Category Archives: Italy
The Bridges of Venice
The Rialto Bridge, built in 1524 but preceded by wooden bridges and before that by pontoons, was the only bridge to cross the Grand Canal until 1854. The covered ramps carry small shops on either side of the bridge. The … Continue reading
Cemetery Island
San Michele, the cemetery island of Venice in Italy: And this is how you get there:
The Ghetto of Venice
Venice has the dubious distinction of being home to the world’s original ghetto, the area where in 1516 all the city’s Jews were ordered to move to. This came on top of other economic and social restraints, although the oppression was still … Continue reading
“Journey by Moonlight” by Antal Szerb
Despite my best efforts at revealing a lot of personal information about myself on this blog, most people don’t understand me at all. It’s not for lack of trying, they inquire about my life’s story, they spend days talking with me, they … Continue reading
Dead End?
In Venice, there aren’t really and dead ends, at last if you know how to swim. I am surprised how few people fall into the canals. Do Venetians drink less?
The Sinking House in “Casino Royale”
Walking through Venice on a cold February morning, I saw a row of houses along the Grand Canal which I thought I had seen before. It was my first day in Venice, I don’t believe in reincarnation, so my recollection must … Continue reading
Venice by Boat
One of the best things about Venice is that there are no cars. None. Zero. All the traffic happens on the water, by boat. This makes visiting Venice a unique experience. It is much quieter and more relaxed than other cities … Continue reading
“In the Sea there are Crocodiles” by Fabio Geda
Every week now, thousands of refugees make it to Europe. Thousands die trying. In debates on immigration, refugees are referred to by the numbers in which they arrive, in economic or in legal terms. It’s time to read the account of one … Continue reading
Venice welcomes Tourists
Photographed in Venice: “Tourists, you bring litter!” But apart from that, Venice was rather welcoming and I spent a very interesting, if cold, February weekend in this unique city. I can however understand the frustration of people who just want to live, … Continue reading
The Happy Hermit 