There should be an underwater tour of Venice. What is happening under there? I'm told that all those buildings, the entire city, is built on wooden piles. I need more time to process that. Maybe an entire lifetime to process it. (Structures was never my strong point in architecture school.)
We took every opportunity - save the ninety euro gondola ride - to see Venice from the water. There were vaporetto rides zig zagging across the Grand Canal and a couple water taxi rides to and from the airport as well as the walk along Giudecca with all of Venice in view. That's where I took the above photo; standing outside Andrea Palladio's Il Redentore looking back at Venice. I'd venture to say that it's a city to be looked at, not lived in, at least now in it's tourist trap state.
Alice in the sculpture garden at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum.
It was Easter Sunday, hence the bow. Venice is not known for its green spaces so it was nice to have a moment where we could let Alice out of the carrier to explore on her own a bit. Shortly after I took this photo she tumbled and the happy calm was broken. It's part of why I like this photo though, the quiet before the tears.
I'd also appreciate any tips you have for traveling with a baby/kids. What's the best type of vacation - resort, city, countryside?
I also have the travel bug... Love Italy! Just went to Tuscany and Cinque Terre for a week in April. Especially loved the Bagni di Lucca area, but I bet you're used to the mountainous countryside of die Schweiz so that wouldn't be anything too special. Cinque Terre is also amazing, but probably a bit better for those who don't have a lot of "luggage". Also was pleasantly surprised about a quick side trip to the village of Orta on Lake Orta, "one of the smallest and least-known of northern Italy's sub-Alpine lakes".
ReplyDeleteI especially love renting a car getting away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and concentrating on a beautiful areas and exploring as I go. Love: Tuscany, Rhine Valley, Provence.
Oh, and Western Ireland, especially in June.
ReplyDeleteIreland would be amazing - great idea! We'll be in the US the entire month of June, so perhaps another time, or another summer (I'm guessing it's really a summer spot). I've also been eager to get to Cinque Terre. Zach and I adored Positano and have been thinking of even going back, but it would be good to try something similar, but different. As for Tuscany, it's high on our list. I think it would be incredible to rent a house for a week and do little excursions to hilltop towns and then retreat home again for a nice meal. I'm going to look into that, maybe for when Zach's parents visit in October. Thanks for the tips!
DeleteI absolutely fell in love with Venice when I visited a few years back! The only other places I've been to in Europe are Paris, Florence, and Rome (all in one summer), and I'd love to visit Prague and parts of Ireland someday. I don't have any children, so I'm no help there, but kudos to you for traveling with your baby daughter! I'm sure it's a different travel experience altogether, but it's wonderful to see parents showing their kids what's out there at a young age :)
ReplyDeleteZach mentioned Prague the other night. It's on my list too, but I don't know, after our trips to Copenhagen and Venice I'm not as keen on visiting another city with Alice, at least not right now. It also strikes me as a nice place to visit just the two of us when grandparents can come watch Alice for the weekend. And yes, Ireland, it's on my list now, thanks to you and AKB. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteLooks like a lovely trip, Talley. We spent 5 days in Croatia and LOVED it. I always rave about it to people - Split, Dubrovnik, and the islands. I wish we'd been able to make it to Montenegro, which is close by. Have you been to Scotland? It's lovely and there is great hiking/walking. I echo AKB who said Italy - Tuscany is still one of my favorite places on earth. We also did a weekend trip to Madeira that was a fun and random getaway.
ReplyDeleteThanks Darcy! If we ever make it to Croatia I'll email you for tips. What's funny is that Zach used to go a lot for work - Split and Montenegro - and he suggested we go together, but we never made it (and now he has a new job). I'd love to hear more about the islands. I've actually never been to Scotland. I wonder what the best time of year to go is, summer? fall? I guess it's always a bit iffy.
DeleteOh, how I miss you friend. I think you two would love a Cornwall trip. Wander it.
ReplyDeleteI just want you to know that I'm of the type that usually finds small children repulsive (I know it's an awful thing to say - and to think I used to be a nanny!) but oh my goodness I just want to eat Alice to pieces. Those rosy cheeks! That hair! You cooked a good one, lady.
ReplyDeleteRE: Croatia - I spent four months backpacking through Europe last year and Hvar Island and Dubrovnik are at the top of my list of favorites (right behind Prague, Iceland, and all of Ireland). I'm dying to get back.