Shopping like a local

Mama and I explored our neighborhood of Castello a bit more this evening. Our new friend Jonny, who runs a restaurant next to our apartment, recently pointed out to us all of the best shops for fruit and vegetables, fresh bread, wine and more. In California, we tend to purchase all of these items from…

Italian take-away

Venice is divided into six sestiere, or neighborhoods, and Mama and I are staying in Castello. We’re just one bridge and two corners away from our apartment five years ago, which is awesome because we can frequent some of our old favorite spots. When I popped out to pick up our laundry tonight, I also…

Water bus passes and new friends

It’s more fun to take the bus in Venice, because it’s actually a boat (called the Vaporetto). Since they’re used by locals and tourists, it can be very crowded (and therefore not always so fun, or even safe for those with mobility issues). But today we got on our first Vaporetto of this trip, and…

First gelato of the trip

It was another hot and humid day in Venice. Mama and I tried to cool down with a cup of gelato. We chose a peach/apricot flavor, which was very creamy and refreshing. Paisley also enjoyed licking our cups when we finished. We walked a little farther from home today and still didn’t get lost! We…

We’re going back!

It’s official! We’re going back to our beloved Venice, Italy! And we leave next week! Mama and I have been researching and planning for the last few weeks, but essentially we’ve been packing on faith. We didn’t have flights or an apartment secured until this past week, but we are absolutely thrilled that it’s now…

A Venetian perspective

This gorgeous shot of Venice appeared on my Facebook feed and brightened my day. It was shared by one of my Italian friends that I met on our special trip to Venice. Today’s #OneGoodThing was this Venetian perspective! Thanks for sharing, Silvio! Day 119 of 365. And Day 850 in a row (here’s the first 366 & the following 365)! 1 year…

Making limoncello, part one

I’ve been wanting to make my own limoncello since tasting this delightful liqueur many years ago in Italy. Just outside our back door, Mama and I see our neighbors’ big, beautiful lemon tree that’s heavy with fruit. While chatting over the fence recently, they kindly offered to share, and that seemed like a good reason…