May 16: The city of bridges, gondoliers, and seafood

I don’t know about you, but I see food (seafood) and I eat it. Today, I came to the city of fresh fish and canals. The city, which began in the 7th century, is built on pilings of wood and stone in a marsh-like lagoon. Overall, it’s not the most lasting of conditions for a world-renowned city to be built on.

For me, Venice is a city that is meant to be wandered on foot. The alleyways and courtyards invite travelers to take a peek into what Venice life looked like in the past. It’s all very Venetian.

Canals

Prison art cooperative

We stumbled upon a shop that sells handmade bags and soaps (conditioners, shampoos) that are handmade by prisoners in Venice. The organization, Rio Terà dei Pensieri, works with prisoners to train them in different handicrafts. After hearing about it, American artist Mark Bradford, is now working with the prisoners as a part of the Venice Architecture Biennial. Interestingly, it is also a collaboration with the U.S. State Department. The American prison system needs to take notes on how prisoners are being trained here in Venice.