new year's eve

(post #2 about this particular day of the year)

Venice, New Year’s Day, 2014.

Absolutely one of the best New Year’s Eves I’ve ever experienced was in Venice.

We were with our children in a terrific apartment in the Dorsoduo neighborhood. We had forgotten to make New Year's Eve dinner reservations in advance, so we planned to cook a delicious meal in our kitchen. Non è un problema.

We went grocery shopping and delighted in the bounty of the neighborhood grocery store. Fresh pasta, wine, antipasti, olive oil, local cheeses, winter vegetables, gelato. Grocery shopping in Italy is always excellent and our dinner was damn delicious.

Around 11:30, we left our apartment and walked over a bridge to Campo Santa Margherita. People of all ages were out celebrating the impending new year. There were street musicians and other performers entertaining the crowds. Vendors sold snacks. The atmosphere was family-friendly and festive.

At midnight, church bells all over the city rang in the new year. Felice anno nuovo!

There were fireworks, but all at once and then done for good.

Then the city settled down to sleep and prepare for the new year.