My excitement peaked as I looked out my train window and could no longer see land but beautiful teal blue water. As soon as I stepped out of the train station I was greeted by the Grand Canal and the San Simeone Piccolo which had a beautiful teal dome that matched the color of the canal. When we got onto the water bus to get to our next AirBnb, we were packed like sardines but I managed to claim a window in the back. As the water bus made its slow way down the canal, I stared in awe at the architecture of each building and just couldn’t get over the fact that it’s all on top of water. Again, it didn’t seem real and I felt like I was on some kind of Disneyland boat ride! There was so much beauty and character and it truly felt like time had stopped for this city. I instantly fell in love with Venice.
Biennale Arte 2017 – Giardini and Arsenale
I was so fortunate to have been able to attend The Biennalle Arte 2017 in Venice. The 57th International Art Exhibition, titled Viva Arte Viva, was so inspiring and one of my favorite parts of this trip. I was able to visit the Giardini and Asenale venues and I wish I had more time for both. I think sometimes it’s easy to rush through a museum or art gallery and rush to each piece, take a photo of it and go onto the next one. To me, this art exhibit was like none other I’ve ever been to. I felt like it was a wonderful journey and I wasn’t forced but willing to take my time and be open, appreciate, and experience the art even if I didn’t understand it. I guess it’s the mindset going into it, but I am really impressed by how it was organized, how it all flowed and came together and told a story. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see every single piece and spent half a day at each location. I would have needed several days to really take the time I wanted! I did not know how much modern art there was in Venice and I love the contrast of this historic setting and modern art that was everywhere.
At the Giardini, the installations were remarkable and thought provoking. Before reading the piece’s description or artist’s bio, I got a sense of the artist’s experience even if I didn’t know the intentions for the piece. I loved the variety of impact and the range of emotions that I went through. It was a bit of sensory overload, but still exciting. My favorite pieces here were these two rows of opened books and an outside garden that had a single empty chair in the middle. The open books were blank except for different colors of watercolor around the edges. It was pretty and calming and gave me a sense of wonder and hope like I was ready to write my own destiny in these colorful pages. The outside garden had walls covered in beautiful vine leaves that created this repetitive and organic texture and had a blend of green and autumn colors.
I thoroughly enjoyed the art at the Arsenale and letting the experience unfold. I love how art can take your mind to other places and just make you think and reflect. Throughout the exhibit I wondered what the artist might have been thinking when creating the art piece and I tried to break down what the art piece made me feel. I didn’t really look at the map that showed what art or artist was where—I just let the art lead me down a hallway or through a door or behind a curtain. It was really an experience not only looking at the art but letting your curiosity go at the same time. There was so much art but I think the piece that stood out to me the most was this macraméd tee-pee. People walked around it, but when I got to it there was a sign that said you could enter with your shoes off. I immediately took my shoes off and entered! I liked how it made me want to stop and reflect and just sit there for a bit looking at it all. It was incredible how the artists were able to transform large and small spaces and create a different environment. It was just so hard not to go up and touch everything! (side note–I should really look into visiting interactive museums..)
Murano-Burano
Next up was a tour to Murano and Burano! I get motion sickness really bad and am stupid sensitive on boats so I was fearful for the 30-minute boat ride to these islands, but surprisingly I was good and so glad we did this. I am laughing to myself because my favorite city in Italy so far is Venice and all transportation is pretty much by boat—I’m not sure how I would do if I lived here. Our tour guide told us that there are certain speed limits and boats have to go slow close to the island to reduce waves that cause erosion. When we got to Murano, we stopped at the New Murano Gallery and got a glass blowing presentation on how their glass cups were made. I was fascinated by the materials used and having to mix colors to get a certain color and the process of it. After the presentation, we got to check out the gallery which was truly amazing. I was bummed we were not able to take pictures or videos inside. There were these amethyst chandelier and sconces that were calling to me! It had a floral theme with beautifully detailed leaves and flowers. It was a deep purple which almost looked black, and there was a red tinge in the glass in the areas that had the light bulbs. It was so beautiful. Everything was, I wish I could show you! After the gallery, we had a break so my husband and I took short walk to the water. We left the gallery and walked through a neighborhood that had these lovely gardens. I decided to see how my camera did with macro shots. I love this little camera and the Sony E 16-70mm f/4 ZA OSS lens. I am really happy with how the flower pictures came out.
f/5.6 | 1/250 | ISO125 | 70mm
f/5.6 | 1/250 | ISO125 | 70mm
Burano is the cutest little town/island. Each house had a vibrant paint color—it looked like a Dr. Seuss painting that had come to life! Our tour guide said supposedly, each house was painted with bright colors so fishermen could find their way home in the fog, but others say it was so the drunk husbands could find their way home :). I learned that homeowners actually had to send a request to the government to be able to repaint their house, and there are only certain colors that are permitted for that section. Not only is Burano known for its vivid and colorful houses, but a leaning bell tower, and lacemaking. It only took minutes walking to each end of the island and this place was so uplifting and cheerful! I am obsessed with the colors and oh my gad, the doors, shutters, walls, were amazing. I wanted to take a photo of each house front. I love walls with character.
Exploring
I let my eyes wonder and my feet wander. I really did fall in love with Venice’s unique beauty and character. I loved how picturesque the architecture of the buildings, and the bridges and boats reflected off the canal waters. I found that every alley was beautiful to photograph here as well. You can see the aged buildings and exposed brick which I thought was beautiful. I went nuts on so many photos of discolored walls and exposed brick! It’s like you can feel all the time that went by in this city.
I was really sad to leave and couldn’t believe my big Italy trip had come to an end. We had a boat taxi pick us up at 4am to make it to our 6:30am flight. It was still pitch black and there were only a few people out. It was hard to imagine that there were hundreds of people out and about just hours earlier. The early morning was peaceful as we stood there. I watched the reflections of the street lights dance along the water. I heard the low rumble of a boat go by and just thought of everyday life that locals lived by. Everything was by boat—garbage, goods, produce, etc. A couple days earlier I had seen people renovate a section of a building and all the rubble was put on a boat. Our taxi finally arrived and even though it was chilly I stood up as we slowly made our way out of the canal. The buildings on both sides of the canal were beautifully lit by lampposts. The illuminated bridges were stunning as we passed under them. The different glows of the lights and barely anyone one around made it even more magical and special. I am captivated by the lifestyle, aesthetics, and rhythm of Venice.
