Venice. October 31st 2018 Set 1

Venice. The name itself conjures up images of gondolas gliding through turquoise canals, ancient palazzos whispering secrets of the past, and lovers sharing stolen kisses under a bridge. And let me tell you, the reality is every bit as magical.

Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Founded on over 100 tiny islands in a lagoon, it's a labyrinth of narrow waterways, charming bridges, and hidden piazzas. Getting lost here isn't just possible; it's practically encouraged. Wandering down a random calle (alleyway) might lead you to a tucked-away trattoria serving the freshest seafood, a hidden courtyard adorned with blooming bougainvillaea, or a local artisan selling hand-crafted masks.

Of course, there are some must-sees:

• Piazza San Marco: The heart of Venice, this stunning square is dominated by the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace. Take in the view from the top of the Campanile bell tower, or simply soak up the atmosphere while sipping a cappuccino at an iconic cafe.

• Gondola Ride: Yes, it's touristy, but it's also undeniably Venetian. Glide down the Grand Canal, serenaded by a gondolier, and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

• Island Hopping: Explore the colourful houses of Burano, famous for its lacemaking tradition. Visit Murano, where centuries-old glassblowing techniques are still practiced. And don't miss Torcello, a peaceful island with a charming cathedral and sweeping views of the lagoon.

But Venice is more than just a landmark. It's about the feeling of being surrounded by water, the sound of church bells echoing across the canals, and the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from local bakeries. It's about getting lost in a maze of streets, then stumbling upon a hidden gem.

Here are some tips for making the most of your Venetian adventure:

• Go early (or late): Venice can get crowded, especially during peak season. Try to visit in the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or arrive early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the throngs of tourists.
• Embrace the walk: The best way to see Venice is on foot. Comfortable shoes are a must!
• Explore beyond the main sights. Venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden corners of this enchanting city.
• Learn a few Italian phrases: A little effort goes a long way. Even a simple "Buongiorno" (good morning) or "Grazie" (thank you) will be appreciated by the locals.
• Savour the food: Venetian cuisine is a delightful mix of fresh seafood, vegetables, and unique regional specialties. Don't miss the chance to try cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and a glass of local wine in a bacaro (wine bar).

Venice is a city that will stay with you long after you leave. It's a place that awakens the senses, stirs the imagination, and leaves you feeling like you've walked into a living fairytale. So, pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and get ready to lose yourself (and find yourself) in the canals of Venice.

I was in Venice for 5 days in 2018, between the dates of Monday 29th and Friday 2nd November. I took numerous pictures and I have been uploading them in smaller sets. This is set 1 from Wednesday 31st October 2018, they were taken with a Nikon d3300. Check out my other sets.

Fondaco dei Tedeschi.

Taken near the Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal in the foreground.

Merceria San Salvador.

The previous 2 pictures were taken from one of the bridges crossing the Rio dei Bareteri Canal.

Public transport Venetian style, one of the cities water buses on The Grand Canal.

Gondola's moored on the Grand Canal.

Church of San Silverstro

The previous three images are of the Rio Marin Canal.

Ponte Degli Scalzi

Crossers The Grand Canal outside Venice's Railway Station.

The Grand Canal from the Ponte Degli Scalzi, the Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station is just visible to the right of the picture, the Big Dome of Venice (Church of San Simeon Piccolo) to the left.

The waterfront along the San Marco Basin, this is known as the Riva degli Schiavoni.

I'm not sure now you'll be able to visit any major city without finding a Golden Arches. 

Clicking any of the images should open a link in another window to the higher resolution version on Clickasnap. Some of the images have been listed for sale on Photo4Me and Zazzle on various products. Please take a moment to check out my stores and portfolio's there.

Thanks for looking, all the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

From My Postcard Collection: A Glimpse of Van Gogh's "Fishing Boats on the Beach"

 Part of a series of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh created in June 1888, when he took a trip to the area from Arles where he was then living. He was there for a week long trip to recover from health problems he had suffered from at the time.

There's something uniquely captivating about postcards. They are not just pieces of paper; they are miniature time capsules, carrying images and messages across distances, often hinting at stories far beyond their printed surface. Today, I wanted to share a particularly evocative postcard from my collection, depicting a scene that might be familiar to art lovers: "Fishing Boats on the Beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer."

As a collector, I'm always drawn to the stories behind the images, and this one certainly has a rich one. This vibrant scene of fishing boats resting on the shore, with the sea stretching out to the horizon, immediately brings to mind the unmistakable brushwork of Vincent van Gogh. And indeed, a quick delve into its history confirms its origin.

The painting, also known by the longer title "Fishing Boats on the Beach at Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer," captures a moment in time from Van Gogh's stay in the south of France. What makes this piece, and this postcard reproduction, even more fascinating are Van Gogh's own words about its creation.

He famously described his experience to his brother, Theo, shedding light on his artistic process and his deep connection to the subjects he chose:

"I made the drawing of the boats when I left very early in the morning, and I am now working on a painting based on it, a size 30 canvas with more sea and sky on the right. It was before the boats hastened out, I had watched them every morning, but as they leave very early I didn't have time to paint them."

This quote offers such an intimate glimpse into the artist's world. Imagine Van Gogh, an early riser, observing these boats day after day, their silhouettes against the dawn sky, the rhythm of the fishermen preparing for their journeys. He was so keen to capture this fleeting moment, this daily ritual, that he sketched them before they even had a chance to set sail. The painting, then, became a more considered, developed interpretation of those initial, hurried observations.

Looking at this postcard, you can almost feel the morning light, hear the gentle lapping of the waves, and sense the quiet anticipation before the day's work truly begins. It's a testament to Van Gogh's ability to imbue everyday scenes with profound emotion and vivid life.

This little piece of art, tucked away in my collection, serves as a beautiful reminder of an artist's dedication, the allure of the sea, and the simple beauty of a fishing village waking up. It's moments like these, discovering the narrative behind a simple image, that truly make collecting postcards such a rewarding hobby.

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Experience the Magic of Venice: A New Video Journey!

Get ready to be transported to the enchanting canals and historic piazzas of Italy's most unique city! I'm thrilled to announce my latest YouTube upload: "A Trip to Venice."

This captivating video, approximately 2.5 minutes long, is a curated collection of scenes I captured during my few days exploring Venice at the end of October and beginning of November 2018. From the moment you hit play, you'll glide along the iconic Grand Canal on a mesmerizing boat trip, witnessing the city's grandeur from its watery arteries.

The video also takes you through the bustling and magnificent St. Mark's area, showcasing its architectural wonders and vibrant atmosphere. Beyond the famous landmarks, you'll discover various other short, intimate clips highlighting Venice's charming smaller canals, intricate bridges, and the timeless beauty of its ancient buildings.

Venice, with its enchanting canals and historic architecture, holds an undeniable allure. But in October-November 2018, during my visit, the city offered a stark, firsthand glimpse into its unique challenges. I arrived to find Venice battling what hotel staff informed me was its worst flooding since 1968. My 1-minute, 50-second video, "St Marks Square Flooding," captures various scenes filmed around the iconic square on random days and times during my stay, showcasing the pervasive nature of the acqua alta.

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Waist-High Waters and Resilient Spirits

The moment I stepped off the vaporetto, the reality of the situation hit me – literally. I had to wade through waist-high water across St. Mark's Square just to reach my hotel. It was an immediate and unforgettable introduction to Venice's watery embrace. Every single day of my trip, the area was flooded to some degree, a constant reminder of the city's delicate balance with the sea.

What struck me most, beyond the sheer volume of water, was the incredible resilience of the Venetian people. They didn't lament or complain; they simply accepted the flooding as part of their everyday life. I saw locals navigating the submerged streets with a calm pragmatism, adapting their routines to the ever-present water. Their spirit was truly fantastic, a testament to generations of living in harmony with – and at the mercy of – the tides.

A Lingering Concern for Venice's Future

Recent news reports have sadly indicated that Venice has experienced even worse flooding since my 2018 visit. My heart goes out to the residents, and I feel desperately sad for the continuous challenges they face. It highlights the urgent need for long-promised flood defences, such as the MOSE project, to finally be completed and become fully effective. One can only hope that these crucial measures will soon provide the protection Venice so desperately needs, allowing its beauty and unique way of life to thrive for generations to come.

My video serves as a small, personal document of a truly impactful experience, a visual diary of a city learning to live with its extraordinary watery landscape.

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