VENICE - FIRST IMPRESSIONS by KATE SYMONDSON (2007)
Canals, gondolas, masks and decay. These are what one generally expects from Venice and with the added culture of the Italians, churches, art and architecture, one is never disappointed with the Venetian ability to match and exceed expectations. However, nothing, no preconception can really prepare one for the full impact of this truly individual and quite unique city.
Arriving in Venice was such a curious experience; by boat, blindfolded by the mist and dim light one almost feels as though one is entering a state of non-existence. Gradually however, from the oblivion buildings begin to emerge, the tips of which, just visible, pierce the haze. This slow revelation continues until one is met by Venice herself, this floating homage to the senses. It is difficult to comprehend how surreal this island, constructed of precarity - supported by shifting mudbanks and tethered by tree-trunk foundations - how this can provide the basis for a microcosm of human magnificence, skill and progression over many epochs. To imagining its crude beginnings whilst walking in the utter sophistication of St Mark's Square evokes such a due sense of awe that I cannot ever find myself to be anything more than overwhelmed in Venice.
The most wonderful part of being in Venice is the attack upon every sense. The incredible silence, the beauty (which should go without saying), the spring cold, the confused labyrinth of pavement and water, the smell, transportation by water, and not least, the taste of Venice! There is no opportunity in this city to avoid what it has to offer and by the end of your captivation a huge sense of sadness weighs on the inevitable departure. I could never have anticipated that living and breathing Venice for six weeks could make me feel such an absolute part of it and the sense of gratitude evoked from this, paired with the memories and experiences is immortal..
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