Our First Night In Venice - Piazza San Marco

  

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Something of concern to me in the lead up to this Venice trip was, would we be able to find reasonably priced authentic Venetian places to eat. At the time 'Influencers' were everywhere voicing their views, and Venice was a must-do destination for them. The most visible of this self-appointed, travel advisory group are those with the most followers. Because that is how social media works. Although they are not always the most sophisticated travellers these Instagramers and Bloggers have become the predominant internet-news source. I found it difficult to find information other than 'Ten Things to Do ' 'Best Gelato' 'Cheapest Place To Stay' and 'Best Selfie Spots in Venice'. Of which the overwhelming majority seem to be written by novices with very little to say and simplistic photographic ideas.

A4 & A3+ prints of Gondolas at sunset Molo Venice, with Chiesa San Giorgio Maggiore.

 

I wanted more than gelato or a take-out pizza slice. To discover true Venetian food, I'd taken to using Google Maps to track down eating establishments with good local cooking and value for money. By looking through restaurant reviews on 'Maps', I was able to make a short list of places to try out. Most of the reviews come in two forms. Amateur foodies who want to share their experience. Or complaint reviews by disgruntled customers. The latter, more than you might imagine, sign off with '..or maybe they just don't like Americans'. Yes, really! 

So when we ambled into Il Calice, on the fly, having consulted none of the oracles of modern life. We did so because we were both hungry, and because the venue looked good, and I'm pleased to say we were not disappointed. I'm actually quite excited about exploring the food possibilities in Venice during our stay. My reading points toward a unique Venetian cuisine. From a city long established as a hub of trade with the orient and beyond. That means spice, and being in the lagoon means seafood and salt, and I'm looking forward to discovering what Venice has in store.

Portal from S. Moise into Piazza S. Marco and a public phone on the square..

On leaving Il Calice we ask for directions, and learn we are only two streets over from the narrow end of Piazza St Marco. 'Turn right out the door, at the end turn left and go straight along Salizada S. Moise to the Piazza'. Up ahead a grand colonnaded portal, dark inside, some of the columns surrounded by a scaffold of steel posts. On the other side, the piazza, which is less busy now night has fallen, except at several canopied and light festooned points. 

The three most famous cafes, each with its own orchestra. Caffè Florian, Caffè Quadri and Caffè Lavena, with their coloured chairs; table service by white-jacketed waiters. There are many people standing outside the dining area, listening to the musicians for free; just a handful are paying customers seated at the tables. We do that too on our first night, just stand there trying to take it all in, to the strains of a South American Tango. 

All days must come to an end. But if you happen to be in Venice, there will be bands playing into the night in Piazza San Marco. It's not so well lit, it's moody, it is of another time, those famous cafes with their immaculately attired waiters. When we make it back to our hotel room after taking it all in, I set up my camera on the L'Altana, the rooftop deck with a view of St Marks and make pictures of the domes in the moonlight.

Chairs stacked in Piazzza San Marco at night.

My Venice photo album.

Fine art giclee prints of Gondolas at sunset Molo Venice, with Chiesa San Giorgio Maggiore across the water of St Marks Basin are available for purchase.

 
Telling stories in pictures all over..
Kent Johnson, Sydney, Australia.
0433 796 863
kent@artcommunication.com.au
https://www.kentjohnsonphotography.com.au/Travel/
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