Don't know if this blog was such a good idea- it's harder than i thought it wiuld be to get to (a computer and) it.Seems that it's a combo of a lot of my time is taken with the language class which i love- over 5 1/2 hours a day M-F, including "commute time". And the fact i'm sleeping only 5-6 hpurs a night. I can hardly put an english sentence together when class is done, much less get excited about email ecc.! A laptop would make it much easier and cheaper to stay in touch- next time.
You wouldn't believe how good we're eating at home...lots of fresh seafood- clams, mussels, scallops, tuna, calamari, shrimp. Andrew and Amelda bought a huge bag of mussels the other day for 7 euro! it's great that they don't mind running down to the fish guy before class, which starts later than mine. We had a very fun evening with John and Souheir, with Amelda's mussel pasta and a bottle of greek grappa i chased down in the afternoon after we'd tried it the night before at Frary's Bar, a great little Arab-Greek restaurant. The only other time we've gone out to dinner was at Paradiso Perduto when Andrew's folks were visiting.
A and A went to Croatia this long weekend to visit a national park...i think they're getting snow! Isn't youth great...
Thursday John met us in quiet cannaregio at Madonna dell'Orto (vegetable garden...there's a story) to look at Tintorettos there- he made lots for this church) and walk by his house a block away. We all got a gelato and walked around in the sun, trying to find Titian's house. I love the walks about and getting to spend time with this art. Going back for another look. And every street and campo tells a story in its name, not to mention all that you can pick up with John's help from the stylistic make-up of the churches and houses.
love from La Serenissima-
mikie
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
sono arrivata a Venezia!
ciao carissimi!
I've been here over a week and still can't believe my good fortune to be here many more weeks. Katherine and Brennan saw me off on March 4 from SF ( I can still see them waving) The plane trip was easy pie, and John was there at Marco Polo to meet me- how nice to see him. We zipped away in our water taxi to Campo S. Giustina and walked the few blocks in a light rain to the apartment. Timing was perfect because my roomates Andrew and Amelda were hosting a tea/soiree for the other students, so I got to see everyone together. Later in the evening Andrew walked me around so I could get a feel for the immediate neighborhood. He has a special way of noting landmarks that works for me- I haven't got lost yet. (Marian, you would be so proud!) 'Course, maybe the fact this is my fifth time in La Serenissima helps...
The next day the group left early on the train for Verona- I stayed home and slept after being up wide-awake since 3:00. Still don't have the sleep thing down. (sigh) The sun shone and I walked around, over to Biennale and Giardini, soaking it up.
Andrew and Amelda are great roommates- considerate, neat and fun to talk with. We've been cooking; I haven't had a restaurant meal yet. Some of the high points have been Amelda's clam pasta and scallop pasta and crab- so much wonderful fish and seafood. Friday evening John and Souheir invited me for dinner with their visiting friends Ed and Barb- risotto di mare, steamed mussels, bread, salad, vino, Burano cookies dipped in Amaro Montenegro...you can see how easy this place is to love!
Language classes are great- 4 hours a day, 5 days a week- and no English. Takes about half an hour to get there by 9:00. Everyone at the Istituto couldn't be nicer. Souheir and I are the only Americans in our level 3...others are German, Brasilian, Polish Amer, Japanese. Last week our classes were in a nearby Armenian monastery.
In the afternoons we met John somewhere to look at paintings and architecture that showed the shift in 14th C. Venice from Gothic to Renaissance. There's so much here that it's great to have him choose, and to put it all together is a special gift of his.
I was glad for the weekend - no classes, a chance to sleep and read (textbooks, but they're good!) and write a small paper. No painting yet...soon. I'm sitting outside at the Lido with my spritz writing you- the clouds have covered the sun and it's getting cool. La vita e' bella. I'm thinking of you all (w/o the snow).
I've been here over a week and still can't believe my good fortune to be here many more weeks. Katherine and Brennan saw me off on March 4 from SF ( I can still see them waving) The plane trip was easy pie, and John was there at Marco Polo to meet me- how nice to see him. We zipped away in our water taxi to Campo S. Giustina and walked the few blocks in a light rain to the apartment. Timing was perfect because my roomates Andrew and Amelda were hosting a tea/soiree for the other students, so I got to see everyone together. Later in the evening Andrew walked me around so I could get a feel for the immediate neighborhood. He has a special way of noting landmarks that works for me- I haven't got lost yet. (Marian, you would be so proud!) 'Course, maybe the fact this is my fifth time in La Serenissima helps...
The next day the group left early on the train for Verona- I stayed home and slept after being up wide-awake since 3:00. Still don't have the sleep thing down. (sigh) The sun shone and I walked around, over to Biennale and Giardini, soaking it up.
Andrew and Amelda are great roommates- considerate, neat and fun to talk with. We've been cooking; I haven't had a restaurant meal yet. Some of the high points have been Amelda's clam pasta and scallop pasta and crab- so much wonderful fish and seafood. Friday evening John and Souheir invited me for dinner with their visiting friends Ed and Barb- risotto di mare, steamed mussels, bread, salad, vino, Burano cookies dipped in Amaro Montenegro...you can see how easy this place is to love!
Language classes are great- 4 hours a day, 5 days a week- and no English. Takes about half an hour to get there by 9:00. Everyone at the Istituto couldn't be nicer. Souheir and I are the only Americans in our level 3...others are German, Brasilian, Polish Amer, Japanese. Last week our classes were in a nearby Armenian monastery.
In the afternoons we met John somewhere to look at paintings and architecture that showed the shift in 14th C. Venice from Gothic to Renaissance. There's so much here that it's great to have him choose, and to put it all together is a special gift of his.
I was glad for the weekend - no classes, a chance to sleep and read (textbooks, but they're good!) and write a small paper. No painting yet...soon. I'm sitting outside at the Lido with my spritz writing you- the clouds have covered the sun and it's getting cool. La vita e' bella. I'm thinking of you all (w/o the snow).
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Ciao Bella Nonna!
Well, Mikie is on her way...
Brennan and I BARTed with her to the airport, went through the checking in process and hung out for a while before Nonna headed to security. Boy do I LOVE international terminals--makes me want to go somewhere fun! Me thinks little B will an adventurer like his Nonna. Have a safe flight Mom, and a wonderful time...
buon viaggio
I can't believe it but the day I'm leaving for Venezia is finally here! What a rush...had a great few days with my grandson- Brennan is checking out the packing situation- and celebrating Katherine's 40th birthday. Thinking about all the new things ahead of me makes me shake, but I am so ready for The Adventure. And all of you will be in my thoughts along the way...ciao!
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