Venice Via Kid's Books!

We love the idea of making up kids itineraries from good children's literature! I think it helps ground the experience in a deeper way when you use books with kids or adults. Mozart really enjoyed both these books, so we used them to create some of our itineraries while in Venice.

We went to Piazza San Marco and fed the pigeons, saw the Ca'd'Oro (house of gold), went to the
the famous Rialto bridge on the Grand Canal and more.... just like Zoe Sophia ( the 10 year old protagonist in the book).

Mozart also wanted to see if we could find the exact place where Zoe Sophia had a wonderful cup of hot chocolate. One of her favorite Paris adventures was finding Angelina's where Linnea had special hot chocolate, so we hoped for another exciting find.

Caffe Florian on the Piazza was found in a covered area near to the Basilica, but hidden behind the orchestra. According to the book, "Venetians have come to Florian's since 1720" and there certainly was magic there the day we came.

As you can see in the picture we found the exact same spot where Zoe Sophia and her aunt D.P. had their very special hot chocolate and we did it too! Like Angelina's, it is a pricey place to have hot chocolate, but a splurge well worth it as every time she looks at the book, she remembers her shared experience. Books help kids make it their own and we have loved using them on our world tour!

Mozart was a voracious reader long before we left, which does help, but even for a child who is not reading yet, books can help when preparing for travel and as an aid in keeping it more alive after one returns.

Hunting this famous location down and enjoying this enchanting experience was a treat for all of us as the small orchestra played on this beautiful day in Piazza San Marco. Another fun coincidence for us was that both the violin and piano players were woman. Mozart really related to the beautiful blond violinist and she went over to talk to her with her own violin in hand, as earlier she played on the gondola which was a thrill she will never forget.


To read more about this experience or more of our adventures, check out our website at:

http://www.soultravelers3.com

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Soultravelers3
• Venice
• books
• family
• travel

[shihanaya]

I loved Venice so much... =/

You are so great for taking her to such a magical place

[soultravelers3]

Thanks shihanaya! It is magical, isn't it?

[debbever]

I love Venice - I believe that it is one of the most unique and magical cities in the world. I can't wait to take my six-year-old grandchildren there in a few years. Thank you for sharing your video, now I must buy a copy of the book. I also love visiting the places that I have read in stories.

[soultravelers3]

Thanks debbever! You will have a ball with your grandchildren there! Try to go outside the high tourists season & it is even more fun. Books really add so much to a trip for kids & adults!

[quirk18]

Absolutely beautiful!

[soultravelers3]

Thank you quirk18!

[calasazules]

LINDO LINDO VENICE!!!!!!!

[IsThisTourettes]

MMmmmmm!!! Angelinas!!! Sooooo good!!! Their hot chocolate is so think!!! ahh!!! I need some now!! haha

[Smilthy]

May I ask what the song is?

[Smilthy]

Venice is my dream : )

I want to touch its sand, breathe its air, feel its music, and close my eyes...

Venice ♥