This weekend I am writing to you from Venezia. I am on a working vacation, doing textile research, and taking photos of Carnivale. There are many beautiful cities in Europe where the history of their wealth and culture is intimately tied with textiles, and this is one of those cities. During Venice’s Carnivale, people come from all over the world to dress in costumes that emulate the dress and textiles of the 18th Century. I shared a water taxi with a woman from Norway, who was meeting her husband here to attend one of the costume balls. Many costume-makers are kept in business by this annual event!
Last week I posted on Facebook – “Does anyone want to meet for dinner in Venice?” and I got an answer! So I am meeting a group of quilters for dinner on Monday night, before I fly back on Tuesday.
Today I attended an event at San Marco Piazza but the crowds were so intense I had to go back to my hotel to take a nap! But this evening I did my favorite thing: First I found a couple of young Italians with the best costumes, and I followed them through the streets. When they paused for a photo on Ponte dell’Accademia, I snapped a photo and then followed the crowd of locals, steaming into Dorsaduro. I walked and walked and walked until I was utterly lost, and then I looked for the first restaurant that had an open table.
This is how I find non-touristy places to eat. Not for the faint of heart, which is why it is hard to do it with a companion. The place I found was an organic neighborhood restaurant near the University. I was the first person to sit down, but soon the neighbors streamed in for their holiday meals, and the owner greeted them all by name. They smiled and said hello, and we all watched the owner do a flourishing table side prep. A trio of musicians strolled in and played traditional Italian tunes. Laughter and the clinking of wine glasses filled the space, surrounded by the deep Venetian Red walls.
The owner marked my map with their location, so I could retrace my steps. I’ve uploaded photos on my Flickr page – hoping to share the moment with you all. Monday I have a couple appointments related to my textile research. Every time I come here, I dig a little deeper. If there is such a thing as past lives, I must have had a few here…
sharing your Passion for Fabric…
Luana
