Time-pressed sightseers don't often visit the eastern section of Venice's main island. A spacious green park extends throughout the area, filled with seniors chatting and enjoying the warmth of the sun, with neighbors strolling while exercising their dogs, with joggers, and with children at lunchtime.
I grocery shopped with the local folks and, occasionally, I ate lunch in the plaza, sitting on a bench and taking in the sunshine. It was here that I saw some cats cautiously poking their faces out from the bushes. Curious to investigate the food they smelled, they slowly approached me. When I shared a little of my food with them, they gobbled it up, all caution abandoned. But once they were finished, they nonchalantly disappeared once again into the bushes.
Except at mealtimes, the cats didn't seem at all interested in human beings. They seemed completely independent, living as they pleased. I remember one cat that was leaping at the bugs darting through the air around him. Innocent and enthusiastic, he inspired me to be more carefree in my own life. Mesmerized by the cats' calm, I thought and dozed in the afternoon sunlight while the cat napped near a vine-entangled wall.
Source: The Cats of Venice by Shin Otani
It's a joy to see cats from all over the world.
ReplyDeleteThe leaping cat is a radiant shot! We should all take a lesson from that joy and exuberance!
ReplyDeleteHello, these are all fabulous kitty photos. The Leaping cat is awesome! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day and week ahead!
ReplyDeleteI don't recall seeing any there, although it may have been because of the cooler weather.
ReplyDeleteThey are gorgeous!!!
ReplyDeletegreat photos!
ReplyDeletewavez two everee one frum de land oh trout !!! everee onez fotoz R total lee awesum.... ♥♥☺☺
ReplyDeleteNice Photos! I really like that.Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSyncVisas
Great shots of the cats - love the one with paws in the air! #PoCoLo
ReplyDeleteOh my, sooo cute. I was in Italy last year and I didn't see ONE cat. I was told that they transefered them somewhere because that there were too many, but I guess they are still there.
ReplyDeleteAh Venice again! I have to finally go there! <3
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