Hi Everyone,
We are well. The sun is shining!! Hooray. What a way to end the trip.
We went to Burano and Murano today. Very darling islands off the coast of Venice. lots of lace, beads, crystal, pahmina cashmere and silk. The houses on Burano were very colorful. We took hundreds of photos. Every step took us into another picture.
Murano is famous for their glassworks. We didnàt get into a factory but did make a dent in a few shops. Now I just need to figure out how to get this stuff home wihtout getting over the limit in weight. I will have to wear most of the clothes home!!
This will probably be the last entry. It is dinner time and then we need to repack. Our plane leaves at 7AM. So we will try to get up early. That will be interesting - our alarms haven't worked yet.
If yu need to get hold of me you can leave a message on my cell and I will pick it up when I get into the states.
Til tomorrow,
Arrividerci,
Love,
Jackie
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Thursday in Venezia
Hello Everyone,
It is Thursday afternoon in Venezia. Still is raining cats and dogs. Cold but not like Iowa. Of course there is only 1 Iowa.
Today I slept in til 8:30 then hit the bricks looking for churches. I got sidetracked by silks, woolens, gems, glass, and Italian yarn. So, I shopped instead of going to the churches. I did find myself at St. Mark's Square and went into the San Marco Church, basilica or whatever it is. I paid a bit extra and went upstairs to see all the relics. Totally amazing. No photos allowed - well, I did sneak in one or two and they didn't confiscate my cameras. I thought that they might since there is closed TV just everywhere.
We are headed back to our hotel room er - - - convent room. What to do now? Maybe more shopping and of course eating. The food is FAB and the wine so very cheap and very good. If I had a TV it would be a bit better. I am a bit out of touch with the world.
Interesting - what you learn about yourself when you aren't in your element. Overall the Venetians have been very sweet. Most can speak a bit of English and I speak pig Italian. At least the 2 years of Latin I took in high school has helped a bit. I usually just say Scuzi (Excuse me, shrug my shoulders and walk away :) Of course they would want me to buy their goods but I just smile and walk on.
Hope all is well there. Let me know if any thing needs my attention. Until tomorrow. . . . .
Love,
Jackie
It is Thursday afternoon in Venezia. Still is raining cats and dogs. Cold but not like Iowa. Of course there is only 1 Iowa.
Today I slept in til 8:30 then hit the bricks looking for churches. I got sidetracked by silks, woolens, gems, glass, and Italian yarn. So, I shopped instead of going to the churches. I did find myself at St. Mark's Square and went into the San Marco Church, basilica or whatever it is. I paid a bit extra and went upstairs to see all the relics. Totally amazing. No photos allowed - well, I did sneak in one or two and they didn't confiscate my cameras. I thought that they might since there is closed TV just everywhere.
We are headed back to our hotel room er - - - convent room. What to do now? Maybe more shopping and of course eating. The food is FAB and the wine so very cheap and very good. If I had a TV it would be a bit better. I am a bit out of touch with the world.
Interesting - what you learn about yourself when you aren't in your element. Overall the Venetians have been very sweet. Most can speak a bit of English and I speak pig Italian. At least the 2 years of Latin I took in high school has helped a bit. I usually just say Scuzi (Excuse me, shrug my shoulders and walk away :) Of course they would want me to buy their goods but I just smile and walk on.
Hope all is well there. Let me know if any thing needs my attention. Until tomorrow. . . . .
Love,
Jackie
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Wednesday in Venezia
Hello Everyone,
First, thanks for the emails. They were much appreciated. I feel so far away.
At any rate, we are having a good trip. We spent today with Mario doing street photography. It is so much different than what I do in the states. I have learned alot about this approach to getting photos. It is windy, cold, and rainy. Which makes for interesting photos with reflections and beautiful light illuminating the city and people.
The architecture here is so interesting. Hundreds and hundreds of years old. It is easy to see that Venice is well past it.s prime. It must have been quite a city at one time. I can feel the children running through the streets and the merchants coming home with their treasures from the orient.
I can honestly say that I have seen a Venice that not many tourists have seen. It was well worth spending the time with him. He has taken us to places that show the heart and soul of Venezia. Very much a treasure. I can't wait to work on the photos and print them out. I am unable to post as I am using a computer in an internet cafe.
2 more days then home. I will probably be going to various churches tomoroow while Vicky seeks out her own interesting spots. We may go to Burano - an island near Venice where it is very colorful. We have heard the weather is to be bad again tomorrow. We will see. It is all part of the grand plan I suppose. I do want to do some shopping. The glass and handwork is exquisite.
Well, until tomorrow . . .
Love,
Jackie
First, thanks for the emails. They were much appreciated. I feel so far away.
At any rate, we are having a good trip. We spent today with Mario doing street photography. It is so much different than what I do in the states. I have learned alot about this approach to getting photos. It is windy, cold, and rainy. Which makes for interesting photos with reflections and beautiful light illuminating the city and people.
The architecture here is so interesting. Hundreds and hundreds of years old. It is easy to see that Venice is well past it.s prime. It must have been quite a city at one time. I can feel the children running through the streets and the merchants coming home with their treasures from the orient.
I can honestly say that I have seen a Venice that not many tourists have seen. It was well worth spending the time with him. He has taken us to places that show the heart and soul of Venezia. Very much a treasure. I can't wait to work on the photos and print them out. I am unable to post as I am using a computer in an internet cafe.
2 more days then home. I will probably be going to various churches tomoroow while Vicky seeks out her own interesting spots. We may go to Burano - an island near Venice where it is very colorful. We have heard the weather is to be bad again tomorrow. We will see. It is all part of the grand plan I suppose. I do want to do some shopping. The glass and handwork is exquisite.
Well, until tomorrow . . .
Love,
Jackie
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Tuesday in Venice
Hi Everyone,
Well,we spent the day with Mario,an Italian photographer, who took us through every little nook and cranny of Venice and Guidecca ( an island off of Venice).We went through the gondola factory - well, being built one by one. Many great photos if you like gondolas.
We walked for 8 hours. Pounding the pavement for thaqt long is a bit wearing on the knees and heels. Tomorrow - More!! It is just starting to rain a bit. It has been cold, windy and damp. We are supposed to have heavy rain tomorrow :(
Hope all is well there. Is Bush still president? How is the office doing? We are off to dinner now. More wonderful Italian food and wine.
Until tomorrow,
Love,
Jackie
Well,we spent the day with Mario,an Italian photographer, who took us through every little nook and cranny of Venice and Guidecca ( an island off of Venice).We went through the gondola factory - well, being built one by one. Many great photos if you like gondolas.
We walked for 8 hours. Pounding the pavement for thaqt long is a bit wearing on the knees and heels. Tomorrow - More!! It is just starting to rain a bit. It has been cold, windy and damp. We are supposed to have heavy rain tomorrow :(
Hope all is well there. Is Bush still president? How is the office doing? We are off to dinner now. More wonderful Italian food and wine.
Until tomorrow,
Love,
Jackie
Monday, January 14, 2008
Monday - Venice
Hello, Ciao,
Hi everyone,
We have made it to Venice. It was a great drive through Croatia. We stopped in a small village off the beaten path in Croatia - Motovun. It was gorgeous with a wonderful panorama to take landscape photos of the countryside.
We made it to Venice by 4:30PM, We have checked into our room at the convent - yes, you read it right. We are staying in a convent. Very warm and cozy. We had a wonderful dinner of salmon, pasta with clams and salad.
We then took off looking for an internet cafe. Well, 2 hours later here we are. I think we walked down every dark alleyway in Venice trying to find our way to Piazzale Roma. Now, get up and go to your computer and email us. We are dying for news from the States. If you don't I will never speak to you again!!
Today the weather is clear. Tomorrow, who knows. It is cool but we are dressed for it. We meet Mario the photographer at 9AM for a day with a pro Venetian photographer. He will show us the lesser known areas. I am glad to be here finally. Although, I miss Croatia. I feel more at home there than with the Venetians.
At any rate. Please email us. Until tomorrow. . . .
Love,
Jackie
Hi everyone,
We have made it to Venice. It was a great drive through Croatia. We stopped in a small village off the beaten path in Croatia - Motovun. It was gorgeous with a wonderful panorama to take landscape photos of the countryside.
We made it to Venice by 4:30PM, We have checked into our room at the convent - yes, you read it right. We are staying in a convent. Very warm and cozy. We had a wonderful dinner of salmon, pasta with clams and salad.
We then took off looking for an internet cafe. Well, 2 hours later here we are. I think we walked down every dark alleyway in Venice trying to find our way to Piazzale Roma. Now, get up and go to your computer and email us. We are dying for news from the States. If you don't I will never speak to you again!!
Today the weather is clear. Tomorrow, who knows. It is cool but we are dressed for it. We meet Mario the photographer at 9AM for a day with a pro Venetian photographer. He will show us the lesser known areas. I am glad to be here finally. Although, I miss Croatia. I feel more at home there than with the Venetians.
At any rate. Please email us. Until tomorrow. . . .
Love,
Jackie
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Images from Rovinj and surrounding area -01/13/08
Hi,
The cafe is closing soon,. I will try to upload a few more images from today. Gotta go. They are closing.
Love to all until tomorrow,
Jackie
Photos from Pula
Hi Everyone,
These photos from Pula. An ancient city with a huge coliseum in wonderful shape. Centuries of history here. In the photo is Vicky, Sanjan and Vlasta who were our tour guides. We had a marvelous time. It rained a bit but the sun shone for one or two photos. Such is life.
Jackie
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Vicky's blog
Another thought. Vicky has a blog at : www.victorialherring.typepad.com/journeyzing/
That will give you another perspective on our trip.
Love,
Jackie
That will give you another perspective on our trip.
Love,
Jackie
Saturday in Pula
Hi Everyone,
We had a good nites rest and went to Pula this morning. Vlasta and Sanjan were our tour guides. We saw the Coliseum, old town and walked many new streets that I hadn't seen before.
We took some old smaller road back to Rovinj and stopped in a very tiny picturesque town. We have taken many, many photos. The weather is cool, overcast and was raining this AM. Now the weather is starting to break a bit but the air is very cool and the wind quite brisk.
Tonite the family will get together for dinner. Milka has been spoiling us with her good cooking. We are overeating to be sure. Very authentic Croatian cuisine for Vicky. She is enjoying herself. She has taken some awesome photos while I was visiting with the family yesterday. I was too tired to walk the town and harbor to take photos.
We will walk around Rovinj tomorrow for more photos then onto Venice on Monday. Not many people on the streets so there are many good shots. But not many people shots.
It is good to be with them again. I think that they are happy that we are becoming closer and tightening the family bonds.
I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm.
Until tomorrow,
Love,
Jackie
We had a good nites rest and went to Pula this morning. Vlasta and Sanjan were our tour guides. We saw the Coliseum, old town and walked many new streets that I hadn't seen before.
We took some old smaller road back to Rovinj and stopped in a very tiny picturesque town. We have taken many, many photos. The weather is cool, overcast and was raining this AM. Now the weather is starting to break a bit but the air is very cool and the wind quite brisk.
Tonite the family will get together for dinner. Milka has been spoiling us with her good cooking. We are overeating to be sure. Very authentic Croatian cuisine for Vicky. She is enjoying herself. She has taken some awesome photos while I was visiting with the family yesterday. I was too tired to walk the town and harbor to take photos.
We will walk around Rovinj tomorrow for more photos then onto Venice on Monday. Not many people on the streets so there are many good shots. But not many people shots.
It is good to be with them again. I think that they are happy that we are becoming closer and tightening the family bonds.
I hope everyone is doing well and staying warm.
Until tomorrow,
Love,
Jackie
Friday, January 11, 2008
We arrived
Hi Everyone,
We have arrived safe and sound. It has been a bit like National Lampoons vacation. Fits and starts since Monday.
First the car - I found out that we couldn't cross the border into Eastern Europe on Tuesday. It was a rush trying to find a company that would let us do that - Hertz came through.
Then, we needed international drivers licenses. Thank goodness AAA is right next to my office. So in the middle of the busiest day ever in my office I was scrambling to get this all done.
The airplane trip went without a hitch. We arrived on time in Venice - tired but happy to be here starting our new adventure. The drive to Croatia was fun - We made a wrong turn somewhere and ended up going in the wrong direction. How we missed the sign, I have no idea. We only lost about 30 minutes though. We went through 4 different security checks within 1 mile and had to turn around and do it again.
The drive was pretty fast and otherwise uneventful. We made our way to Rovinj. Of course we came in from the north and had to drive around town a bit before finding Branko's home. Finally I went down to the harbor and said - they live at the top of this street (closed due to construction) so we went around, up and over and there it was. Voila! They were waiting for us.
Everyone looks good here and seems happy and healthy. They all send their love. Vlasta stayed home from work and was here to translate for us. Zlatko and Liliana came over tonite. It is good to see everyone again. They want to see photos of everyone - why didn't I think to bring some? Too busy. Michelle and Becky can you email some to Vlasta and Zlatko. Becky, where are your wedding photos online? You can email me the address at jstodo2 at hotmail.com
Tomorrow we head to Pula for a day trip with Vlasta and Sanjas her son. The weather is cool (40), rainy, overcast and foggy. The visibility was 1/4-1/2 mile driving here from Venice. So we didn' t see much of the countryside. It is very quiet in Rovinj compared to the summer when we were here before. It is very quiet, romantic and charming with the cobblestone streets, etc.
Well, until tomorrow - if I get a chance.
Love,
Jackie
We have arrived safe and sound. It has been a bit like National Lampoons vacation. Fits and starts since Monday.
First the car - I found out that we couldn't cross the border into Eastern Europe on Tuesday. It was a rush trying to find a company that would let us do that - Hertz came through.
Then, we needed international drivers licenses. Thank goodness AAA is right next to my office. So in the middle of the busiest day ever in my office I was scrambling to get this all done.
The airplane trip went without a hitch. We arrived on time in Venice - tired but happy to be here starting our new adventure. The drive to Croatia was fun - We made a wrong turn somewhere and ended up going in the wrong direction. How we missed the sign, I have no idea. We only lost about 30 minutes though. We went through 4 different security checks within 1 mile and had to turn around and do it again.
The drive was pretty fast and otherwise uneventful. We made our way to Rovinj. Of course we came in from the north and had to drive around town a bit before finding Branko's home. Finally I went down to the harbor and said - they live at the top of this street (closed due to construction) so we went around, up and over and there it was. Voila! They were waiting for us.
Everyone looks good here and seems happy and healthy. They all send their love. Vlasta stayed home from work and was here to translate for us. Zlatko and Liliana came over tonite. It is good to see everyone again. They want to see photos of everyone - why didn't I think to bring some? Too busy. Michelle and Becky can you email some to Vlasta and Zlatko. Becky, where are your wedding photos online? You can email me the address at jstodo2 at hotmail.com
Tomorrow we head to Pula for a day trip with Vlasta and Sanjas her son. The weather is cool (40), rainy, overcast and foggy. The visibility was 1/4-1/2 mile driving here from Venice. So we didn' t see much of the countryside. It is very quiet in Rovinj compared to the summer when we were here before. It is very quiet, romantic and charming with the cobblestone streets, etc.
Well, until tomorrow - if I get a chance.
Love,
Jackie
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Wednesday, January 9th
Well, this is it. I have tidied up all the loose ends in the office. My bags are almost completely packed. I am ready for my next adventure -- Venice and Rovinj, Croatia!! I love this photography hobby. It gives me a reason to see the world and capture the beauty of our planet.
I will try to write a bit daily. You can follow my travels with the itinerary I have sent. Tonite - time to work out, rest a few hours then on our way.
I am traveling with a good photography friend of mine - Vicky. She is an attorney when she isn't behind her camera. I figure that traveling with an attorney would be a good thing as she can keep us out of trouble if we get into trouble! I hope she knows international law!! And yes, we both got international drivers licenses. It is now required by the rental car agency. Dad, I hope you are happy!
Well, time to finish up the odds and ends. Until later,
Ciao,
Love,
Jackie
I will try to write a bit daily. You can follow my travels with the itinerary I have sent. Tonite - time to work out, rest a few hours then on our way.
I am traveling with a good photography friend of mine - Vicky. She is an attorney when she isn't behind her camera. I figure that traveling with an attorney would be a good thing as she can keep us out of trouble if we get into trouble! I hope she knows international law!! And yes, we both got international drivers licenses. It is now required by the rental car agency. Dad, I hope you are happy!
Well, time to finish up the odds and ends. Until later,
Ciao,
Love,
Jackie
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