Venice Calling Part -2

MY ARTICLE ON GHUMAKKAR

LAMP POST WITH PIGEONS

VIEW FROM THE FERRY

ONE OF THE STRUCTURAL MARVEL

Venice is a city of many petite islands, improved during the middle Ages. The soil was dredged to elevate the marshy floor above the tides. The canals thus formed lead to a nautical culture to thrive. In today’s times this culture still flourishes and the canals serve as means of conveyance for both the people and goods. Because of its car free zone Venice is free of the trail of carbon footprints left by the beasts of modern times- engulfing most cities today.

THE BRIDE & HER GROOM

As we waited for the Gondola ride we witnessed a beautiful photo shoot of a blushing bride in white and the suave bridegroom. The kids again found an entertainment option not quiet realized by most adults. They were fascinated by the beautiful tiny pet dogs stylized and dressed up. They clicked snaps of and with the furry bundles of joy- cuddling and petting them.

FURRY JOY

We had to literally pull and shove them into the gondola. The Gongola’s were decked up in their finery and we felt the romantic vibes taking grip of us. The Gondola man even obliged us with a romantic Italian song. As the sun began to be knocked off to sleep, the soothing gondola ride, the expanding twilight, just beginning to be bejeweled by the glittery stars, the soft folds of ripple on the water –was beginning to intoxicate us.

GONDOLA

A CHANNEL OF GRAND CANAL

While my son followed the boatman’s song with “row row row your boat”-my daughter’s lively imagination propelled her to the way people in the olden times. The gondola swerved into smaller water channels, compressed by the rows of houses projecting on either side. The baloneys of most houses were decorated by a riot of colorful flowers. I imagined fair maiden peeping out of the balcony, glancing shyly at the boatman who had purposefully directed his boat there-to glance at lady of his heart…hmmm I know too vivid imagination-but that’s was just the Gondola ride playing tricks on my mind.

A HOUSES LINING THE CANAL

After the relaxing ride we thought it best to return to the restaurant and grab some much needed food and rest.

We woke up rejuvenated the next day ready for new adventures. We took a ferry for our visits to the islands in Venice. The ferry gave us 30 min to 2hrs time (depending on what the Island had to offer) to raid the marvels of these delightful Island.

ON THE WAY TO THE ISLANDS

COLORFUL DWELLINGS

POMEGRANATE TREE

WILD FLOWERS

We were fascinated by the simplest things like the colorful and vibrant houses, the cobbled streets, the modest hand pumps, and the abounding nature. The children delighted in the many unlikely things like wild flowers, cocks, hens and farm animals, insects and even the snails on the ferns. We realized how far we were from nature and how artificial our lives were – our every moment dictated and guided by technology.

A LONE SNAIL

Time passed unconstrained here, and we wanted to relish each tiny speck of this world leisurely. I loved every hand crafted product that was displayed- from the brocade table cloth, to the small dresses, to the handmade biscuit and chocolate. I even wanted to pack and take home the beautifully designed wedding gowns.

DISPLAYS IN A SHOP

The amused smile on my husband’s lips shoved me back to reality. Had it not been for the constant nudging of my punctual hubby, we would have missed the bus- opps the boat- each time. Habits do die hard- but this time my husband’s sticky habit served us well.

AN ABANDONED FACTORY

At one of the island’s we saw an amazing glass museum and were given a demo about this amazing craft. It was astounding to watch the scorched glass guided by the dexterous hands of the skilled craftsman into a beautiful vase, a dainty horse, a sleek statue within seconds.

A GLASS MARVEL

The glass shop was full of enticing souvenirs and stunning functional items like clocks, decorative etc. When we returned to our boat for the ride back home we were drained off all strength but our heart willed us to invade more islands, and take pleasure in their glory.