Alexandra, thank you for your kind comment on my post about memory and for sharing this piece with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, both your lovely words and photos! I’ve only spent a (long) weekend in Venice, ages ago, but you paint it with such beauty and light. And this totally resonated:
“When you return to a place that once mattered - a city, a neighborhood, even a childhood home - something subtle happens. For a moment, your past self and your present self stand side by side. It’s impossible not to notice the distance between them. Or the quiet continuity.”
I know EXACTLY what you mean, and in that spirit I thought I’d share my piece about returning to Paris (one of my former homes):
seems like it was a terrific way to invest your time, appreciate how the gondola ride was more than just the typical "float", something special about that dedicated time, also the places you've mentioned really make was want to visit 😍
I loved this so much! How long did it take for venice grab you/pull you in? I’ve only been here about 5 months but I still feel like there’s a disconnect in a way, as much as I am aware of its beauty and uniqueness.
Really?? I’m not sure. Perhaps it’s as simple as it isn’t my place. I was living in Mallorca before for a couple years and I fell hard and quickly and still adore it. Then Barcelona, which I love but it also didn’t quite click (too big). I’m thrilled to be studying here but I haven’t fallen for it in the same way
Alexandra, thank you for this. Your words about Venice are such a beautiful expression of a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. I’ve been fortunate to travel in both Italy and Ireland, and what lingered most wasn’t just the scenery or history, but the spirit of each place.
In Italy, I felt invited to slow down into the everyday — lingering over meals, listening to piazza conversations, watching the light move across ancient stone. In Ireland, it was a sense of openness — in the landscape and in spirit — green fields under wide skies, quiet stories in stone and shoreline, and a deep invitation to notice both the outer and inner world.
What stays with me is how travel helps you see yourself more clearly. In both places, I found something quietly transformative — a deeper appreciation for ordinary beauty and a lightness that carried home. Thank you for the invitation to reflect — your words stirred my own memories in the best way 💛✨
Beautifully written about Venice. Since you have lived there for some years I Guess you know it well. We rentes a flat in San Polo, which was a very quiet, charming area.Your images are stunning, I love it. Venice was fantastic to visit, Murano and Burano was stunning. I would love to visit again😍🫶🏻 Thanks for sharing, it was a very enjoyable read💟🌷
Venice has changed, a lot I most say in the last years. Although living short by with only 15 minutes by train, I nearly go there anymore. The amount of tourists are killing its beauty, regardless of how beautiful it is depicted in you beautiful story!!! Enjoy your memories and when go, go very very early and enjoy the sunshine on the opposite side of Mulino Stuck and enjoy it!!!
You have a very poetic way of writing. I am grateful to have come upon this piece.
I’ve been living in Albania; my wife and I need to leave for 90 days before we come back — Venice has been heavy on my heart and mind, it’s a top place I’ve wanted to explore. Seeing your article today feels like confirmation to go. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Any recommendations for when we are there? I am thinking we may stay about 2 weeks.
Your description of Venice's pull was true for me as well. It will be a city that lives forever in my memory.
Did you use to live there?
Nice to have that in common 🙏
Alexandra, thank you for your kind comment on my post about memory and for sharing this piece with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it, both your lovely words and photos! I’ve only spent a (long) weekend in Venice, ages ago, but you paint it with such beauty and light. And this totally resonated:
“When you return to a place that once mattered - a city, a neighborhood, even a childhood home - something subtle happens. For a moment, your past self and your present self stand side by side. It’s impossible not to notice the distance between them. Or the quiet continuity.”
I know EXACTLY what you mean, and in that spirit I thought I’d share my piece about returning to Paris (one of my former homes):
https://ramyavivekanandan.substack.com/p/none-of-this-would-be-without-what
Thank you Ramya 😊 I am glad it resonated. I will read your article soon and let you know my thoughts.
seems like it was a terrific way to invest your time, appreciate how the gondola ride was more than just the typical "float", something special about that dedicated time, also the places you've mentioned really make was want to visit 😍
you're very welcome, excellent work 👏
I loved this so much! How long did it take for venice grab you/pull you in? I’ve only been here about 5 months but I still feel like there’s a disconnect in a way, as much as I am aware of its beauty and uniqueness.
Really?? I’m not sure. Perhaps it’s as simple as it isn’t my place. I was living in Mallorca before for a couple years and I fell hard and quickly and still adore it. Then Barcelona, which I love but it also didn’t quite click (too big). I’m thrilled to be studying here but I haven’t fallen for it in the same way
Alexandra, thank you for this. Your words about Venice are such a beautiful expression of a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. I’ve been fortunate to travel in both Italy and Ireland, and what lingered most wasn’t just the scenery or history, but the spirit of each place.
In Italy, I felt invited to slow down into the everyday — lingering over meals, listening to piazza conversations, watching the light move across ancient stone. In Ireland, it was a sense of openness — in the landscape and in spirit — green fields under wide skies, quiet stories in stone and shoreline, and a deep invitation to notice both the outer and inner world.
What stays with me is how travel helps you see yourself more clearly. In both places, I found something quietly transformative — a deeper appreciation for ordinary beauty and a lightness that carried home. Thank you for the invitation to reflect — your words stirred my own memories in the best way 💛✨
Beautifully written about Venice. Since you have lived there for some years I Guess you know it well. We rentes a flat in San Polo, which was a very quiet, charming area.Your images are stunning, I love it. Venice was fantastic to visit, Murano and Burano was stunning. I would love to visit again😍🫶🏻 Thanks for sharing, it was a very enjoyable read💟🌷
Venice has changed, a lot I most say in the last years. Although living short by with only 15 minutes by train, I nearly go there anymore. The amount of tourists are killing its beauty, regardless of how beautiful it is depicted in you beautiful story!!! Enjoy your memories and when go, go very very early and enjoy the sunshine on the opposite side of Mulino Stuck and enjoy it!!!
You have a very poetic way of writing. I am grateful to have come upon this piece.
I’ve been living in Albania; my wife and I need to leave for 90 days before we come back — Venice has been heavy on my heart and mind, it’s a top place I’ve wanted to explore. Seeing your article today feels like confirmation to go. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Any recommendations for when we are there? I am thinking we may stay about 2 weeks.
Thank you so much for your recommendations, Alexandra 🙏