The Constant Gardener

It wasn’t something I expected to see in Venice, a man wheeling a heavy load of turf down the Strada Nuova in Cannaregio. He gave his permission for a photo to be taken, then we went our separate ways.

The only information I got from him is that he has a small garden in Cannaregio. Now, I wish I had asked where he got the turf, and how he’ll keep it cut. I’ve never seen a lawn mower in Venice, although I have seen evidence of grass having been cut.

I hope he has success with his little patch of grass and with whatever else he’ll grow in his garden.

 

Matters of security

Venice has a low crime rate, but many people take home security seriously. For example, the key will turn several times in the door lock, with each turn putting into place another set of  bolts.

Another area where you will see methods of home security displayed is at the tops of fences that could be reached by someone with determination (and a ladder, in some cases). I guess it also deters pigeons, cats and anything else that climbs or perches.

So, here is how to use those empty wine and beer bottles.

Climb over, if you dare

The flowers that bloom in the spring, tra-la

Spring was a little late getting to Venice this year, but there were still quite a few blossoms to admire.

I covet this chest of drawers

These were hard to ignore, with their vibrant colour

My idea of easy gardening, scrunched up chicken wire to form the heads of flowers. They’d stay alive for ever.

 

 

 

Stopgap!

Ciao a tutti/e! Until I get my photos  organised on my desktop computer, here is a little selection of boats to look at.

Beware of the guard dog

Fondamente Nove

High, dry and very red

More and more kayaks are seen on the canals of Venice. Friends who have done this say it’s a wonderful way to get around, and to view the city from a different angle.

 

This looks like a nice size of boat for one person to handle

Our new home

This looks like a good place to set up our home together.

Yes, and we’ll have a Saint to protect our children.

It’s just perfect, the two of us, and soon the rustle of tiny wings.

And a PS

Last evening, as I walked across the Accademia Bridge, I saw the Wind surf leaving Venice, with the sails being hoisted. It was tucked away out, beyong Sant’ Elena. I think I’m in love!

“So long, and thanks for all the fish”  Douglas Adams

Wind Surf

I know that many people have strong feelings about the monster cruise ships coming into Venice via the Giudecca Canal.

This much smaller pleasure cruiser was docked at the Maritime Station, and looks like a possibly more acceptable manner of sailing. The Wind Surf  takes about 300 passengers, so is about 1/10th the size of the big guys. Today, the passengers were heading to Croatia.

She’s beautiful, I think. But, I’m prepared to hear your critical remarks.

[Oh, I have limited access to my photos, so I can post a little bit on my last couple of days, after all. Like is good!]

Spotted from a distance

The masts look so beautiful against the clear blue sky

She looks graceful and beautiful, a real lady

http://www.windstarcruises.com/windsurf-yacht.aspx

Frescoes in Bassano del Grappa

If you get to Bassano del Grappa, do visit their civic museum. Admission is free, and you’ll be smothered in offerings from artists such as Longhi, Roberti, Ricci and Bassano. Oh, and there is a whole room dedicated to Canova, wonderful man that he was.

When I visited, there was also an offering from Artimesia Gentileschi: Artemesia come Susanna. If you haven’t heard of this brilliant painter, do read about her here:  http://www.mozzarellamamma.com/2013/artemisia-gentileschi-an-italian-heroine/ What a woman!

In the museum, there are  also many examples of frescoes that had been rescued from various venues.  I discovered that there are 2 types of fresco painting, one onto wet plaster, which makes a lasting painting, and one painted onto dry plaster, not so long-lasting.

All around the old part of Bassano del Grappa, you’ll find examples of frescoes just waiting for you to admire them.

Get out there and enjoy them!  

[ I've just had a major glitch with Windows and my pictures folder, so this may be the last post for this trip. Thank goodness it happened near the end of my stay.]

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If you want to read more about frescoes in Italy, have a look at this wonderful website:  https://sites.google.com/site/italianfrescoes/