Arrivederci Italia!

Wow. Has it been 2 weeks? In some ways it flew by and in some ways it seems like much longer. Either way we leave for home tomorrow. We are ready but still, we ache a little to be leaving.
The weather was too kind to us on our last day. It was perfect. It still is this evening, soft light, a gentle breeze, a sweet kiss good bye.
We enjoyed the Accademie today, not so much because we saw so much that was different from what we have been seeing, but because we were able to get close to it. They allow you to walk right up onto the work in most cases and we were able to really look closely at frescos from the 14th century. As you can imagine, they are as amazing up close than they they are from a distance. The museum spans the rennaissance with a little extra on each end. It focuses exculsively on Italian painting. Very worth the trip if you are in Venice.
I feel full of art and beauty. Tonight when we went back to our sweet hotel room we turned on the news, CNN, (something we haven't done since we've been here,) just in time to catch the latest on the assination in Lebanon. Is there a world out there? Yes, yes, there is and we are returning to it. Not everything is art and beauty, although one can forget that here. Venice especially. It reminds me of a lullaby. I think the constant rhythm of the canal aids in that, but also the light, and the ancient, ancient surroundings which remain the same throughout the centuries. I find it easy to be lulled. It's not all bad but I am ready to get back to my life.
So I will see you there! The next we speak will be from home.
Caio!
Anne