In Venice, a fabric firmament of clean laundry zigzags high over the narrow streets and canals. I lived in the city two times, once during architecture school and once right after. For over a thousand years, Venice was known as La Serenissima, “the Most Peaceful Rebublic.” It could also be called the most playful; glimpses of the city play hide and seek with me all the time. The morning I rolled down the road to deliver my son, I looked out the window and saw the Venetian flag flying at a house one block from the hospital. To me, a blouse blowing on a clothesline in the humblest of back yards is a wave from the Rialto.
It was a professor who urged me towards the Adriatic, who raised his eyebrows at my rationality and said, simply, “Go.” He knew the trip would change my life, and it did. He died last week at his family home on the Grand Canal. Godspeed and mille grazie, caro Mario.
What a lovely tribute to your professor.
Hi,
I came across your blog while looking at the various articles and announcements about Mario’s death. He was my father-in law to be, his son Alessandro is my fiance. First I wanted to say your writing is lovely and I appreciate your blog’s purpose as a new(ish) mother myself. Also, as an alumni you probably know or will be finding out soon, but in case you don’t, there is a memorial celebration at Barboursville on November 20th at 2pm. It’s being done by the University and there will be a handful of speakers, wine and cheese, etc. In case you didn’t find out about it.
Anyway, thank you for the post. Maybe I’ll meet you this month 🙂