June 21: Old and New

I've just gone from canoli to canals, from lido to beach. From Venice, Italy to what's often been dubbed the "Venice of America." I was on a European trip for a while this month, with my first stop in Venice and my end point in Athens. So this seemed a good time to look at the Venice-Fort Lauderdale thing. True, there are some similarities. Mostly those canals, of course, though they're vastly different in northern Italy and southern Florida. But quite honestly, the comparison of Venice and Fort Lauderdale always has struck me as, well, imprecise at best. Because there's really no comparison at all and the suggestion that there is simply doesn't do justice to either place.

If you want Medieval European atmosphere, and can afford the cost, go to Venice, Italy. But if you want vibrant sun-washed tropics, with miles of lovely beaches, you'd better head to Fort Lauderdale. They're two totally different experiences.

In Venice, a building that's 500 years old is the new youngster on the block. In Fort Lauderdale, a building that's 50 years old is on the register of historic places. I exaggerate only slightly for effect. Like Europe itself, the history of Venice as a bustling hub of humanity stretches back many centuries. Like America itself, the history of Fort Lauderdale involves mostly wilderness and animals, Native Americans and explorers. Old World charm is one of Venice's major selling points, just as our very newness is one of our strongest assets. There's only one Venice, really. And there is only one Fort Lauderdale. Why would we want to be anything other than that? We actually have many, many more miles of canals than Venice, mostly lined with palm trees and orchestrated by the screech of wild parrots. We have 23 miles of Blue Wave beaches and warm, clear seas to enjoy throughout the year. We have endless summer too and a unique blend of cultures from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as much of the rest of the world. Including Italy. I adore Venice. But truthfully, I wouldn't want to live there. Fort Lauderdale? I've lived here for nearly 21 years now - and have no plans to move anytime soon. I guess that says something about the "Venice of America," doesn't it?