Have you ever been to Venice? Have you been there in the autumn during Acqua Alta? That’s the term used in the Italian region of Veneto for the exceptional tide peaks that occur periodically in the northern Adriatic Sea. The peaks reach their maximum in the Venetian Lagoon, where they cause partial flooding of Venice. This phenomenon occurs mainly between autumn and spring, when the astronomical tides are reinforced by the prevailing seasonal winds that hamper the usual reflux.
I am actually working on this blog post from Venice. I’ve been here over the last week for a meeting of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association – I’ve given two talks, participated in a panel discussion, and I’ve moderated three sessions. It’s been busy, but I’ve also had some time to explore Venice again. Venice is a magical place. Surrounded by water, you can’t help but notice all the canals and bridges. The architecture is a blend of eastern and western influences. It’s a tourist magnet, and the cuisine of the region is definitely influenced by the surrounding sea.
I’ve been here a couple times before, but never during the time of Acqua Alta. That was interesting to see, and the pictures above are a glimpse as to what this looks like in the middle of the afternoon on an autumn day in Piazza San Marco, probably the most popular spot in Venice. What I found most fascinating was the reflection of the buildings and the people in the water. That water adds a whole different perspective on Venice and the views you see.
Being here and seeing this got me thinking about something else. Have you ever found yourself in ‘high water’? Maybe you procrastinated on a paper? Or didn’t feel that you studied enough for a test? Or forgot to get ready for a lab? Well, I know I have. It takes some effort to get out of that high water, but one thing that helps is reflecting on how you got there and how might you avoid it the next time.
So, when you find yourself in acqua alta, step back (or maybe step up!), take some time to reflect and learn from that experience. Making mistakes is going to happen, and yet resilience is gained by working through those mistakes, trying again…and not making the same ones again and again.
By the time you read this, I expect I will be back in Atlanta and back in the Pre-Health Advising office. I hope you stop by some time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acqua_alta
I am actually working on this blog post from Venice. I’ve been here over the last week for a meeting of the International Pediatric Nephrology Association – I’ve given two talks, participated in a panel discussion, and I’ve moderated three sessions. It’s been busy, but I’ve also had some time to explore Venice again. Venice is a magical place. Surrounded by water, you can’t help but notice all the canals and bridges. The architecture is a blend of eastern and western influences. It’s a tourist magnet, and the cuisine of the region is definitely influenced by the surrounding sea.
I’ve been here a couple times before, but never during the time of Acqua Alta. That was interesting to see, and the pictures above are a glimpse as to what this looks like in the middle of the afternoon on an autumn day in Piazza San Marco, probably the most popular spot in Venice. What I found most fascinating was the reflection of the buildings and the people in the water. That water adds a whole different perspective on Venice and the views you see.
Being here and seeing this got me thinking about something else. Have you ever found yourself in ‘high water’? Maybe you procrastinated on a paper? Or didn’t feel that you studied enough for a test? Or forgot to get ready for a lab? Well, I know I have. It takes some effort to get out of that high water, but one thing that helps is reflecting on how you got there and how might you avoid it the next time.
So, when you find yourself in acqua alta, step back (or maybe step up!), take some time to reflect and learn from that experience. Making mistakes is going to happen, and yet resilience is gained by working through those mistakes, trying again…and not making the same ones again and again.
By the time you read this, I expect I will be back in Atlanta and back in the Pre-Health Advising office. I hope you stop by some time.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acqua_alta
