The Waterways of Venice

An entire city that travels on water ways... but you already know what city I'm talking about - Venice. Despite being a bit run down and more graffitti on the walls than we cared for, there's a certain charm about the city that you can easily get lost in. We started our Venetion experience eating as the local eats, at chicceteria bar... It's a really fun experience seeking out these bars that have bit size morsels on the local cuisine. After about 4 or 5 (don't forget the wine!), it's easy to say dinner is done. We also spotted Parimal's 60 year old doppelganger... I'm sure he'd have no problems retiring in Italy. At St. Mark's Square is an experience; to imagine the pride Venetians felt when it was first established, not to mention the patience people had laying all the individual tiles down to create the amazing art work (and here I'm avoiding retiling a bathroom). We were actually in Venice during two major events: the Venetian International Film Festival and the Regatta.   The Film Festival On the rainest day (again the packed ponchos were left behind) we made our way go the island of Lido. After a few wrong turns, a walk along a beach with a inside out umbrella, we made it to the festival. Crossing our fingers for tickets, we got to see Welcome Home, a Beligum movie, To quote Parimal, "Not bad for a Indie move, it had alot ofifferent layers of meanings." We also heard a Q&A with the director and saw all actors... Alas, no George Clooney again. One other note, it's pretty crazy how two days without the pollution of cars really makes the difference in the air quality! Standing on the Rialta bridge, you can only imagine the effeciceny people had in manuevering around. From going to the market, trading goods... And now can you imagine the efforts of the fire fighter boat?? One of our initially sightngs was a man in a speed boat, completely reclined, on the phone as though he were in a car. And yes, you do need a license to drive around a boat.   During our Austrailia trip two years ago, we met two lovely women from the Venice area, with the promise of one day visiting them. True to word, our friend Maria spent a wonderful day with us. First, off to the regatta! This water parade dates back to the early 18th century where only Venetians can participate. It starts off with a boat that carried the royals, followed by family boats. Next, off to the races!  Teams raced for the pride of being named the winner. It was pretty amazing how they were able to row in unison.. I'm just happy if the boat moves when I use an oar! The regatta was followed by a tour of Maria's favorite places. Off the tourist path, Venice is actually very serence, filled with kids playing soccer in the plaza, friends/family gathering, women hanging laundry. It was a day and night experience. Our evening with Maria ended with one of the best dinners. Mind you, we could have had big neon signs over our head flashing TOURIST since the places was filled with only Italians. Well, when in Venice, do as Maria does. Are you ready to hear what I had? Cloud like pumpkin gnocchi SERVED in the pumpkin. I felt like a pumpkin after this meal. Parimal's meat lasagna was another amazing dish. As Maria pointed out to us, Italians in this region savor the natural taste of the food without too many additional spices. How different we'll learn from Southern Italy later in the trip.   Farewell well to the water ways of Venice. We hope the sinking problem is solved so we can return one day.