I stand corrected in my over-the-top assessment of the bridge itself. My thoughts towards the architects were a reaction to several Venetian newspaper accounts with comments from the readers. For instance: ‘La Nuova di Venezia e Mestre’ published this article:

http://nuovavenezia.repubblica.it/dettaglio/Calatrava-i-disabili-fanno-causa-al-Comune/1523979?edizione=EdRegionale#commenta

Even though my understanding of the Italian language is very limited now, I had the impression that a number the readers were questioning the functionality of the bridge. Over the past 30 years in Santa Monica, we have had a number urban renewal projects constructed under the guise of benefitting the community. We have only just started to adequately question our local leaders and planners with more scrutiny directed at the cost and overall future impact of these commissions. I suppose I am a bit hypersensitive from being steamrolled by prominent developers in our small but thriving city.

Ross, what is that you do not understand ? As for the bridge’s color, I think I like glass in the bridge, so I disagree… Besides, please remember that Venice is not a natural place: it is all built, invented by man. I see no problem in integrating new technology and materials in the city’s architectures…

Cheers,
T.

Your post conjures images of Ayn Rand’s book “The Fountainhead” and her unyielding devotees. The works of the notable architectural firms headed by Santiago Calatrava and Frank Gehry reveal a distinct flaw in the human psyche: we cannot consume enough from those that seek to dominate us through art, politics, religion and industry. We can intellectualize our evolving needs by relative thought and action but inevitably we return to the nest and yearn for predestiny like little baby birds with mouths wide open. Who can deny the elemental beauty of glass, concrete and meta coming from those talented in the world of technology? I personally would have liked to have seen this particular bridge designed and built by an independent team that carried the heart and soul of Venice on its sleeve. The contracted public works of large consortiums are usually impressive but lack the spirit, functionality and intimacy of personal freedom. The paradox here is twofold: 1. The philosophical direction of individuality that Rand promoted is an elitist agenda disguised as a strike for humanity. 2. The initial discrete and distinct qualities of Calatrava and Gehry eventually succumb to the lure and power of the throne. Regardless, the citizens of Venice should be able to bend this eye-appealing structure to their will.

Buenos dias

http://thevenetian.blogspot.com/

The gondola ride looked pretty nice!

VR Tour of Venetian
Venetian Tour

Venetian is right across the street from Treasure Island, which has a fantastic nightly show. Pirates battling it out with fireworks & special effects. TI has my favorite Las Vegas buffet (high-end, $16).

A Las Vegas historian (my HS classmate btw, Dept Head UNLV History Dept) said:

“Las Vegas can give you a xxx, without being the real thing”

It’s a form of virtual reality, kinda like what a Scientific Theory is..just a virtual model of reality.

There is even a Calatrava inspired (I think he helped slightly with advice) bridge right next to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee. I always thought that was cute. As I rode by on my bicycle… Oh yeah, generally his projects shake themselves out over a year or two but them are pretty functional.

It is not easy to live in Venice, and one can live elsewhere, but aesthetically speaking, Venice is the best

The only thing that sucks is the quality of the water of the lido di Venezia and surrounding beaches, which is not good.

Cheers,
T.

Two words: acqua alta.

And of course Venice *is* the most beautiful town in the world! What other place can compare? The only bad thing about Venice is its hideous hinterland; you have to travel hundreds of km to find a nice countryside.

my comment on the “most beautiful” was of course tongue-in-cheek…
I do love Venice, but I’d not mind living elsewhere.

Hi Louise,

yes, I know there’s a mock-up in Vegas. I assure you there are no indoor waterfalls anywhere in Venetian palaces though

Cheers,
T.

tsk tsk – you should have known better. Those are little short of thieves. Caffe’ Florian, Caffe’ Quadri, and the other bars with tables on the S.Marco square are to be avoided at all costs. However, I understand how for a tourist it is frankly hard to avoid all the traps. It is hard for us living in there too!

Cheers,
T.