who responded to a question I posted a couple of months back and encouraged me to go to Venice instead of the Amalfi Coast and to drag my reluctant husband with me: THANK YOU!!!! Thank you for encouraging me to make that decision. We went, we saw, we...fell in love with Venice. All those superlatives - magical, unique, mysterious, beautiful, romantic - are all appropriate, in my opinion, to describe this most amazing place. My reluctant husband who was sure he was going to find a place as manufactured and touristic as Disneyland...also fell in love.
We were there only two nights (1.5 days) so we didn't see many of the sights (or sites) but it was long enough to get a sense of the Gestalt of Venice and know that we want to go back again (and again?). Anyway, somehow it felt like longer than just a day and a half perhaps because the time we spent was thoroughly satisfying. I guess its because the city really does reach and and pull you in if you let it. Interestingly, it didn't happen immediately either. I actually felt a little negative a first. I think I needed the sun to set and to see Venice at night before I fell in love. We both felt the kind of sadness leaving that I think one only feels at the end of a really connected experience. I'm sure I will love the AC when we finally get there (next trip) but I'm so glad for all the "votes" I got that pushed me towards Venice.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4407 posts
Yea! And thanks for letting us know how things went. Yes, more time for your next trip to Venice, and several days for the Amalfi Coast, too; you'll fall in love with it for different reasons ;-)
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16333 posts
Thanks for writing back, Emma. It is good to know it turned out so well. Welcome to the I Love Venice club. We are going back for a whole month in October. If you enjoy reading non-fiction, you might have a look at "City of Falling Angels" by John Berendt before your next trip. Lots of intrigue still going on in this magical city.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15589 posts
Some years ago I saw an old (1955) Katharine Hepburn movie set and filmed in Venice and I was so impressed with "romantic Venice." I finally got there in 2008 and was expecting to be disappointed - after all, any place in Europe is not what it was in 1955 and what looks romantic on-screen and reality . . . And, lo and behold, it was even better than I expected. I went back 2 years later for Carnevale and that too was better than I expected. PS - I went to Sorrento for a few days last year - and fell in love with it too. Not as much as Venice though.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
For anyone who's curious, the movie Chani mentioned is Summertime. Yes, it's quite amazing how little Venice has changed since 1955.
Posted by
OP
ny/nj
36 posts
Basically, everything in Italy was even better than I expected! I understand why virtually everyone I know or meet says its their favorite place in the world...and why people become addicted to going there.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
So glad that you were not disappointed. It took me a few time to truly love Venice. I had made a few days trips there and like it, but due to circumstances had not stayed over nite. So, it wasn't till I spent the nite that I found a whole different Venice. Have to agree with Chani about Carnavale. I was with a few photography friends and we had 6 days there complete with costumes and masks and it was the most magical experience ever. If you ever get the chance go at that time.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Another film that loves Venice is called "Nudo di Donna", in English "Portrait of a Woman, Nude". It's in Italian with subtitles, made in the 1980s.
Posted by
Truro, NS, Canada
3941 posts
There's a reason we've hit Venice on every trip - my absolute fav (even to the detriment of Florence last time...here's me talking to hubby...'Well, we're already in Florence, and Venice is only a few hours away...can't we go back again?!'). But he told me 3 times was enough...boo...but next time we go to Italy, I'll wheedle my way back there :)
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
We just left Venice yesterday, having stayed in a charming B&B on the same canal where Katharine Hepburn falls in, in Summertime. The B&B is called Casa Rezzonico, and our room looked out onto the canal. The place she falls in is called Campo San Barnaba. I highly recommend it. If it's not in Rick's book, it should be. It's exactly the kind of place he says he looks for. Six rooms, owned and run by two brothers, Matteo and Mattia. (Matthew and Matthias)
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Where did you stay? More importantly, where did you EAT?
Posted by
white plains, ny, usa
4140 posts
" Summertime " from 1955 , is not one of director David Lean's better known films ( i.e. Doctor Zhivago , Lawrence of Arabia , Great Expectations , etc. ) It is charming , and the true star is Venice . The really fascinating aspect of the story is the inability and or the unwillingness of the Americans there on holiday to understand and accept the cultural differences between themselves and their Italian counterparts . The elderly American couple and Katharine Hepburn's character both illustrate this, albeit , in different ways . The relationship with Rossano Brazzi that Katharine Hepburn struggles with , is reminiscent of the issues between Emil de Becque and Nellie Forbush in " South Pacific " . Viewed in that manner ,this film takes on greater depth with repeated viewing . Needless to say it's a favorite of mine . Emma , your sentiments are very touching ; my wife and I felt exactly the same about our recent visit !!
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
If anyone asked me where my favorite place in the world is, I'd say I haven't been everywhere yet so don't know. Undoubtedly, Venice would be on the short list. Venice is magical but definitely needs to be strolled, away from crowds, in the evening to be appreciated.