Saturday, October 29, 2011

W. The Antiques Lover and the flea market at la Corte dei Miracoli

 
 Walter and Daniela

I took about 1,500 pictures on our trip to Italy.
We saw some amazing places.
...and You asked to start with the flea market.
Shame on you!

Just kidding...it was one of the highlights of our trip for sure!

Anyway, to give you a bit of background...
W. The Antiques Lover...aka my friend Walter...
lives in Italy about an hour north of Venice by train.
When he learned that we would be traveling to Italy...
he volunteered to meet us in Venice and show us around.

 As the itinerary of our trip became clear,
 Walter excitedly told me that the very special
 flea market at la Corte dei Miracoli 
would be taking place the very weekend we would be in Venice!

He sent me pictures to tease me...
he mailed me the most beautiful blue Murano glass necklace hand made by his dear friend Daniela who would be exhibiting there.

 I tried to be nonchalant with my family...
"if it works out...possibly I will meet Walter
 and maybe even go to a local flea market."


They agreed!
I'm so lucky to have family that indulges me so.

In any case, we met Walter and Daniela near the Grand Canal and Daniela led us down narrow streets, over bridges and through the mysterious and romantic neighborhoods of Venice.





Walter told us all about Venice and pointed out
 architectural details as we walked along.





Santa Maria dei Miracoli, Venice


The prettiest church in Venice.
People often travel to Venice just to be married here.


We took a peek inside...
gorgeous...


 ...and then...
we were there!


Here I was...
at a spectacular flea market
...in Venice, Italy!

We found so many beautiful things...
including some lovely Murano glass jewelry
 made by Daniela and her husband Alfredo.
It was a pleasure to meet this talented couple!


Have a look at some of what we saw...
Enjoy!







Sister Lynn was completely taken
 with all the delicate Venetian lace.


We purchased at least three or four of these beautiful authentic Murano glass necklaces made by Daniela and her husband Alfredo.




I loved these lavender and purple French books...
W. The Antiques Lover did some bargaining
 for me in Italian and I brought a few home!



I thought I would die when I saw this box of spectacular ex votos.



Walter pointed out this beautiful glass dove
 that he has had his eye on.




















Walter showed us these beautiful Venetian glass lanterns.


















 After our afternoon at this wonderful flea market,
 we shared a cappuccino with Walter
 before he had to leave to catch the train home.

 Meeting Walter in person was such a thrill for me...
I felt an instant connection and knew I had met a kindred spirit as soon as I looked into his warm and friendly brown eyes.

Cool Junk is our common denominator!

 Besides his obvious good looks,
 Walter was charming,
 bright and funny.
 He was oh so gracious and good to my family.
He invited us back and I hope some day to take him up on his offer.

My family enjoyed the experience so much...
we went back to the flea the next morning!

Do you want to see more Venice flea market pictures
 or should we go to Pompeii or Capri now?
:)

at

53 comments:

  1. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. OlsonOctober 29, 2011 at 6:08 PM

    Wow! This is a dream vacation for sure. Glad you got to meet up with your friend. Love the market. My favorites are the lace, buttons, old metal black box, birdcage, and the lanterns. How wonderful to visit a market of a different culture!

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  2. UnknownOctober 29, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    What do you think? lol Of course, more eye candy please!

    That was an amazing trip through the market...unbelievable, I don't know how you just didn't have a heart attack from all the lovely trinkets around you...just overwhelming!

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  3. AriadneOctober 29, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    The lanterns how beautiful! Tell me you bought the dove it looked wonderful!And so many beautiful buttons. Recently I found vintage postcards of Venice outside the rubbish bin!AriadnefromGreece!

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  4. BailiwickStudioOctober 29, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  5. BailiwickStudioOctober 29, 2011 at 6:54 PM

    My heart skipped a few beats as I scrolled through your photos! What a wonderful experience that had to be! ::Jill

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  6. Debra@CommonGroundOctober 29, 2011 at 7:27 PM

    just fabulous! can't wait for more! xoxo

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  7. It's meOctober 29, 2011 at 7:45 PM

    Fabulous !! wowwwwwwwwww...enjoy a happy sunday darling......love from me...xxx..

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  8. Glenda/MidSouthOctober 29, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    Thanks for sharing your trip. Love to visit flea markets whether in person or thru the land of blog.

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  9. Muffy's MarksOctober 29, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    Love the flea markets the best, I enjoy looking at all the treasures. We can see the sights on the travel channel. More flea markets pics, please

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  10. Julie@beingRUBYOctober 29, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    I would have died over that box of ex-votos also.. such great condition.. darn I would have bought the lot!!. Wish I'd know there was a flea market outside Venezia.. I might have tried to get there.. although I only had 24 hours there.. boo hoo..

    Fabulous Laura.. thanks for sharing the photos.. Venice is still my favourite place on earth!! ciao bella.. chi vediama doppo.. xxx Julie

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  11. Jane, Naples, FloridaOctober 29, 2011 at 8:50 PM

    Fantastic, I felt like I was there! Thank you so much!

    Jane
    Flora Doora

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  12. MitziOctober 29, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Thanks for all the beautiful photos of Venice and the flea market. I was fortunate to visit Venice and many other cities in Italy several years ago. Loved it all. More photos please.

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  13. ReneeOctober 29, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Wow...I am drooling over the gorgeous finds at this flea market. That mirror...oh, I am in love!

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  14. Helen and her DaughtersOctober 29, 2011 at 10:03 PM

    Absolutely beautiful! How lucky for you to have a friend to show you around. I hope to make that trip someday.

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  15. LizlovesVintageOctober 29, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Ok, I have one question for you now, Laura. Why didn't you take me? Who needed Walter? Just kidding. The pictures really captured Italy by far. What a great trip!
    While I'm here... Thank you for those kind comments you left on my Blog. It has been a rough week for me! Thanks, Friend.
    xxx Liz

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  16. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereOctober 29, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    Laura, I am so envious that you were in Venice during this market. There were no markets anywhere during our recent trip. Sounds like so much fun and how great to meet Walter.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  17. Kim @ Savvy Southern StyleOctober 29, 2011 at 10:42 PM

    Lucky you! I wish that had been there when we were there a few years ago. My daughter in law is from Italy and her name is Daniela, too. I saw some true copper molds in your pictures. I love them. I saw some here at Scott's Antique market and they were around $175 and up!

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  18. The Old Block House ShopOctober 29, 2011 at 10:56 PM

    How wonderful that you got to enjoy this!

    I love, love, love the lanterns!

    gertie

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  19. UnknownOctober 29, 2011 at 11:23 PM

    Oh my Laura! What a wonderful trip for you! More flea market please! My sister is in Italy right now with her BFF for 2 weeks. I can't imagine..

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  20. PhyllisOctober 29, 2011 at 11:47 PM

    Wow....thanks for sharing with us your shopping experience in that beautiful and romatic city. I was entertained for ages just seeing the photos of the items that were for sale. I particularly loved the mother of pearl handled knives....would have bought those for sure, and the buttons and the delicate laces....ahhhhhhh.

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  21. SuzOctober 30, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    More flea market, of course. Laura, who is this Walter? He's the cutest man I have seen in years (and he is probably old enough to be my son, right?)
    Big hugs,
    Suz

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  22. Grandma Barb's This and ThatOctober 30, 2011 at 12:37 AM

    How great to have your own personal guide of the city and the flea market. Your pictures are wonderful. I look forward to seeing more.
    Barb

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  23. The Vintage ChateauOctober 30, 2011 at 1:20 AM

    Thank you for all of the wonderful photos, you made me feel as if I was part of the adventure!
    I love Venice!
    Karee

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  24. lilybetsOctober 30, 2011 at 3:10 AM

    Beautiful photos !I have visited Venezia two times,but I don't like very much water...and dark water especially,but to do shopping at the old market...it could be fantastic !
    Pompei now?

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  25. DortheOctober 30, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    Laura, seing all your fantastic photoes from Vinice- I recall my visits there- all of them far too long ago.So it was lovely being there again with the help of you. The flea market must have been a fantastic adventure. Did you bring home some of the Ex Votoes? :)
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  26. Andi's English AtticOctober 30, 2011 at 5:44 AM

    Eye candy overload! Keys, gloves, glass, buttons...I think I would have expired with delight. And then gone and bought an extra suitcase to take it all home :)

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  27. UnknownOctober 30, 2011 at 9:00 AM

    WOW Laura, just incredible!!! How amazing!!! My husband and I are planning a trip to Italy next Aug. and I was so thrilled when I started looking up flea markets in Italy, there seems to be a lot, yay :)) You've got me so excited now :)

    Lovely pictures ~

    xo

    T

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  28. MickyOctober 30, 2011 at 9:33 AM

    Waow che meravigliaaaaaaaaa!*___*

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  29. time worn interiorsOctober 30, 2011 at 10:01 AM

    I would go nuts shopping there! I wouldn't be able to contain myself! Oh my! I am drooling!
    tot

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  30. Recycled RitaOctober 30, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    My heart is going pitter pat just looking at those pictures!! First the canals in Venice...oh so beautiful! And then ex-votos, the glass lamps, everything...I want it all!
    Thanks for sharing your trip with us, I would love to see anything you want to share!
    karen....

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  31. Recycled RitaOctober 30, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    PS...you mean you didn't bring Walter home with you??? hee!hee!

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  32. Sussi / SussinghurstOctober 30, 2011 at 12:15 PM

    more, more, more

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  33. AnonymousOctober 30, 2011 at 12:21 PM

    Please show more =) What a delightful amount of eye candy.....I have fallen in love with so many pieces =) Have a lovely day! Xoxoxo ~Ashley

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  34. Anne LorysOctober 30, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Laura, you took my DREAM trip!

    Most bloggers dream of France, I dream of Italy.
    Beautiful photos, I hope to follow in your footsteps one days, soo, *sigh*.

    XOXO,
    Anne

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  35. AnonymousOctober 30, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    More flea market, please x

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  36. CaroleOctober 30, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    That was fun!!!! from this end I'm sure being there in person was out of this world. Loved reading all the labels in Italian....Moda Italiana on the buttons...kinda cool.

    and yes Walter is a cutie! maybe he needs to make a trip state side:)

    xx
    Carole

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  37. DeanaOctober 30, 2011 at 1:33 PM

    Drooling.....how wonderful!

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  38. VickieOctober 30, 2011 at 7:48 PM

    My heart rate went up just LOOKING at all the wonderful treasures and beautiful surroundings! Thanks for sharing.

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  39. SHUG IN BOOTS {Beth}October 30, 2011 at 8:52 PM

    Holy Wowza! What an amazing trip!

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  40. aimeeOctober 30, 2011 at 9:12 PM

    how did you not explode with excitement! id love to see pictures of what you bought! My dream is to some day go to Italy. im so glad you were able to go and experience such beauty and history.
    blessings,
    aimee

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  41. judiOctober 30, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    i was having a hard time containing myself just looking at the pics...however did you do it while you were there?! the zebra plate is what caught my eye and took my breathe away.
    can't wait to see more of your beautiful pics...and walter wasn't bad either. lol
    judi

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  42. GreenorchidOctober 31, 2011 at 5:10 AM

    Lovely images around Venice, fab insight to the goodies at the flea market and Walter looks rather lovely too... is he available for more guided tours perhaps... thanks for sharing!

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  43. mary anneOctober 31, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Good Morning Laura:

    Bless you for sharing. . . . I truly got lost in those fab photos, (and because I have been there)was transmitted back in time! However, there was no Walter to show me around. What a flea market. . . .I was salivating for sure!!! What an experience! Did you take an empty suitcase?

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  44. Paula ParrishOctober 31, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    Hello Laura,
    You are so lucky to enjoy such a beautiful place such as Venice, Italy. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos from the flea market. My favorite items are the beautiful Venetian glass lanterns, just incredible. More flea market photos please, of course.
    Smiles, Paula

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  45. AletheiaOctober 31, 2011 at 2:24 PM

    Amazing photos! Looks like a great trip.

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  46. Egretta Wells blogOctober 31, 2011 at 3:16 PM

    Oh, my goodness!!What gorgeous photos of the canals of Venice! Then the flea market! The keys, the buttons, the lace, the glass, the tin....just dreamy! Thanks for a special post.

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  47. AnonymousOctober 31, 2011 at 4:49 PM

    Ciao Laura!! I'm still in Colorado for few days before flying home on Friday, but i was curios to see your post, and i just love it!! will show it to Daniela as well once home!! I dont' have much time now, but it has been a great plasure to meet you & your family and i really enjoy your company, Hope you will came back to Italy again!! Much Love W. the Antiques Lover in Colorado for now...

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  48. BubbealiceOctober 31, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    I bet you nearly faded away.

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  49. Dawne Boynton PolisOctober 31, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    I am salivating on my keyboard. What a fun post! Thanks for the great images!

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  50. teddy bears Marin to VeniceNovember 1, 2011 at 8:07 AM

    Ciao cara Laura, che belle le foto !
    Io abito a Venezia,il mio nome è RosaRita e mio lavoro è creare teddy bears, sono tua sostenitrice da molto tempo.
    Anche io ero al mercatino di antiquariato dei Miracoli !
    Anche se abito a Rialto Venezia è sempre bello vedere foto di una città così affascinante.

    Ti abbraccio

    RosaRita

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  51. Heather RobinsonNovember 1, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    I am so glad that I went back to see the first post!! Too many tempting things--but the plates with the zebra would have come home with me no matter what the price! :)

    Actually, things seemed very reasonably priced to me...

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  52. flowers on my tableNovember 1, 2011 at 5:16 PM

    Oh my goodness, what fabulous pictures. You must have thought you were in heaven? Love Linda x

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  53. okcampNovember 7, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    Yes, more flea market pictures. It looks like the weather was beautiful.

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