While many bring back souvenirs from all over Europe, these Italian sketches were mine.
Venice
Is Venice unhappy or glad we are here? The little town was flooded the day we arrived and the day we left, which is pretty much the same day. We walked Venice. Is that something I should be proud of? Strolling along the narrow alleys and figuring out the right direction to hit the Rialto Bridge, later the San Marco Basilica.
The vintage doors are quiet the charm – most face the waterfront – locals hop onto the vaporetti and head to work. It’s a rainy and super dull day. Many guides on Italy recommend avoiding the carnival and the rainy season. I did not witness the carnival but I experienced the latter and its true. We sat in a restaurant by the Grand Canal on the street towards the right side of the Rialto Bridge. A plate of seafood pasta, the dim colourful bulbs blinking from inside cone-shaped glass lamps towering the jet black gondolas – certainly makes up for a dull but romantic and a great evening.
Florence and Siena
After soaking in the sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo, walk downward through winding roads to the intriguing streets of Florence. Sit for a bit at the Loggia Del Signoria facing the Palazzo Vechio, while you watch artists sketch the famous sculpture of David. Multitudes of tourists take their historic tours in large groups. As Rick Steves talk about Menelaus, Perseus with the head of Medusa, and the rape of Sabine women as well as Polyxena, I learnt what he meant through the meaningful sculptures that explains the story by itself – the Roman History.
Yes history! A subject that never made sense to me back in school. Now it does – its scientifically proven that the most effective way to remember something is to relate it to a visual image.
In one of the tiny alleys Siena, you’ll find restaurants along the steep pathways – tables spilling out on these alleys towered by tall historic buildings. Chianti Wine seduces passers-by in a jiffy. Of course, it’s a primary intention of all restaurants in Italy. Proof? a little table adorned with big breads, wines, candle light and menu – in the most tiniest alley I have ever seen. Like how Bali follows an authentic culture, Italy is no less.
Amalfi Coast
Few words. Bright day. best gelato ever tasted.vast ocean. romantic.beautiful vista. That’s Amalfi. Pictures nor sketches can justify its true beauty. It’s where the celebrities vacation. It’s where I would love to vacation.