Just a quickie!

I saw this in the Ghetto, and wasn’t quite sure how to take the message!

More about the dangerous part of Venice

This is the one out in the eastern area, where you  take your life into your own hands, if you dare venture there. (Is that OK, Sig. Nonloso? Will this help preserve your peaceful paradise?)

It is a rather modern district, so I was not too surprised to find this modern art decorating a house.

This was on an upper balcony. That is the only kind of spider I'd like near me.

The gate leading into the same home

And, close-ups of some of the elements of the gate.

This wild neighbourhood has its own Carabinieri outpost. They may get danger money for the time they must serve here.

But, there is at least one inhabitant struggling to inject some degree of civilization into the district.

Parco Groggia, Cannaregio

You’ll find this park in the upper, outer quadrant of Cannaregio, off  Calle del Capitello. It was a gloomy, cool day in early January when I wandered through. It must look very lovely when the sun is out. I had the place all to myself, except for the odd piece of statuary.

This could be a nice place to take your picnic lunch, it’s shady and there are a few benches to rest for a little while.

Corte Lovo

Rio Terà de le Colonne

You will find this treasure trove in the sestiere of San Marco, and it’s another case of … look up.

Hey! Movie buffs!

While I was prowling around in Venice, I couldn’t help but be aware that yet another movie was being filmed there.

This time it was one with an excellent cast of (mainly) English actors, including Emma Thompson, who was also the writer.

Yes, I’m talking about Effie. And, to quote from movieinsider.com,  The story centers on the epic scandal surrounding the marriage between John Ruskin, the eminent Victorian art critic, and Effie Gray. As her husband begins to lose his mind, Effie has to make sure that she is not subject to scandal because of a love affair with John Everett Millais, the young artist who is the darling of her husband’s critical eye.

Erla (she of the blog I Am Not Making This Up) and her husband had parts as extras, you can read about her experience here:  http://iamnotmakingthisup.net/12516/venice-starring-me/

The nearest I got to fame and fortune was being turned back from a calle or bridge that was blocked to access as shooting took place, and then to notice this scene from afar. We will all no doubt spot that lovely old sailed vessel in whatever scene was being shot, when we go to the movie. And, spare a thought for your faithful reporter, hanging off the edge of a vaporetto stop, to get these exclusive photos just for you.

Oh, if you get to Chioggia, you’ll see quite a number of these boats, with their distinctive sails.

Always look up, and around

 

A most humble bridge

Despite its unprepossessing appearance, this staunch little bridge is doing a good job!

Tramonto (sunset) in Atherton

After what seemed like weeks of rain and grey skies, it has started to clear up. This has lead to some very stunning sunsets here in the Tablelands. These photos were all taken within a period of a few minutes one evening.

Move over, Canova!

An art lover of my acquaintance rhapsodises over the beautiful bottoms that Antonio Canova created in his sculptures. I have to agree with his judgment.

In Dorsoduro, I noticed this bricked in archway or portal.

When I went closer, here is what I saw. I think Canova would be proud to claim that as his work!

To read about a convert to Canova, follow this link.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2010/aug/24/antonio-canova-sculptures

(I didn’t know he had done a nude statue of Napoleon!)

Or, have a look at this blog site, for his Three Graces.

http://adrift-anythinggoes.blogspot.com.au/