Venice

Small details that made me wander

It feels as if I know exactly where I am going; after all, I have been walking alongside Commissario Brunetti through the streets of Venice for years. No maps, no itinerary, no places to be, no gondolas to catch.

In a world where an Uber is just a click away, I am mesmerized by the boat ride from the airport to our hotel. The leisurely pace of our arrival sets the tone for our getaway. As we pull our suitcases over cobblestones through narrow calles, an ancient world unfolds in front of us.

Our room, overlooking the grand canal, is a testament to a bespoken era; marble floors and grand proportions make me wonder what everyday life in a palazzo would be like.

We set out to explore the bridges and labyrinth of canals, stopping into osterias and cicchetti bars along the way, and I realize that Venetian life moves as fast or slow as your feet can carry you.

Walking at your own speed, no cars, trains, or bikes setting the tempo of your life, lets you take in the small details.

As you wander the narrow alleys, you feel transported to the glorious yesteryears of Venetian past. Your sense of purpose and direction vanishes, and you get lost in the small streets, feeling more and more like a local. We simply follow the path that opens up before us. Not getting pulled into a million different directions is a rare treat.

The ornate Venetian ironwork, the often crumbling stucco facades in hues of orange exposing brick, and rare glimpses into Venetian homes complete with private docks tell stories of the past and present.

Upon every turn, you never know what you might accidentally find. Old-world charm and modern life mesh seamlessly at the new rooftop terrace near the Rialto bridge, offering stunning views of this ancient floating city.

Blue-green water mirrors the palazzos, boats of varying sizes traverse the canals as you cross the bridges spanning the canals.

Every corner reveals yet another inspiring piece of architecture or fascinating attraction to steal your attention and spark your imagination with what lies behind the big windows, loggias, and arcades. Crenellations topping many of Venice’s palaces are like a row of lace.

As the sun sets behind the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, the laguna is painted in glowing orange. A postcard-worthy spectacle.

We stroll to Piazza San Marco, which glisters in the evening hours. A magical, timeless place. And my favorite part: You can simply walk across the square at a peaceful pace.