It was my original intention to return from Venice and immediately do a show about the Hotel Palazzo Sant'Antonin. I should have known that it would be impossible to organize all the photos and get everything ready before about two months. This broadcast actually took less time than that from the day we returned from our trip on June 9 to yesterday, July 31, so excited was I regarding the extraordinary experience staying at this amazing hotel. Also, whenever we are graced with a video interview of such quality that just adds to the excitement. So I worked very hard to create the perfect show given the great material I had and, of course, the subject.
As I indicated during the show, staying at this hotel came by surprise as we decided was to stay close to the Biennale at Arsenale and Giardini with no idea of where we would choose. After some research on the Internet, I found this treasure and immediately emailed them reserving a room. I read all the wonderful comments people had made about it, and just knew that this (and oddly not visiting the Biennale) would be the best part of this stay in Venice. I was correct. The title of the show, Oasis in Castello, Venice, was suggested by Elena Scarpa, the hotel manger and daughter of owners. I actually added the "Venice" so that people looking for a hotel in Venice would immediately been taken to the hotel in a google search. Very few people, I would assume, look for Castello as a place to stay unless they either wanted to also stay close to the Biennale or knew the fact that this is a wonderful, charming, and peaceful neighborhood in which to stay. We came upon Castello during our last trip in 2014 with another hotel which at first did not have a room for us this time, but then "relented" a few days after I had already booked the Sant'Antonin. Incidentally the name derives from the church of the same name which is nearby; I do not believe we even got to see it, as we were so busy with three days at the Biennale. Seeing everything at the Biennale is a huge undertaking, and probably impossible. The temperatures were very high during our stay and after several hours of seeing the amazing art in extremely uncomfortable circumstances, we happily would have a nice lunch somewhere and return to our special treat, a twenty minute stroll from Arsenale and a bit longer to Giardini. Coming back to the hotel was such a wonderful experience that when we left Venice, all I could think about was returning soon to stay there once again. Also, after many years of staying in Dorsoduro, I believed that we had found a new location in which to spend time. We also made contact with two lovely people who owned a beed store near the hotel. That experience will be the subject of a future show.
The actual broadcast did not go smoothly. What else is new? First of all because the air conditioner always makes so much noise, we usually turn it off just before going on the air. The studio became stifling hot. I thought about opening the front door, but I realized that someone was mowing their lawn somewhere close by and making loud noises. I did not want to take my sport jacket off, so I did the show feeling quite uncomfortable. Second, just before going on the air Ellen, my engineer, had trouble with the mouse which did not permit her to do her work on the tri-caster. Third and most disturbing, the video interview with Elena was not being broadcast properly with voices not in sync (a common problem), and also a lot of static. Needless to say by the time the show ended at about 5:45 PM, I was a physical and emotional wreck. I told Ellen that if the video was not viewable, we would do it all over again as soon as possible. When I got home and watched the DVD, everything was absolutely perfect!!! After 114 broadcasts I should know by now that public access is just such a challenge that I can never expect a smooth ride.
Once again, I would like to thank Elena and her family for their amazing hotel and kindness towards us during our stay. Their story is so sweet and charming that I hope everyone who watches the show will wish, as we do, that the Scarpa Family not only succeeds in their venture for many years to come, but flourishes as well!!
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