Midnite's Global Journey of Spiritual Discovery* - Tiki Travel

M midnite Member 37? 47' N, 122? 26' W Joined: Mar 25, 2002 Posts: 1230	M midnite Posted posted on Mon, Dec 31, 2007 12:38 PM VENICE: CHRISTMAS 2007 We close the year with a Christmas visit to La Serenissima, one week in the pearl that is Venice, Italy. This would be our second trip to Venice. I could easily visit once a year, at least. Few spots on the planet have had this much impact on me. It is, in my reasonably travelled opinion, the most beautiful city on Earth. Sigh, if they only had a Trader Vic's. Although, in a pinch some fine tropical long drinks can be had...more on those later. Yes, Venice. I'll simply let my photographs tell the tale. I find it difficult to adequately describe the beauty, the emotions, the sense of grandeur and history one feels walking it's seemingly endless alleys and foot bridges. I get all weepy just thinking of the place. Plus, they got some primo club sandwiches...more on that later. Ahh, what a trip. Venice does not burst at the seams with Christmas spirit like Vienna did. This is Venice, it simply doesn't need to. Still, a special highlight was Midnight Mass at St. Mark's. Ethereal and evocative, the Basilica provided a timeless stage for the proceedings. As a plus, the Cardinal gave me the ole nod and blessing as he walked by me on his way to the altar. So, I got that going for me. As we wrap up 2007, and what a year it was, we look forward to many safe and sound adventures in 2008. Let's take the opportunity to recap the general theme herein. Yes, it is a quest for the greatest cub sandwich but it is much more as I hope my posts have communicated. There's cocktails, too! Also, while the sandwiches are individually judged it is not in essence a competition. No, this is about pure enjoyment, not winners and losers per se. That said, my initial visit to Venice in 2005 presented with it the, at that time, best club sandwich I have ever had. From room service at the Hotel Danieli came the most exquisite and mind-blowing fantabulous sandwich. It was, in a word, heaven. I loved that sandwich, so perfect in every way. One can imagine then my wild anticipation for this return visit to Venice. The eternal beauty that is Venice and the finest club sandwich I've ever enjoyed. Oh la la! Alas, all does not glitters that is aluminum and all things must pass...Go. It seems the Danieli has hired some new cooks for in-room dining and they took it upon themselves to change the vaunted club. First, they served it with...gasp...potato chips! Ok, upon ordering the second time round that faux pas was rectified. Still, what was mana from heaven is now simply a fine, and expensive, sandwich from room service. It is good, perhaps great, but it is not what it once was. Garbo ages, glory fades, things change. Damn it! Yes, the sandwich disappoints, but the cocktails await. During our visit in 2005 I strolled over to the Bar Dandolo and spied their extensive cocktail menu. Lord have mercy, they serve a Mai Tai, in Venice no less! I did not partake in the waters during that stay, but I knew on this trip I must try it. Yes, damn the Euros, full imbibing ahead! So, it's the most expensive Mai Tai I have seen, what am I going to do, order a Bellini? No, that is not a typo, nineteen...don't do the conversion or look at my Amex bill if you have a heart condition. It was fair, somewhat a bit below good, enjoyable nonetheless. The club sandwich let down of the Danieli had a silver lining, or so it seemed, as we were changing hotels in mid-visit and thus would have a another bite at the apple, so to speak. Off to ole the Doge's place for round two. Oh Jesus weeps, it got no better, and much more expensive. No fries, not even potato chips...and cough...wheeze...hack...they used chicken salad. Shudder. Weeping, I quickly assumed the fetal position and questioned my place in the universe. Luckily, fair Michelle had ordered a cheeseburger. We swapped plates, my spirits, while down, were not broken. No, because like dear old Mom would say, "Pull up your socks and get drinking!" We adjourned to the Gritti's jewel of a drinking hole, Bar Longhi. This place is without a doubt one of the greatest cocktail bars the world over. I recall few times I've enjoyed more than our visits to this bar. Spent one of my best Christmas Nights ever enjoying the decor, the drinks, the old tunes. No Mai Tai, but I did try the Planter's Punch. It was quite good, actually. However, Michelle was convinced to try the Corto Maltese and what a treat it is, a new favorite. So good in fact I had two more the following night. I ended Christmas 2007 with an Old Fashioned, toasting to good times, good company, and good drinks. Mom would have been so proud. Ciao, Venice. The quest shall continue. In the end all that matters is you enjoy the journey. Here's to 2007, from North Africa to Steel Town USA and everywhere in between it was quite a ride. Cheers! midnite

VENICE: CHRISTMAS 2007

We close the year with a Christmas visit to La Serenissima, one week in the pearl that is Venice, Italy. This would be our second trip to Venice. I could easily visit once a year, at least. Few spots on the planet have had this much impact on me. It is, in my reasonably travelled opinion, the most beautiful city on Earth. Sigh, if they only had a Trader Vic's. Although, in a pinch some fine tropical long drinks can be had...more on those later.

Yes, Venice. I'll simply let my photographs tell the tale. I find it difficult to adequately describe the beauty, the emotions, the sense of grandeur and history one feels walking it's seemingly endless alleys and foot bridges. I get all weepy just thinking of the place. Plus, they got some primo club sandwiches...more on that later.

Ahh, what a trip. Venice does not burst at the seams with Christmas spirit like Vienna did. This is Venice, it simply doesn't need to. Still, a special highlight was Midnight Mass at St. Mark's. Ethereal and evocative, the Basilica provided a timeless stage for the proceedings. As a plus, the Cardinal gave me the ole nod and blessing as he walked by me on his way to the altar. So, I got that going for me.

As we wrap up 2007, and what a year it was, we look forward to many safe and sound adventures in 2008. Let's take the opportunity to recap the general theme herein. Yes, it is a quest for the greatest cub sandwich but it is much more as I hope my posts have communicated. There's cocktails, too! Also, while the sandwiches are individually judged it is not in essence a competition. No, this is about pure enjoyment, not winners and losers per se. That said, my initial visit to Venice in 2005 presented with it the, at that time, best club sandwich I have ever had. From room service at the Hotel Danieli came the most exquisite and mind-blowing fantabulous sandwich. It was, in a word, heaven. I loved that sandwich, so perfect in every way. One can imagine then my wild anticipation for this return visit to Venice. The eternal beauty that is Venice and the finest club sandwich I've ever enjoyed. Oh la la!

Alas, all does not glitters that is aluminum and all things must pass...Go. It seems the Danieli has hired some new cooks for in-room dining and they took it upon themselves to change the vaunted club. First, they served it with...gasp...potato chips! Ok, upon ordering the second time round that faux pas was rectified. Still, what was mana from heaven is now simply a fine, and expensive, sandwich from room service. It is good, perhaps great, but it is not what it once was. Garbo ages, glory fades, things change. Damn it!

Yes, the sandwich disappoints, but the cocktails await. During our visit in 2005 I strolled over to the Bar Dandolo and spied their extensive cocktail menu. Lord have mercy, they serve a Mai Tai, in Venice no less! I did not partake in the waters during that stay, but I knew on this trip I must try it. Yes, damn the Euros, full imbibing ahead! So, it's the most expensive Mai Tai I have seen, what am I going to do, order a Bellini? No, that is not a typo, nineteen...don't do the conversion or look at my Amex bill if you have a heart condition. It was fair, somewhat a bit below good, enjoyable nonetheless.

The club sandwich let down of the Danieli had a silver lining, or so it seemed, as we were changing hotels in mid-visit and thus would have a another bite at the apple, so to speak. Off to ole the Doge's place for round two. Oh Jesus weeps, it got no better, and much more expensive. No fries, not even potato chips...and cough...wheeze...hack...they used chicken salad. Shudder. Weeping, I quickly assumed the fetal position and questioned my place in the universe. Luckily, fair Michelle had ordered a cheeseburger. We swapped plates, my spirits, while down, were not broken.

No, because like dear old Mom would say, "Pull up your socks and get drinking!" We adjourned to the Gritti's jewel of a drinking hole, Bar Longhi. This place is without a doubt one of the greatest cocktail bars the world over. I recall few times I've enjoyed more than our visits to this bar. Spent one of my best Christmas Nights ever enjoying the decor, the drinks, the old tunes. No Mai Tai, but I did try the Planter's Punch. It was quite good, actually. However, Michelle was convinced to try the Corto Maltese and what a treat it is, a new favorite. So good in fact I had two more the following night. I ended Christmas 2007 with an Old Fashioned, toasting to good times, good company, and good drinks. Mom would have been so proud.

Ciao, Venice. The quest shall continue. In the end all that matters is you enjoy the journey. Here's to 2007, from North Africa to Steel Town USA and everywhere in between it was quite a ride.

Cheers!
midnite

Post #352178 by midnite on Mon, Dec 31, 2007 12:38 PM