Darlings(BxB)

Chapter 7 (First Hello)

There is nothing that can refresh you more than a cold shower in Venice. Nick felt amazing, refreshed, and recharged to take on the city. His agenda was simple. He wanted to visit Murano during the day and have dinner at the restaurant that Sam had hijacked yesterday. He had to try their Pizza. 

When he came out of the shower, he found that Sam had already left. He picked up his phone, wallet, and jacket. He left for the glorious roads of Venice. As the sun's golden embrace begins to fade, casting a warm, amber hue upon the city of Venice, the enchanting path along the Grand Canal comes alive. Venice Road, a sinuous ribbon of cobblestones, meanders gracefully beside the canal's tranquil waters, a thoroughfare that seems to have emerged from the dreams of artists and poets.

It felt dreamy and at the same time very very real. The soft, melodic symphony of lapping water adds a timeless rhythm to the air, accompanied by the occasional gondola's graceful glide, its silhouette cutting through the mirrored surface like a brushstroke on a canvas. Lanterns suspended from wrought iron lampposts cast a warm glow, illuminating the pathway like a string of pearls, leading the way for wandering souls.

As Nick walks on Venice Road, he sees beautiful ivy on old stone walls and water taxis passing by. He needs to walk a little more to get to Rialto Bridge for his ferry. Venice was easily the best city he had seen in his life. His newfound freedom was very freeing. He didn't have to answer anybody. He could simply walk slowly, or run wild in the serene roads of Venice. 

The waters of Venice seemed to whisper words of peace and affirmation to Nick. After a walk that felt way shorter than it was, Nick reached Rialto Bridge. He inquired about the ferry and found out that the Ferry would be here in fifteen minutes. 

He purchased a ticket to Murano for Fondamenta of the Traghetto del Buso. Murano is a beautifully synchronized cluster of seven islands in the Venetian Lagoon. The beautiful thing is that they are joined by marvelous bridges. They are nothing short of a daydream. He waited for the ferry on the Bridge. He looked around. 

Amidst the delicate dance of shimmering waterways, where the sun-kissed hues of morning gently caress the ancient stone facades, stands the Rialto Bridge, a masterpiece of elegant engineering and timeless allure. Its arched form rises proudly from the gentle embrace of the Grand Canal, a splendid symphony of marble and history.

Tourists and locals alike amble along the bridge's expanse, a tapestry of diverse souls woven together by their shared reverence for this iconic crossing. How many stories had this bridge heard? Was Nick writing another story here or simply listening to many stories that the wind brought him? 

Traders and merchants, with faces weathered by time, offer a colorful array of goods from market stalls that resemble works of art themselves - vibrant fabrics, intricate glassware, and delicate lace, each piece a testament to the city's artistic heritage. Nick gazed into the water and saw his reflection. He knew that before he left Venice, he had to ride a Gondola on the Grand Canal, preferably alone.

Rialto Bridge was the oldest bridge in Venice. Nick could sense Estrella. She was still drowning somewhere in the waters of Venice. She was both victorious and lost. As Nick's ferry approaches, the Rialto Bridge holds them in its timeless embrace, a witness to the ebb and flow of life along the Grand Canal. Its enduring presence, a melding of human ingenuity and the ethereal beauty of Venice, becomes a poignant reminder that amidst the passage of time, certain wonders remain as steadfast beacons.

He sat on the ferry and as it began to drift towards Murano, Nick took a picture of Rialto Bridge and sent it to the group 'Nick in Europe'. Luke replied almost immediately.

I swear I've seen the same stuff in New York. 👀

You are so uncultured Lukey, this is the oldest bridge in Venice. Look how pretty also!  😎