Richard Frisbie :: Venice is Beautiful

Greetings everyone!

If you've wondered where I've been, or, in case you may begin to wonder, I've accepted an assignment from EDGE Publications, and an invitation from the Italian Government and the Italian Tavel Promotion Council to re-examine tourism in Italy, Specifically the Veneto region.

Venice is BEAUTIFUL! It's an Indian Summer - T-shirt - weather, no tourists, open and friendly city. It's great to be back! Today I leave for Verona to explore the whole (and very real) Romeo and Juliette story. Then on to Padua (or, as the Italians say: Padova) for wine tastings and some fantastic food. The itinerary is a suprise, I just know the hotels each day, but not the events. FUN! Venice is more than just (just?) canals, gondolas, and beautful hotels. I feel like a character in Kiss Me Kate!

I'm staying at the Luna Hotel Baglioni.  I arrived here by water taxi from the airport, right on St Mark's Square. The 7 AM Cathedral bells peeling now as the rising sun illuminates the tower's top. (Yes, there are still pigeons.) The Luna Hotel is the oldest in Venice. It was the Knights Templars headquarters in 1131. That's the 12th century! It's undergone many renovations since then, but it still looks (and feels like) a palace - a very modern palace. It's convenient to everything, with free Wi Fi, and a restaurant serving perfectly cooked rissoto with wild mushrooms, way too much sparkling wine and delicious seafood. I love this place.

 Breakfast now, then checkout and I'm away from the internet for a few days. Sorry not to be keeping up correspondense, but please know I'm working hard while I'm away from Gather.

UPDATE: I'm at the Due Torri Hotel Baglioni - Verona - a classic palace built in the 14th century. It is the oldest hotel in Verona, right in the center of everything. Frescoes, antiques, and the most modern of ammenities. The Baglioni family of hotels features 5 star properties in the top Italian  (and European) destinations. Again - a rariety - free Wi Fi tops the list of my favorite perks!

To see how travel arrangements should be made go to the:

Italian Travel Promotion Council's website:

http://www.goitpc.com/

no photos - sorry - the web connection - a RARE FREE connection is too slow for that now - but every cliche you've ever heard is true - Venice is Beautiful!

ciao!