Canadian World Traveller Fallr 2016 issue Canadian World Traveller Fall 2016 issue | Page 60

Ultimate Venice WT library image 60 Article & Photography by Ilona K auremszky T oday as yesterday, Venice’s fortunes float on the unending tide of tourists who flood the world’s most famous floating city. These travelers, many from the imposing cruise ships, snap countless photos of the unwavering Grand Canal as it slinks like a lazy serpent with its meandering S-shape oblivious to the waves of 21st century sensibilities. No cars, few elevators, and the endless queues by the finest landmarks of La Serenissima can be daunting. Mention earlier Venetian residents to a fellow visitor either fictional or real from villains to dukes like Shylock from The Merchant of Venice or the reclusive Doge of Venice, Leonardo Donato, or the world’s greatest lover Casanova, and you’re most likely to receive a blank stare. Canadian World Traveller / Fall 2016 But murmur about millionaire marriages, movie stars and worldwide festivals then chances are good many will wax poetic on the George and Amal Clooney nuptials, or starlet Angelina Jolie’s action-thriller The Tourist; or the arts festival darling, the Venice Biennale. On a trip to Venice this past spring,