When people talk about traveling the world, the city of Venice often gets mentioned. I have been engaged in numerous conversations regarding this city and have heard different opinions about it. Some think it’s too dirty and crowded. Some will come and go on a short day trip and treat it like it’s another pit stop for typical tourists traveling to Italy. Some even thought it’s a city in front of the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas (no joke). Then there are people that absolutely LOVE Venice. The most romantic city in the world. The ones that never been daydream of going there one day while those that have cannot wait to go back again. Regardless of one’s opinion, you cannot help but to ignore Venice. It is one of the most unique city in the world and I hope everyone will get a chance to visit her at least once in their lifetime.

The minute you walk outside the Santa Lucia train station in Venice, you get immersed into the venetian culture. It can be visually overwhelming but take a moment to enjoy the surroundings. It’s beautiful. It truly is a unique city and there’s none like it. Then imagine that you are standing on a city built on water more than 1500 years ago by people that dared to defy sea and build themselves a magnificent dwelling place on top of mud banks in a swampy and treacherous lagoon. Venice has triumphed over all these years commercially, economically, and artistically as one of the most dominant society in perhaps all of western europe. Breath-taking venetian gothic, byzantine as well as other form of architecture will visually thrill you as you ride a boat across their water canal. For most people, Venice will be a short visit as most tourists will flood in the morning and dry out by late afternoon. But to truly experience Venice, you need to stay for several days and get lost in the streets were the locals live. There are approximately 270,000 Venetians dwelling in the island and it’s surroundings and to see them in their day to day life will help you understand and appreciate Venice. Smell the fresh catch at the daily morning fish market. Sip some porsecco during their happy hour as you chat with the locals. Take a coffee break as you enjoy the sunset and music playing in the streets. Sit back, slow down and let Venice soak you in.

I have had the privilege of visiting this city over 3 times in the past couple of years and even had the privilege of photographing a celebrity wedding with Bob Davis in April of 2009. Each time I go back, I fall in love with her more and more. There is something about this city that is magical and it will grab you and not let you go. I cannot wait to go back this November – this time with a group of my photographer friends. I’m privileged to have Bob Davis accompanying me on this adventure as a special guest/speaker. Whether you are a novice or a professional photographer, you will walk away from this trip a different person. Do yourself a favor and visit Venice. She may not be around much longer. Meet her before she is gone. This will be a trip of a life time and I hope you can join us in the fall. A presto!

For more photos from my past trips to Venice, visit my Facebook Gallery: http://on.fb.me/mYELEX

For more information, visit: http://photoventure.kennykim.com/
Dates: November 14-20, 2011
Registration deadline: September 30, 2011

I first heard about the castle from my friend Kim Geis who is a resident in Napa. When she found out that I was visiting there last year, she insisted on bring me to this winery that was designed like an Italian tuscan castle. In 2010, I spent over 2 months in Italy and got to see some pretty authentic medieval castles there so it was going to take a lot to impress me. So my initial reaction to her was “a real italian castle in Napa? Come on Kim, it’s going to take a lot to impress me…” Boy was I in for a big surprise!

Driving along highway 29, we passed by Napa, Oakville, St. Helena and the famous “Welcome to Napa” sign. As soon as we entered the town of Calistoga, I turned left into the winery. As I drove long their long winding path that lead to their parking lot, my reaction took a complete different turn. “Oh wow, there really IS an Italian castle in Napa.” The owner Dario Sattui, who also owns V. Sattui winery just down the road built this castle using materials all imported from Italy – brick by brick. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

I got to tour the castle with one of their tour guide Cynthia (I’m not sure what her official title is), who gave us a detailed description about the castle. I was so impressed with what she had to share. Her passion for the castle infused with little bit of humor & sarcasm made the tour very enjoyable. I have been back to the castle total of three times now and every time, I brought back a different group of people to share this experience with. I also made sure that Cynthia was the one that gave us our tour. On my most recent visit, I became their member even though I live in Chicago. I wanted to be part of what they were doing.

Next time you visit Napa, be sure to stop by this castle and request Cynthia to give you the tour. You will thoroughly enjoy your visit, not to mention their great wine. Dario took his dream and made it reality simply by doing it. Castello Di Amorosa (or Castle of Love) will inspire you to be different and teach you to follow your passion!

Castello Di Amorosa

Castello Di Amorosa

Castello Di Amorosa

Castello Di Amorosa

Castello Di Amorosa

Castello Di Amorosa

Meet our amazing group

Here’s a short video showing a glimpse of what we experienced (with more to come):

We cannot say enough about these group ragamuffin bunch and the fun we had learning, growing, experiencing & rediscovering our passion for photography together. Big thanks to all the attendees that made this journey possible. You all played an integral part in this experience! Until next time… PhotoVenture IV???

And here is the video that was played at the presentation:

Kenny Kim Promotional Video Version 2 from Kenny Kim on Vimeo.

Hope you guys enjoyed it!

They are $20 each and can be purchased today! It will be available for shipping starting on February 1st. Big thanks to Promise Tangeman for coming up with this creative design!

Churches Helping Churches

10% of your purchase will go towards Churches Helping Churches – a non-profit organization dedicated to create a global partnership of church communities who seek to rebuild other churches in the wake of a catastrophic natural disaster. I have had the privilege of working with them by taking two trips down to Haiti. I really believe in their mission and would love to support them through this cause.

Photo courtesy of Bob Davis:

T-Shirt Sizes

Women’s M (Same as Small) $20.00 Women’s L (Same as Medium) $20.00 Women’s XL (Same as Large) $20.00 Men’s Small $20.00 Men’s Medium $20.00 Men’s Large $20.00 Men’s XL $20.00 Men’s XXL $20.00