and a stroll back next to the Vatican as the busy city quieted down for the night. 

The frickin coliseum! 

Sleep followed by another dawn of another glorious day.  Perfect for our tour of the Vatican Gardens.  Nothing like a beautiful Spring Day to  enjoy sunshine, flowers and spaces dedicated to inspiring faith and devotion.  Strolling  along the paths on a relatively quiet tour past beautiful flowers and impeccably manicured lawns and shrubs, it was not difficult to imagine the Pope on a quiet day or evening taking out time to pray and reflect or pausing to listen in a way that allows each of us to experience God's presence in the silence of our hearts. 

Next stop the grandeur of St Peters Basilica.  Here I got my nickname "Vicapedia."  I was determined to take in every nook and cranny of this place I had dreamed about and watched on television all my life growing up Catholic. So much to see!  As I look back, there are not many photos of St Peters as it is dedicated as a place of worship and photos are deemed to take away from this experience.  First stop was Michelangelo's Pieta where you gaze upon one the artist's most famous works. Walking up toward the main altar there is the bronze statue of St Peter germs or not I was determined to wait my term to kiss the toe of this statue out of respect for our first Pope. Onward to the majesty of the main altar and then below to the tombs of many popes including John Paul II whose life and writings have been such an inspiration to me.  I hope to live to see the day when he will be declared a Saint.  Also in the main church, we spent time gazing upon the glass coffin of Pope John XXIII famous for his reform of the church and now canonized.  Since travelling to Rome, I have had occasion to read his book Journal of a Soul and learned more about the remarkable spirituality of this great pope. 

Finally our stomachs demanded that we leave St Peters and make our way to lunch.  Bill was starving. More wine and more pasta for me.  Next a stop at Soprani which we had been directed to by our deacon in Warner Robins for a few religious mementos and souvenirs.  Truly was the dollar store of the Vatican.  We returned back to our flat again to prepare for our evening visit to the Vatican museum while our boys shopped for a stay in dinner at a local market and of course more wine.  

Our tour of the Vatican museum was amazing.  We had an American graduate student from Temple University who educated us on the treasures which have been preserved from ancient times.  Many of the artistic works found within including paintings, statues and tapestries offer a visual journey through the history of faith depicted by the greatest artists in the world including Rafael, Leonardo and Michelangelo. The Sistine Chapel is breathtaking.  Gazing at the genius painted by the young Michelangelo who did not even consider painting to be his preferred medium., one is completely awestruck.  We had chosen to tour the museum during the evening and the setting sun and coming of night brought a beautiful close to our full day in and around the Vatican. 

We returned to our flat a short walk across the street to unwind, eat and prepare for our departure to Venice the following day.  During our time at the Vatican museum, an overseas call brought some sadness over this day as we learned that one of the Bavec kitties, Teddy, so very special to the entire family especially their youngest son was suffering from cancer.  The prospect of losing a pet for someone who loves an animal and especially for a young adult who is new to facing loss is very difficult indeed. Being an ocean away and not able to comfort your child is tough but we were in Italy with 3 more cities and 8 days till our return flight so after a long Skype call, Sherrie and I decided to head downstairs to the street below in our slippers and PJs...that's right our jammies...love the Americans for class and style!  We had to have one last taste of the best gelato in Rome at the Old Bridge Gelateria.   Next day, we would begin another chapter in our Italian adventure after all we were still in Italy, together on the trip of a lifetime! 

Nighttime in Trastaverde

Being Joyful Where I have been Planted

Floridian most of my life, Florida Gator by the Grace of God.  I'm sure many of my Georgia friends know that my heart is often in and on Florida what with the ocean, memories from childhood and  36 years of my 48 lived there it will always have a special place in my heart!

For the last 7 years,  I've lived in Warner Robins, Georgia and struggled at times to acclimate to this place.  From Georgia Bulldog Fever, a much smaller town and being in the difficult years of life trying to successfully parent teenagers, it has certainly had its trying times.  This blog started a little over three years ago and my intent was to challenge myself to live fully right here in Georgia right when I am presently. As a  recent book I am reading from Matthew Kelly reminds me, we can always challenge ourselves to be a better version of ourselves which means sometimes we move forward but at times truthfully we backslide.

Cancer has been a real wake up call for me.  As I look right inside and outside my own home just like Dorothy I need to stop and appreciate what God has placed before me right now.  So no promises that I won't one day move back to Florida but I want

to say some nice things about Georgia and my life today.

Starting right in and outside of my own home.  I am incredibly blessed with a wonderful husband 27 years of marriage August.  He has been in my life since I was 17 and I cannot devote enough words to all that he is faithful, hardworking, honest, dependable, positive, helpful... he is is truly an extraordinary individual and one of the greatest gifts that God has ever given me.  I should never have a single day of feeling sad or sorry for myself with this man in my life! My children still do send life's little surprises but as they are growing I am having glimpses of the people they might and hopefully do ultimately become.  Have I done everything right? No! But neither have I done everything wrong.  I am learning to accept with serenity that who they become is more dependent on their choices and what I truly believe is their acceptance and understanding and cooperation of what God wills for their lives.  I am just one of many instruments that may or may not influence this outcome. I have been blessed to see that they each love me and show me  in their own and unique ways that they do value me and want to keep me around!

Outside in Georgia right now you will hear many complaints about the pollen but every Spring Georgia puts on the most beautiful show of flowers that blesses my soul each and every day! Dogwoods, wisteria, Bradford Pear trees, azaleas and cherry blossoms to name a few.  It is always a reminder to me of God's majesty and creativity as each year rolls around bringing life a renewal at the same time as Easter is announcing the wonder, joy and promise of new life in Christ our Savior. One of my favorite Bible verses speaks to me about the beauty God sends us each Spring and the value he places on us."Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.  But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was clothed like one of them." Mt 6:28-29.  It does not matter where I go in this life as God has created a wonderful and beautiful world.

My faith has ultimately been everywhere I have lived a place for refuge, peace and stability. Yes, I am Catholic, yes this is the deep South and sadly many here view Catholics with suspicion almost as if we were part of some cult. I can say with certainty that I truly love and value what my Catholic faith has to offer wherever I go. I have lived in New Hampshire, Connecticut, Florida and now Georgia. I have visited Germany, Italy and Mexico and wherever I have gone I have walked through the doors of Catholic churches and appreciated the familiarity that comes with being Catholic.  I know how each and every service proceeds whether I speak the language or not.   The word Catholic means "universal." It is the faith that traces its history back to the apostles and we do read the Bible at each and every Mass which is what we call a church service. I don't have to worry about shopping for churches when I move as I can count on this wherever I go. 

Lastly, I will say that I am most thankful  here in Georgia being a part of a wonderful neighborhood, community and especially my church community at St Patrick's in Kathleen.  These elements are very intertwined.  Many of my very closest friends I have met here right in my own backyard are also members at St Patrick's.  Although it has taken time, St Patrick's is the first place I think of beyond my own family when I need support as I have and still do facing and fighting cancer.  I can count on prayers from many and an overwhelming feeling of love and peace every time I walk through the doors for church or some other event. Lest some of you reading this blog think you are not included, my neighborhood extends beyond the Brantley and St Patrick's where I have been surrounded by many wonderful friends that  came through my children, through many years of cheerleading and Bill's work at Frito Lay.  I would also be remiss in not mentioning the  joy that I have experienced by teaching swimming during the summer and the many in the community who have trusted their children to me.  I can't wait till I can get back to doing this as my swim kids and parents are the absolute best and each and every day I work, they are the ones who  teach me and give me a special purpose. 

So here's hoping that this post has done a little to eradicate all the negative things you've heard me say about Georgia and my last 7 years in Warner Robins.  Things are not so bad.  Even cancer is not so bad.  It's given me a chance to have some real perspective and true to what the radiologist doing my biopsy told me in February, I am learning to live in the here and now and to take things one day at a time.  Hopefully, I will find the way today to be the best version of myself and to truly appreciate all that God blesses me with each and everyday.