If you’re an aviation nerd or an erstwhile pilot like me, this sort of thing will be right up your alley. Malpensa’s an excellent choice if you’re going to start your Italy experience in the north–the fares are usually quite reasonable as it’s a major hub and the train rides you’ll find to Venice, the Lake Region, the rest of the Veneto is pretty regular and quick, and the views along the way are excellent. The only drawback–public transit options to and from the airport can add considerable travel time as many others have noted. Getting through Milanese traffic can be a pain, but on net it’s where we’ll often choose to land in Italia.
This article on NatGeo is an interesting read. Paradoxically, the solution to Venice’s water problem might be more water. Apparently part of the city’s problem (beyond the sea level rise caused by climate change and the city just sinking under its own weight) is the depletion of naturally occurring aquifers under the city; the porous sediments under Venice were depleted for industrial water water use for a couple decades last century, and undoing the damage therein would “float” the city closer to its previous but still precarious position. Neat. And worth doing!
They invited me to be a contributor, an opportunity that needless to say I’m quite grateful for. My first contribution can be found here. Hope you enjoy getting a little insight into why this subject is so important to my family and myself.
We’re going here weekend after next to see La Traviata. Musica a Palazzo is an opportunity to step back in time, to feel for an evening like you’re living in La Serenissima at the height of its Baroque glory. Hosted in the regal Barbarigo Minotto palace on the Grand Canal just a few blocks west of Piazza San Marco, the program includes prosecco for guests served during the intermission and a chance to see real Italian opera up close and personal.
Sipping prosecco on the Grand Canal in a Venetian palazzo enjoying a classic? Sounds great. We can’t wait.
…you can find a good reason to go! A good summation of reasons to visit nearly every part of Italy found here, and is a good reason for a daydream/work break/escapist viewing. Enjoy!
This picture from @NationalGeoPix is simply ridiculous. Hat tip @cinque_terre for seeing and posting it. If Manarola isn’t on your list of places to visit, it should be now.
It’s like Burano on a cliffside. We’ll be doing some events in Cinque Terre this fall and possibly sooner as demand dictates. Don’t hesitate to ask.
Have a good shot you’ve taken in Venice? The Venice, Italy FB page has a contest going and is taking submissions and votes. Some good shots already posted, and a few votes garnered for some pictures that capture the feel of the place. But add your visual sense to the mix if you can!
Our friend Mama Isa has two spots left for a special pasta and tiramisu cooking class this week. If you’re going to be in the Veneto this week, make time! It’ll be worth it. Her classes are usually limited to six people, and you get scads of individual attention and coaching. We’re always glad to pass along referrals to her as the verdict is universally “tutti squisiti!”
Not too shabby! Lots of great shots. I’m less and less impressed by some of the Instagram gimmicks out there all the time and think they don’t contribute as much as Instagram wants you to think (the Vatican shot is a prime example…does that really help you get a better sense of the place?), but sometimes they really just nail the feel of the place and provide an emotional understanding a generic iPhone shot won’t.
Sassi Italy Tours 