July 7, 2023

July 7, 2023: Venice, Italy - Venetian Voyage: Unraveling the Secrets of Cicchetti

As I sailed away from the Chianti-soaked vineyards of Tuscany, my heart was both heavy and expectant. The gondola, my vessel, carried me into the heart of another culinary paradise, the city of canals - Venice.

Cecile's sudden departure still left echoes in my heart, much like the gondolier's mournful song echoing through the misty waterways. However, time is the great healer, they say. It does not stop, nor should we. My journey continued, with my mind embracing the lessons learned and my senses keen for new experiences.

Venice, the city of masks and dreams, gifted me something unique and exciting - Cicchetti. This delightful Venetian tradition, akin to the Spanish tapas, opened a new vista in my gastronomic exploration. In the bustling 'bacari' or traditional wine bars tucked in the narrow lanes, I discovered an array of bite-sized delicacies that mesmerized my palate.

As I bit into the 'polpette', a savory meatball bursting with flavors, I found myself in the company of jovial locals. Enrico, a native Venetian with a hearty laugh, became my guide to these local delights. He introduced me to 'sarde in saor', a sweet and sour sardine dish that danced on the tongue, and 'baccalà mantecato', a creamy salted cod spread over crispy polenta that was simply heavenly.

A spirited older lady named Maria shared her homemade 'figà aea', a traditional Venetian dessert. Its rich, sweet flavors unfurling in my mouth seemed like a gentle reminder to enjoy the present. As we sailed through the golden canals, the city bathed in the twilight, the lingering bitterness of past events seemed to melt away, leaving a hint of sweet anticipation for what lay ahead.

As I savored the Cicchetti, lost in the labyrinth of Venice's waterways, I realized this was more than a culinary expedition. It was an inner journey of discovery and acceptance. Every bite, every sip, was unpeeling layers of self-understanding, guiding me through the canals of solitude and companionship, regret, and resilience.

Thus, my Venetian voyage continues. With each cicchetti, each encounter, I uncover another secret, another flavor. May we all continue to explore, to taste, and to savor the diverse flavors this world has to offer.

Buster Vanray, Signing Off 🍷📚🌍