2026-10-15 — Venice, Italy — From a Speedboat to St. Mark’s Square

An exceptionally smooth arrival, a little Italian style, and a day spent finding my feet in Venice.

I have arrived in Italy many times, but I cannot remember a smoother welcome than this one.

The concierge arrangements were fantastic. A representative met me just after I stepped off the airplane and helped me through the arrival process. Baggage collection went smoothly, customs was easy, and before long, I was on my way to the private water taxi that would take me to my hotel.

After all my years of traveling—and a career spent appreciating the importance of good logistics—I recognize a well-organized operation when I see one. This was one of them. No confusion, no unnecessary stress, and no standing around wondering what was supposed to happen next.

Just an exceptionally good start to another adventure.

My Mission: Impossible Moment

It was a beautiful morning as we headed across the Venetian Lagoon toward the hotel. The sun was out, the boat was moving, and I was sitting there thinking how wonderful it felt to be back in Italy.

I will admit something: I felt a little like Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible, speeding across the water on my way to some important destination.

Of course, my mission was considerably less demanding. Nobody was chasing me. I did not have to jump between buildings or save the world. I simply needed to reach my hotel with my luggage.

That seemed like plenty of excitement for the morning.

The marked route across the water reminded me of a private road leading from the airport toward Venice. Even out on the lagoon, there appeared to be an orderly system. Things were, as we used to say in the Army, squared away.

From the airplane, through baggage and customs, and onto a boat—it was the smoothest arrival I have ever experienced in Italy.

I looked out at the water and thought, “So far, so good.”

A Room Later. Venice Now.

At Baglioni Hotel Luna, I checked in and encountered the one familiar travel experience that even an excellent arrival could not eliminate: my room would not be ready until 2:00 p.m.

Boo.

I understand that rooms have to be cleaned and prepared. That does not mean I enjoy arriving after an overnight flight and being told that a shower and a bed are still several hours away.

Fortunately, I had Venice outside the door.

I went out to get my bearings, check the restaurant planned for tomorrow evening, and locate the venue where I would be seeing Rigoletto. Finding my way in daylight seemed much more sensible than trying to solve that puzzle when it was time to be seated.

Old habits remain useful. A little reconnaissance now can prevent a great deal of confusion later.

Along the way, I photographed Teatro La Fenice. Its pale façade, green shutters, statues, flags, and broad entrance steps made a beautiful composition in the sunlight. There was so much to look at—the carved details above the entrance, the columns, and the shadows falling across the building.

Another photograph captured the activity around Hotel Ala, its warm yellow-orange façade standing out against the blue sky. People crossed the stone paving, a kiosk displayed its merchandise, and the ornate pale architecture at the edge of the scene provided a wonderful contrast.

Those are the details that keep me walking with a camera: color, light, texture, and people going about their day.

I walked and walked and walked. Then I returned to the hotel.

And, naturally, went back out and walked some more.

Apparently, my enthusiasm for Venice had not yet consulted my feet.

A Venetian Barber and a Fresh Look

During my next round of exploring, I came across Do Fradei Barbershop and decided that a head shave would be a fine addition to the day.

Their motto caught my attention: “Anybody can be a guy, but only you can be a man.”

I thought that was clever. Apparently, I had found a place offering both grooming and a little philosophy.

The shave itself was interesting because the preparation was different from what I was used to. They used warm and cool air from hairdryers on my scalp before working with the razor. I had not experienced that particular technique before, and I enjoyed seeing how they approached it.

Even with very little hair involved, there was still room for some Italian style.

The photograph from the shop captures the spirit of the stop: a broad smile, an enthusiastic thumbs-up, and a close-up record of my freshly attended-to head.

It was not on the itinerary. It did not need to be.

That is one of the things I value most about travel. You can organize the flights, reserve the hotel, and carefully arrange the major events. Then a simple stop at a neighborhood barbershop becomes one of the moments you remember.

Pizza, a Bellini, and a Well-Earned Nap

Eventually, I found a pleasant place to sit at Serafina, where I enjoyed a beautiful pizza and a Bellini.

After all that walking, the chair deserved an excellent review of its own.

The pizza was just what I needed, the Bellini suited the occasion, and I was happy to stop moving for a while. There was no need to turn lunch into another item to complete. I was in Venice. I could take my time.

One of my photographs from the day shows a group gathered around a café table, studying an unfolded paper map. Behind them, a narrow passage leads toward a dark doorway beneath a carved stone face.

I like that photograph because it captures something familiar. We travel thousands of miles to experience a place, and then we sit together trying to work out which little passage will take us where we need to go.

The grand buildings deserve their photographs. So do those ordinary moments.

Back at the hotel, I finally had the opportunity for a good afternoon nap and a hot shower. Both were thoroughly appreciated.

The elegant bar interior I photographed offered another side of the day: a sparkling chandelier, a large gold-framed painting, decorative walls, polished stone flooring, and a row of dark leather barstools. After the movement and activity outside, it was a quieter scene, full of details worth noticing.

Venice had given me plenty to look at. For a little while, however, I was more interested in closing my eyes.

Seafood and an Evening in St. Mark’s Square

Rested and refreshed, I decided to have a late dinner at Santo Mare, the seafood restaurant at Baglioni Hotel Luna.

I chose red snapper and a wine recommended by the waiter. After a day of airports, boats, walking, photography, and a visit to the barber, it was a pleasure to settle into an unhurried dinner.

There had been plenty of movement throughout the day. Now I was content to let someone else take care of the details.

After dinner, I took a slow, leisurely stroll through St. Mark’s Square.

Earlier, I had been walking with a purpose—finding places, checking routes, and seeing what was around the next corner. This walk was different. I was not trying to accomplish anything. I simply wanted to enjoy being there.

That is worth remembering when I travel. Sometimes I become so occupied with getting somewhere or photographing something that I need to remind myself to stop and take in the place.

Not every moment needs a plan. Not every experience needs to be viewed through a camera.

Sometimes it is enough to walk slowly and appreciate where you are.

By about 11:00 p.m., I was back in bed.

The day had begun with an exceptionally smooth arrival and a speedboat ride that made me feel like a movie star. It had continued with beautiful architecture, a barber’s chair, pizza, a Bellini, a much-needed nap, and a seafood dinner. It ended with a quiet walk through St. Mark’s Square.

Tomorrow would bring more of Venice and an evening of Rigoletto. Tonight, I was ready for a good night’s sleep.

A very full day. A very good day.

So far, so good? Better than good. This adventure was off to a wonderful start.

Explorer of the Seas — Full Journey