My first trip with RST. Expectations were high. Considered myself well prepared; extensive research, notes, documentation etc. Life chuckled.
I attended the tour for one purpose: create memories that I can and will cherish forever. Mission Accomplished at our first locale…. and so much more.
Learned listening to kitchen staff (below my hotel room) sing along with a Three Tenors concert for two successive nights shouldn’t create a personal storm cloud. Opened the windows to hear better. Pavarotti’s Nessun Dorma brought tears.
Learned unpleasant Venetian weather shouldn’t stop my parade. Took the #2 vaporetto from S. Marco-S. Zaccaria up the Grand Canal…in the rain. Not many passengers onboard; stood outside to feel the water on my face. Found serenity where once there were dark clouds.
Learned trust is a necessary element of discovery. Have caffeine intolerance. Dared ordering a caffe Nero decaffeinato in a small espresso bar. Sat quietly at a corner table. Enjoyed due caffè and apple tarts. And no buzz. Found my sea legs and a renewed spirit of exploration.
Wandered the alleys near Piazza San Marco. Spitting precipitation. No map. Only one anchor point, San Marco piazza. Discovered a couple small “pocket piazzas”. A trattoria, 2-3 tables, a few chairs. Locals only. Found “la dolce vita” alive and well.
And for the rest of the trip, the pattern repeated itself. Surprise. Impediment. Patience. Discovery. La Dolce Vita. Hoping to return soon. After I unpack new memories of shared moments, raucous laughter and, of course, delicious meals and wine. And, so much more.
Bravo!