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| Venice
-- Her Photography Workshop
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| Flowers
for the rabbi's wife...
| Still
I persevered and the community officials ever so slowly
began to trust me. Gradually, as the restrictions relaxed,
the merchants of religious items allowed me to photograph
shoppers in their stores. The rabbinical students learned
to ignore my flash as day after day I attempted to capture
a sense of their lives in the classroom. The leader
of the Jewish Walking Tour posed for me in the square,
the gondola driver introduced me to the baker who made
the best apple strudel in town, and finally, on the
last day the rabbi's wife invited me into her home to
document her and her husband preparing for the Sabbath.
I arrived at their door at the designated hour, a huge
bouquet of flowers in one hand, camera in the other,
so grateful for their generosity. They were wonderful
subjects and I, novice photographer, nervously tried
not to fluff this incredible opportunity I had been
given. |
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| Solo
or with the group...
| Our
week's program blended photography lessons with interesting
field trips -- to the early morning Rialto fish market,
into churches laden with incredible art and on vaporetto
rides to the outlying islands of Murano and Burano.
Our cameras around our necks we were constantly on "red
alert" as we searched for the perfect photo opportunities.
Those who required more solo time were always free to
go off on their own -- shopping for souvenirs, attending
a classical concert in the church, or simply relaxing
with an espresso at one of the many local cafes. |
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| Mealtimes
were marvellous times...
| Thank
goodness we did so much walking during the day or my
classmates and I would all have returned to our respective
homes many pounds heavier. Five dinners were included
in this workshop's itinerary and what splendid multi-coursed
extravaganzas they were. Each night our hosts led us
to a new and unusual restaurant where we were able to
sample the wonderful specialties and wines of the Venato
region. Imagine the great fun we had as we shared tastes,
drank toasts for any and all reasons, discussed photography
and exchanged tidbits about our personal lives. |
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| Special
evening, special week...
| One
memorable evening Linda and Michael entertained at
home with much elegance and grace. They did everything
in their power to lavish us with their own brand of
Italian hospitality. Candles were lit, wine flowed
and Linda's very own creation -- a four-course Venetian
meal was served by Michael tastefully dressed-up to
impress. The evening closed with our multi-talented
hostess offering a sampling of her extraordinary singing
voice. Wow!
Sound as if I
enjoyed this Il Chiostro photography workshop? You
bet I did. I'm already scanning our travel
and learn classifieds for my next adventure. Even
for an experienced solo traveller, I found this type
of group programming so very satisfying. I met lots
of new folks who shared my interests, had alone time
when I needed it, and when any personal travel problems
did come up Michael was right there ready to help
me solve my dilemma quickly and efficiently. That
meant Journeywoman could devote all her energies to
learning, eating, drinking, socializing, sightseeing
and having an absolutely wonderful time in Venice.
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Back to GirlTalk
Italy...
| The articles in GIRLTALK
Italy have been independently researched
by Journeywoman Online. We thank the Italian
Government Tourist Board and Air
France for sponsoring this female-friendly information.
Together it is our aim to inspire women to visit Italy
and to travel safely and well.
P.S. Did you know
that Charles-de-Gaulle's airport in Paris is Air France's
hub? And from Paris, Air France can connect you to
10 Italian cities! |
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