vanishing venice

This National Geographic article, "Vanishing Venice," is worth a look. Newman's descriptions of Venice as a sort of paradox, balancing between water and land, "fairy tale" and "tourist trap" are poetic, accurate, and so well-written. Newman really captures the inevitable love affair that results from seeing the city. The feature is full of metaphors that try to describe the fantastical theatrics of Carnevale and nostalgia for the city's gilded past. It's a bit long (9 pages), but stick it out to the end and you'll hit the modern-day Romeo and Juliet story that really pulls together the theme: "Beauty is so difficult." Newman's piece tugs desperately at Venice, very aware of the aqua alta that threatens to destroy it.

I was excited to see that Jodi Cobb's accompanying photos include one of the drag show in piazza San Marco (which I went to! the emcee was a drag version of Queen Elizabeth!). I never did get close enough to take any pictures. My own attempt at capturing Venice can be seen here. Rich colors, costumes, and textures galore. Here's to hoping we can hold on to that beauty as long as possible.