Return to Venice

Another great night of sleep. As the sun began to rise, I awoke quietly, laced up my running shoes, and set out to explore. The streets were blissfully empty, and the city felt like it was mine alone.

I started by jogging the border of the city lined by the twelve ancient city gates. I made it half way around visiting six of them. Each gate, steeped in history, stood as a testament to Bologna’s storied past, much of which I learned as part of my fraternity’s (Kappa Sigma) past. The gates, once crucial for defense, now serve as unique landmarks, encompassing the city. 

Running under the iconic porticos was a fun experience. These were covered walkways that stretched for miles throughout the city. They provided an iconic backdrop to my run. 

I passed four of the city’s famous towers, including the iconic Two Towers, Asinelli and Garisenda. These towering structures, remnants of medieval Bologna, as Nathalie explained yesterday.

The quiet streets, usually bustling with activity, allowed me to appreciate Bologna’s architecture and charm in a new light. The solitude and tranquility of the morning made it a truly special experience, one that I’ll treasure as a highlight of my visit to Bologna. Again, slowly becoming my favorite city. 

We checked out and hopped on the train back to Venice. It was much more enjoyable without the previous exhaustion. Arriving at the Venice train station was memorable. Normally we have a company arrange our travels but this trip we are on our own so we found the ‘Water Bus’, public transportation to our hotel. It was surprisingly easy and we enjoyed the rocky trip down the Grand Canal to our hotel. 

Today we had a private excursion to Murano to explore the world of Venetian glassmaking. Emily and I were treated to an exclusive tour that began with an awe-inspiring glass-blowing demonstration. We met master glass blowers and enjoyed beverages on couches in front of massive hearths radiating heat while the artists toiled making a huge and intricate glass plate.   Watching the master glass blowers skillfully shape the molten glass into intricate forms was mesmerizing, showcasing their incredible talents and precision. 

After the demonstration, we toured the gallery, where we fond over stunning glass creations ranging from delicate vases to elaborate chandeliers.

 

Next we sauntered around Murano, exploring numerous glass shops, each offering unique and beautiful glassware. We had a tour guide with us, Giulia, who shared the history of Murano and glassmaking. It was rich and fascinating. Tired, we returned to our hotel for a short siesta. 

We went to an all star dinner tonight… Nestled in a quaint and picturesque hidden courtyard, La Colombina delivered a dining experience that was nothing short of enchanting. This Michelin star gem in the heart of Venice was a sanctuary for lovers of fine cuisine, such as ourselves, where the ambiance was as memorable as the food. The restaurant's deeply romantic atmosphere, complemented by the intimate setting, set the stage for an unforgettable evening.

From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. The knowledgeable staff guided us through our dining journey with grace and expertise, ensuring every detail was perfect. Their passion for excellence was evident in every interaction, enhancing the overall experience.

We indulged in the seafood tasting menu, which was a masterclass in culinary artistry. Each course was a gustatory blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques. The scallop au gratin, seasoned with Sicilian oranges, and served in a clam shell was a delightful start. The traditional black squid ink rice, paired with red prawns adorned with 24k gold leaf, was both visually stunning and bursting with rich, umami flavors. 

The sautéd crab with rosemary gnocchi was a standout, offering a comforting yet sophisticated dish that highlighted the natural sweetness of the crab. The sea bass, artfully dressed in zucchini scales, was a testament to the chef's skill, each bite tender and flavorful.  We concluded our meal with a deconstructed tiramisu, a playful and exquisite interpretation of the classic dessert that left us craving more. 

This dining experience was a testament to the culinary excellence of a Michelin star well deserved.   La Colombina, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a truly romantic and unforgettable evening.

Wow, what a day! Can’t wait for tomorrow with family.