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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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