More Tuesday

So we do a lot of walking, in very narrow places.  And up and down lots of stairs. 

And it was interesting  to see the vaparettos and how houses and business's  dealt with moving products around. 

And Nana thought she'd like her front steps to offer a water option

We have been eating often and well. We're not really inclined to whip out our cameras at every meal but we've been enjoying some incredible food. Melanie is three for three with anchovies for the last three days.  

Tuesday night we ate at al Paradiso

Where we experienced pasta at a whole different level. Venice is great for seafood in general which we have been enjoying. Melanie had a cuttlefish dish with the most incredible polenta. Also ate biscotti which had no relation to the stuff we get in the States. Also the most delicious panna cotta and marscopine cheesecake. Rich stuff 

Tuesday's Venice

Today David did the "hidden tour of the Doge's Palace.  

Besides being the official residence for the the Doge (grand Pooba) it was also the administrative and judicial headquarters with scribes,beaurocrats, judges, secret councils, grand councils, archives dungeons, prison and torture cells and various diplomatic offices.  As far as the scribes, they had to make 3 copies of every note , letter or document. Remember no copy machines. The primary advantage was avoiding the lines (however at 9:00 am there are not many lines) but it was interesting to get a tour on the not so elegant spaces including the cell's of Casanova's inprisonment and to learn more of how the government was structured.  My particular guide left out some advertised items but I got enough to be worthwhile. 

http://www.vivaticket.it/index.php?nvpg%5BfestivalDetail%5D&id=566&wms_op=museiCivici&Language=ENG

The bridge is sighs so named for the sighs of prisoners as they walked over it. 

The place side for the public courts and councils we just incredible. The artwork and architecture truly stunning. But me, being me, the coolest thing was seeing how they engineered the doors so that even with the buildings settling, they didn't get stuck. Of course now I can't find those photos. 

Our hotel

It's a cute little boutique hotel that has the same wallpaper my mom had in my childhood apt bathroom. Cream with red velvet fleur de lis! The bathroom has a jacuzzi but no shower. I'm happy. Today (Tuesday) a bunch of Italian high schoolers asked where the macdonalds was I said I didn't know but the Italian food was better. I had anchovie pizza two lunches in a row tomorrow we leave for Florence by train. There's no cars here so we're getting our exercise. David and I walk separately every afternoon but we both get lost equally. Today no matter which way I walked I ended up back at the Rialto bridge. The weathers perfect. We're walking around without coats or sweaters b

One quick word about back home mom/Barbara is watching Spike. The first day she was giving a glockenspiel lesson and something caught her eye. Spike jumped down to the floor and walked into the lesson  I guess he was wondering where the noise was coming from. 

Monday in Venicia

While we were warned that much was closed on Mondays, we saw little evidence of it.  The history of the place was evident everywhere despite the 21st century retailing. We walked first thing to the Jewish Ghetto. There was an article in the Times a few weeks ago which I am sure hasn't hurt traffic but we were easily able together onto an English language tour.  Within the area Jews were allowed to live so constrained stories were added to buildings for housing, shops and Synogogues. Here are a few shots of the interiors of an Ashkinzik and Sephardic Synogogue.

These first two spaces are above the Jewish Museum area and are not currently "active".  The 400 Jews remaining currently make use of two other buildings (again Ashkenazik and Sephardic).  One in winter because it is heated. The other in summer - just above as it is cooler. 

You can see here the many levels. 

While this area is not currently a residential center for the city's Jews there are a number of Jewish stores, a Kosher deli and a Chabad house. 

Saw some unique glass work. 

First impressions

We're just to the east of San Marco one of the top tourist draws for Venice.  During the day there are hundreds of tourists, street vendors and other sites to enjoy. But of course the canals are most special 

But of course the canals mean bridges and both of are starting to feel the impact of all those steps. 

Arrival in Venice

All in all the trip was quite easy (other than the surprise issue in Madrid). Watching the scenery from Madrid across the Pyrenees was fascinating and it struck me how little we ever learned about this part of Europe in school. I don't think it was just that I forgot most of it. Most of what I know about this area is from fiction that I have read over the years. 

Did think about Hannibal in the snowy peaks. Oh yes, Sorry to hear about the late winter we are missing back home....

                                    view of the mountains from 20,000 feet. 

After arriving in Venice it was a short 10 minute walk to the "water bus" which (after a 1/2 dozen stops) delivered us to the dock in front of our hotel.  There is a certain Disneyland flavor to the place. 

        this is the view when walking out of the hotel

and from our room

and in the room!

Madrid

Well our first time in Spain could have proved difficult but we made out ok.  After arriving early we were tol to got Gate M35 were we dutifully waited alone with a nice couple from Monte Ray Mexico.  Had the entire terminal to ourselves.   As the time to board approached I got suspicious and finally found a board showing our flight at terminal k on the other side of the airport.      After convincing our new friends that we had to move we all made it to it flight and got to see the sun rise over the Spanish plains.  There was no rain. The terminal we arrived at was quite striking.  

New York

I had to stop by the Julliard school to check out a space for an upcoming convention. Back in the 70s people would gather by the elevators just to chat and share/find gigs. Now, you have to go through two layers of security just to get through the gate.  Also checked out The Juilliard bookstore and I'm happy to report that other than for full scores Hickey's offers a more extensive collection of offerings. 

Then off to Brooklyn where we got to play with Luca and visit with Ariella and Zack. 

Ready to roll.

Let it never be said my wife doesn't know how to travel.  They haven't yet made the     Boarding announcements but she is ready.  Talk to you next across the pond

Time for Italy

IWe're on our way.  First stop was to drop off Spike for his special Grandma vacation.  They started off with some negotiations but things settled down.