Venice, Italy

[AlchemisTO]

I was in Venice for a few days around Christmas and I took some photos.

Garbage is placed in little plastic bags outside your doorstep and then picked up by collectors wielding large handcarts. It's then wheeled over to small, little garbage scows tied up in the nearest canal and shipped off to destinations unknown.

Chiesa Santa Maria dei Miracoli is one of those rare urban gems where exceptional architecture, scale and environment intersect for a perfect finish.

Chiesa S. Maria della Salute is probably best seen from far away, and that's what Longhena had in mind. Up close it's a bit overscaled.

San Marco's onion domes from above

And for the parting shot: a fly-by shot of Mestre and a larger-than-life Silvio Berlusconi!

 

[thx1038]

wow. thanks for posting. never been there, but sure want to go in one of those boats. how are those buildings holding up even though they are so close to the water edge?

 

[ganjavih]

Great pics, nicely done!

 

[Crazy Canuck07]

Wow, that looks amazing. I'm sure you had fun. What was the temperature in Venice at that time?

 

[SD2]

Fantastic shots!

 

[mpolo2]

I think this is a compliment to both you and Venice, but it is amazing how everyshot looks like it could be a postcard...

 

[dan e 1980]

what a crazy city. how does their sewage system work? if a utility wants to run lines, do they simply throw them in the water?

 

[Mislav]

Fantastic pics.

 

[AlchemisTO]

Thanks for the compliments, everyone.

dan, I'm not exactly sure but I think that the sewer lines empty straight into the canals. The utilities are all buried under the street, and I've seen them rip up some of the pedestrian walkways to replace water mains.

Everything that can't be barged in has to be carried with human hands; no excavators, etc. but there were 4 heavy lift cranes on the skyline which they must have helicoptered in or something.

The weather was very clear but also cold, at times. I was amazed to find that there was more snow in Italy than Toronto when I returned.

 

[Jarrek]

Nice shots.

The thing about some of those photos is that they look like they were taken either two months ago, or 40 years ago.

Not much has changed - and that's one of the unique aspects of the city.

 

[dan e 1980]

I'm not exactly sure but I think that the sewer lines empty straight into the canals.

:eek