arthur-rust

[arthur-rust]

A trip to (Neo) Venezia -  Navigation 1

Aria is my favorite anime of all time

...so is the manga. I love everything about it: That it is based in Venice - I lived in Italy for a time and can recognize places featured in the anime.  How it is set in the distant future in a colonized Mars, that it is not plainly stated and instead discovered as you watch.  The little details, like how the Martian year is twice as long and thus people celebrate birthdays twice a year.  That there is something magical and unexplained in the world of Aqua.

Kozue Amano and the animation team spent a lot of effort recreating the real locations in Venice, especially noticeable in the last OVA (Avvenire).  My wife and I went on a quest to search for the real locations in Venice.  Not that It was difficult with the help of President Aria.  Kozue Amano and the animation team spent a lot of effort recreating the real locations in Venice, especially noticeable in the last OVA (Avvenire).  My wife and I went on a quest to search for the real locations in Venice. Not that It was difficult with the help of President Aria.

Scala Contarini del Bovolo (Avvenire Ep 3)- A little palace in a hidden corner of Venice, with an iconic staircase. It was recently opened to the public and still has few visitors.

Caffè Florian (Origination Ep 3) - Founded in 1720 is the oldest coffee house in continuous operation in Italy and the world. In the anime, Akari, Aika, and Alice sit in Sala Orientale to enjoy a cup of tea.

Gondola Ride (Every episode :P ) - And of course we had to go a gondola ride. Did you know that there are a limited number of gondolier licenses? About 400.  Every gondolier has to train, spend time as an apprentice, and pass practical or theoretical exams on history, landmark details, and navigation - like every undine apprentice in Aqua.