Tuesday

Treviso-- hidden jewel of the Veneto








Only 30 minutes by train from Venezia, canal-laced Treviso is a perfect daytrip, and when the foggy mist creeps up in the evening, enjoy a prosecco outside in the cool air. Treviso and the surrounding agricultural region is well known for radicchio, Prosecco (Valdobbiadene-Conegliano), and tiramisù was first whipped in a pasticceria in the historic center. Best restaurant is Toni del Spin, with its daily changing menu and old time osteria vibe.


Saturday

Old school Venezia








Some of my greatest hits, before Venezia began to crumble.

Canals in Bologna?










When you think of Bologna, a few words come to mind: ragù, mortadella, communism, etc. But canals? They do exist, and I found one particularly scenic one on Via Marsala, in Bologna's historic center, not far from Via Indipendenza. At night, river rafting trips are organized guerrilla-style at the side of the canal. Not quite Venezia or Treviso, but it gives this city full of architectural and culinary gravitas a different dimension.


Monday

Cinque Terre after a rainstorm



I warned my friend Ellie that I will not go hiking in Cinque Terre if rain is forecast. We checked the weather online and sure enough, no rain. It was warm and lovely, the paths not too crowded starting from Riomaggiore. We lunched at Cantina Mananan in Corniglia, then proceeded towards Vernazza. Sure enough, drip drip drip then a downpour when it was warm and sunny twenty minutes prior. Uncharacteristically, I, for lack of a classier term, pussed out and hid under a canopy of branches. My excuse was to protect expensive camera equipment not knowing how resistant the camera bag was to torrential rain. Anyway, after Ellie rightfully ditched me for Vernazza, and after a half hour of standing stock still, I made a run for it, literally, and did not slow my pace until I reached civilization in Vernazza.

The two photos are of Vernazza after the storm. I really like the palette of the porch area of this home and the urn is a nice touch. The harbor is over photographed, but I think this angle is quite unique, with the puddle on the ledge and the water and church well lit, and cute fluffy clouds.