Saturday, February 4, 2012

Venice: signs, masks and Spritz at the Florian








Since there are no cars or bikes in Venice, there are no traffic signs either. But there are other signs, and some are quite funny! I hope that Aussie blogger Red will appreciate these (she always post great images of cool signs!). BTW, the signs above weren't in San Marco, but in a small calle (Venetian street) near a pub.




We visited Venice before Carnival, but there were already coriandoli on the streets (small colourful paper confetti to through at people during carnival). And of course we went to a mask shop and laboratory and bought a couple of masks. Fun to notice that the mask maker was sporting a cardigan with the same pattern of Arlecchino, the most famous Venetian mask and Commedia dell'Arte character.



From the Trieste's post (and probably older posts too) you probably have noticed that I love historic cafes. My favourite in Venice is the Florian (although the Quadri is also magnificent) and I know that it is expensive, but for a treat it is unbeatable! First of all I like to sit inside, while most tourists go outside, maybe they like to be in the square, but I rather look at the interior decor, since most cafes in NZ tend to be rather modern or retro (sorry, my Italian blood needs a little dose of history now and then - btw, the Florian opened in 1720, so it is the oldest cafe in Italy!), and then there are too many pigeons outside! As a plus the service at the Florian is great: formal yet relaxed, the waiters (all men) are professional but  can talk informally if you like (in a few languages), and they all seem to be pleasant and handsome. And you are allowed to take your time: you can sit for as long as you like in there, use the beautiful clean toilets (instead of the public toilets in the square, for which you have to pay for anyway), they have great chocolate and coffee, and make a good spritz too (my favourite aperitif).


Photos by Alessandra Zecchini and Arantxa Zecchini Dowling ©

21 comments:

  1. Stunning photo's! Every day must have been a feast!

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  2. Absolutely, but even just strolling in Venice is a feast!

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  3. Venezia durante il carnevale deve essere ancora piĆ¹ bella!!! Devi essere una donna dai mille interessi e una viaggiatrice incallita: mi piaci!!!

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    1. Grazie Chiara, e benvenuta :-), sicuramente ho mille interessi, forse troppi, e si' sono una viaggiatrice incallita!!! Durante l'ultimo viaggio mi sa che mi e' pure venuto un callo con verruca!!! Ahi! Spero che non sia colpa dei pesci-pedicure di Singapore!

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  4. I have always wanted to see Venice, now even more after seeing your pictures. Love the signs. Diane

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  5. Florian is a must-stop in Venice, and I also prefer to sit inside than outside. If you plan to come to Turin again, I'll take you to some beautiful historic cafes as well!

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    1. Oh yes please Yari, soon or later I will make it again to Turin :-)

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  6. lovely pictures looks like lots of fun

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  7. Thank you for this post. I love the sighs, and a story is wonderful!

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  8. Am so jealous - have my Venetian mask on my office wall. Cheers me up every time I look at it. Just love the humour on those signs.

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    1. I have three Venetian masks on my wall now, and one standing, but I collect masks, and there aren't many from Italy (although I do have one from Sardinia)

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  9. what amazing pictures I love them Alessandra!!always I think I would like know venezia dear!

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  10. molto bellini i cartelli segnaletici che hai scovato a Venezia ^^

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  11. bellissime foto alessandra, questo tuo viaggio in italia ci ha riservato un sacco di belle cose!

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    1. E' stato un bel viaggio di sicuro, e a quanto pare siamo partiti prima del grande freddo!

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  12. Il cartello quadrato blu con barca e vogatore in bianco significa che in quel rio (o canale che dir si voglia) possono passare solo barche a remi, mentre ĆØ vietato il passaggio alle barche a motore.
    Il caffĆØ Florian non ĆØ il piĆ¹ antico, il primo caffĆØ venne aperto a Venezia nel 1683, sempre in Piazza San Marco, e si chiamava "CaffĆØ dell'Arabo". Il Florian ĆØ il piĆ¹ antico tra quelli ancora in esercizio ;-)

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  13. Grazie per le informazioni, utilissime :-). Il tuo commento era finito negli spam, forse perche' legato ad un sito commerciale, comunque son contenta di averlo trovato, a dire il vero controllo gli spam solo ogni tanto, quindi sei stato fortunato, saresti potuto star li' per mesi!!!
    Ciao
    A.

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  14. These photos are exceptionally beautiful, makes me want to travel to Venice again soon.

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  15. What a stellar journey you are on, Alessandra. I am enthralled with your photos! I hope to make it to Venice someday. :)

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  16. Oh Alessandra I just want to get on a plane & go!

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  17. Oh I LOOOOOOOVE the signs!! It's great to see the sense of humour ... I've enjoyed your travels on Google Reader, although I haven't often left comments. Hope you're having a great weekend!

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