It is often said that the third time’s a charm… Though I don’t believe that even the most hapless travel endeavor could ever be classified as a failure — since the opportunity to learn about oneself or the world is too great — my third visit to Venice was nevertheless the most enchanting.
My first forays past Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs were too hurried, and the second jaunt was too claustrophobic given Carnevale celebrations.
However, my most recent visit was just right: riding in a gondola with sensational spring skies overhead, racing against the blazing sun to devour glorious gelato before it melted into a colorful canal of its own, and pondering all the vignettes that for centuries have unfolded on Venice’s waterways.
“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.”
Truman Capote
“Venice… A splendor of miscellaneous spirits.”
John Ruskin
“If you read a lot, nothing is as great as you’ve imagined. Venice is – Venice is better.”
Fran Lebowitz
“It is the city of mirrors, the city of mirages, at once solid and liquid, at once air and stone.”
Erica Jong
“A realist in Venice would become a romantic by mere faithfulness to what he saw before him.”
Arthur Symons
“There is something so different in Venice from any other place in the world, that you leave at once all accustomed to habits and everyday sights to enter an enchanted garden.”
Mary Shelley
Have you visited the so-called Floating City? If so, what are your fondest memories or your favorite spots to explore there?
Where in the World?
Photography & text © Tricia A. Mitchell. All Rights Reserved.
Oh Tricia. These portraits of Venice underscore that the third time was indeed the charm for you. You have captured the magical, romantic side of Venice beautifully. Gondolas, canals and of course hats. A lovely blend of black and white and color.
Mille grazie, Lynne. :) Now that’s not to say that Carnevale did not offer a magical second visit! I very much enjoyed seeing men and women dressed in tufts of elegant, elaborate fabric, donning gorgeous masks. Many of these revelers’ four-legged companions were even in costume!
Have yet to visit Venice, but I love your shots! One of these days I will make it there! Love the Cabote quote!
Anita, prior to today, I’d never seen the Capote quote, but I have to agree. Chocolate liqueurs might even be replaced with a rainbow selection of gelato or scrumptious array of pasta too. :)
Tricia these are without a shadow of a doubt the absolutely most gorgeous photographs of Venice I have Ever seen. You have captured the spirit that is Venice. Virginia
Virginia – mamma mia, what a tremendous compliment! Thank you. I’m sure during past visits to Venice, that you gleaned much recipe development inspiration?
On a side note, we have not yet planned our journey north but I will keep you posted. :) Hope you’re having a splendid weekend!
Tricia, These photos make me want to pack my bag right now. How lovely! Carol
Carol, remembering my wonderful times there makes me want to pack mine too! Currently, we’re recharging our batteries with family in the United States, but a road trip is just around the corner. :) Hope you’re enjoying the weekend.
Beautiful images Tricia. I’ve never been, though my wife has. Maybe one day!
Dave, thank you. Venice is, of course, a wonderful destination for a romantic getaway. For now, it seems as though you’re enjoying having the Olympics in your backyard!
Very nice as usual. Great compositions. Especially like the b&w.
Ron, what great compliments, particularly coming from such a passionate, talented photographer. Thank you.
Great shot and a really nice post, thanks Tricia.
Thanks so much, Mark!
Perfect quotes, perfect post! I’ve made visits one and two. The first was on a day trip because we were just close enough, and didn’t know if we’d have the chance again. The second time we were staying at the Lido and made visits in and around the lagoon.
In February my daughter gets married and will be spending her honeymoon there. (for part of Carnevale) I am tasked with booking it for her, so my third visit will be a vicarious one.
Jo, what an exciting honeymoon destination and time of year for her to visit! Will she and her husband don any costumes then? Though I found the Carnevale visit to be really hectic, I’d return in a heartbeat if we were to sport costumes!
Thanks for your wonderful comment. :)
She’s sewing like crazy for the wedding and has always been into masks since we brought her one home many years ago. She makes basques and the like and takes part in Victorian and Georgian events so it’s absolutely her! I have to time it so they have 2 days of hectic then some quiet romance.
This is a superb post. Your photographs are gorgeous. Beautifully framed and converted to B&W. And I love your selection of quotes. I am interested to see one by Arthur Symons as I may be writing an essay about his poetry next year. In answer to your question, I have been to Venice four times, so far: June 1986, August 1987, February 1989 for carnival – in costume And finally, the best, a full week in March 1995. We walked and walked and loved every minute of it.
Rachael, how fun to have gone in costume for Carnevale! You must have some pictures to share of your costumes, as well as those of other revelers? I shall look forward to seeing your essay on Symons too.
Your kind comments are really appreciated – thank you so much!
Venice is one of the most beautiful cities I’ve visited and you’re photos remind me of a great trip some time ago. Love the gondola close ups. Thanks for sharing. Cheers.
Thank you, Bespoke Traveler. The detail on the gondolas is so lovely – I couldn’t resist trying to nab a bit of it on film! :)
Lovely photos, they really suit black and white too. I’ve only been to Venice once years ago in a foggy January (atmospheric but freezing!) but would love to go back and take photos there.
Lucy, my February Carnevale visit several years ago was also mysterious and foggy, creating a very different ambience from what I tried to capture in these pictures. I’m like you – now that I have my first DSLR camera, I’m eager to return to many spots so that I can catch them on camera again!
I think I may have to visit Italy on a honeymoon because I just want to explore the whole entire county with my significant other, driving around, taking trains, and taking a dip in the lovely coast! Your photos are amazing, as always!
Antoinette, thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for your flattering compliment!
I agree that Italy has so very much to offer and that it would be fun to share it with a special someone. From the canals of Venice, to belly-bulging cuisine in Bologna, to intriguing ruins in Sicily and Rome and beautiful architecture in Florence, I’ve loved every moment in Italy. The next time we’re there, I’d love to do a road trip through some of the quieter towns and countryside. My husband and I went on this Venice trip last spring, in conjunction with my husband’s coursework. I took a week off of work and explored towns with him when he didn’t have class, and explored by train solo, when it was time for him to hit the books. Ah, ‘la dolce vita!’
Wonderfully evocative photos of one of my favourite places!
Hello again, Elaine, and ‘mille grazie!’ I do vow to explore more of beautiful Venice sometime soon. Can you share any of your favorite, off-the-beaten-path spots to explore?
Wonderful photos!
Many thanks, Andrea! It’s a pleasure to connect with those possessing a similar case of wanderlust. :)
I agree!
great pictures of Venice, going there next month!
nice pictures!
Many thanks, Micgrosso! It’s hard to take a bad picture in such an inspiring place as Venezia. :)