Venice is a city I've been blessed enough to visit so many times over the last 6 years, that I lost count on just how many times long ago.  The first few visits were seen through the eyes of a tourist.  St. Marks Square.  Campanile.  Rialto.  Check. Check. Check.  Each visit, I'd post a few photos of my trip, my experience, my random thoughts. 

Curious to rediscover how I first saw Venice compared to how I see it today, I decided to revisit my webpages.  I was appalled at what I found.  Venice, La Serenissima, a city of untouchable sensuality and heady intoxication, a city I grow more deeply in love with each visit was reflected on my website as just another city.  There was no passion in my photos or writing.  It was posted through the eyes of a first timer.  A true tourist showing the world her travel photos to reveal only that I'd 'been there, done that'.  My photos had no soul.  And for me today, Venice is anything but soulless. 

Thinking about this for a short time led me to the decision that I should (must) delete my old postings of Venice.  The reason?  She is a place that must be experienced.  She must be seen.  Felt.  Embraced.  Touched. And when this is done, the love affair begins.  One cannot aptly put such beauty, such an appeal to all senses into words or photos.  Any attempt to do so on my part is belittling to all that Venice is. Sometimes things are just better left for the enjoyment of one's self.  For a person to keep in ones mind.  In ones heart. In ones soul.

With that said, Go!  Explore! Seek to understand this historical, enchanting and breathtaking city.  Let the love affair unfold.  But be forewarned.  She has a way of wrapping herself firmly around your heart without mercy and never letting go, leaving you to want more.  Give in to her despite how your heart might ache, as the pleasure of experiencing her far outweighs the pain of having to leave. And she's always in your heart, prepared never to leave.