The morning air was cool and crisp when I walked out of apartment in Venice. It was early, misty, foggy and early.
The chilly air felt like pin pricks on my skin, but I was happy for this cool breeze because in no time I would be sweating from carrying all of my gear.
After 4 days in Venice I had proudly learned my way around so finding my way to the canal to catch my water taxi to leave and catch the train to Vienna would be easy.
I turned left, then right, around a bend, another right, over the bridge, to the main street for 20 feet then a left down a narrow street – it was like a maze – but a familiar one.
The only thing that wasn’t familiar to me was the fog that seemed to get thicker and thicker the closer I got to the Grand Canal. The cold air collided with the water and left a thick blanket of fog.
I arrived at the water taxi stand hot and starting to sweat since my bags were heavy.
I looked out over the canal and saw a picture perfect scene of Venice – a thick, foggy morning – perfectly moody – perfectly Venice.
Perfectly misty.
But, I was so weighted down and strapped in that there was no way I was able to pry my camera loose from my bag so I sat there and tried to take it all in with my eyes – sadly coming to grips that I would miss this picture opportunity as the water taxi pulled up right on schedule.
You never know what you will capture when you follow the rules, lighten your load ,and put down your backpack!
Sherry Ott is a refugee from corporate IT who is now a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer. She’s a co-founder of Briefcasetobackpack.com, a website offering career break travel inspiration and advice.
Additionally, she runs an around the world travel blog writing about her travel and expat adventures at Ottsworld.com.com.
