Meet Luca.
Like fine wine, he’s Romano DOC (Conrolled Origin of Denomination) — born and raised in Rome.
And, this easy-going, affable Aquarian just turned the calendar over yesterday to the BIG FIVE-OH.
That’s a lot of mileage, and he added a few more kilometers to the count when his wife, T, convinced him that they should celebrate this benchmark achievement not at home down in the Eternal City, but on the road up in La Serenissima — Venice.
Little did he know, his wife had been plotting for quite some time to throw him a surprise birthday dinner party, with a “little” help from family and friends around the Veneto, including me, a Yank in a battered Borsalino.
It was a feast fit for a Venetian Doge — or, at least someone passing the half-century mark — at Al Graspo de Ua, a restaurant of note just a few paces from the Rialto Bridge, tucked away in one of the narrow calli (streets) of Venice.
Enjoy the VideoPress reel (below) of some of the highlights marking Luca’s big passeggiata (long stroll) into the record books as we “anonymously” lauded his big day in the City of Canals.
Buon Compleanno, Luca! Here’s wishing you many, many more…especially if you celebrate them up in Venice.
©The Palladian Traveler
©Tom Palladio Images
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Hope the meal was as delicious as the photos!
Helen – The photos don’t do the dinner justice. It was fab and fit for a Doge!
What a way to get me excited about our upcoming visit!!
She’s (Venice) waiting for you with open arms.
Now that is the way I want to celebrate my 50th birthday. Oh wait, that one is long past. Oh well, win some, lose some. 🙂 Beautiful pics that capture a very special celebration. Made me feel like I was there – thanks for letting me join in.
Pat – You’e always welcome to attend. Glad you enjoyed this little Venetian Carnevale.
Aw, thanks, Tom.
Wow!! What a way to celebrate!! Venice…there’s nothing like it!! Thanks for the memories!
Nives – We all had such a wonderful time. Venice has a way of doing that to you. Maybe you’ll hop over when little Franco turns 50 next year. That would be nice. Mandi!