italy

After our detour into Lisbon and preparing for and attending the ball the same day that we arrived we were ready to wind down a bit before our next big outing of the Opera. I fell asleep about 2 in the morning on the 11^th and awoke at Noon! We went out to take photos of the gorgeous costumes all around as well as the wonderful Venetian architecture. Afterward we donned our glad rags to take more photos as we walked from the stately Danieli hotel that was our home during our visit over to Teatro la Fenice. Whenever possible I like to enjoy where I’m staying just as much if not more than the destination I’ve gone to. The Danieli was on my list of “places to stay”. I’ll admit I was probably a bit influenced by viewing the movie “The Tourist” in 2010 with Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, it might not have been one of the best movies of all time, but it certainly had one of the most elegant backdrops! Next on the list of hotels to stay at in Venice is the Gritti Palace, and the JW Marriott resort on its own island. Do you have any Venetian favorites? If so pass it on!

Teatro La Fenice on the inside is a stunning piece of Rococo design. It’s elegant and intricate yet somehow managing not to be gaudy. I had a specific outfit for the Opera, but as I saw people in costume, I might do that next time.

We bought tickets for box seats in the front and we’re glad we did. The floor is all on one level and that could have made viewing difficult. I’d not recommend back seats in box seats unless you bought tickets early enough to be directly opposite the stage. The view you see from our box was: Palco centrale-parapetto – Ordine 2, Palco 27 Posto 2. Seat two is to the right. I recommend to be more than 10 boxes in from the stage if you’re the second level. There’s a bar on the ground floor and third floor (above as well I assume). You’re technically not allowed to bring drinks to your seat. There are no water fountains but water from the tap is good. You can also buy it from €1.50 per glass at the bar, wine is €8.00. A tip that I gleaned from another site is to order and pay for your drinks before the Opera starts from the lady taking the orders, then walk straight to the bar with your ticket during intermission.

The Opera was great with a special Brava to the Prima Donna whose vocal range and quality we’re impressive and created pure frisson.

The architecture in Venice takes its cues from different time periods as well as places. From North Africa, lots of Baroque, touches of Gothic, Renaissance, Spanish, and more, all come together seamlessly in this beautiful city. It’s hard to walk across a ‘ponte’ and not want to stop and take a photo.

All photos and copy are copyright Travel Xena.com 2018