What a unique city – no wonder so many tourists come here to visit. I also think a map is probably a hindrance in this city – I did use one to get a bit of a clue but the only people with maps were the ones who seemed very lost... All part of the fun that is Venice. And Italy needs a new motto – “Welcome to Italy – join the queue...”
Heading into the Maze
Since we aren’t staying in the city, we caught a bus into town and then followed our guide around the tiny streets. It’s hard to describe but there’s just no rhyme or reason for when an alley might suddenly branch into a plaza. Soon completely disorientated after following guide but reached St. Mark’s Square without too much hassle.
Lace Presentation and Gondola Ride
Went to a quick presentation on how lace is made – yawn. Makes me tired just thinking about it. Luckily we headed onto our gondola ride which was lots of fun. Some of the girls got to give controlling it a go – one was very dodgy and nearly caused an accident. I didn’t trust myself to stand, let alone balance at the back. Our gondolier was great; he sang and pointed out a fish. As we all looked (gullible tourists) he shook the boat and pretended to tip us out. Got a few girly screams and manly woahs...
St Mark’s Square and Campamile (Bell Tower)
The ‘center’ of town by importance is this square. I was trying to remember a wake-boarding DVD I had seen where some people with tow-ropes were riding in a plaza and it would have to be Venice when it floods. And this square would probably have been it – will have to find the DVD again.
(view of Square from Basilica)
The square is massive, with the church at one end, the tower near it and then shops all around. There’s also a mini battle of live bands happening – as the really posh restaurants have their own string quartets trying to grab everyone’s attention. Nice music – later in the day I sat there for a bit and just relaxed.
(bell tower and I)
So paid some euros to go to the top of this – fantastic view of the city. Took way too many photos. I was expecting a climb up some stairs but had an elevator – bit of an anti-climax. Saw heaps of things I wasn’t going to visit like museums and palaces.
St Mark’s Basilica
The Basilica was partially closed since it was Sunday. Paid again to go to the top and see the museum. While up there you could hear the church service happening. Was there at their final hymn and was pretty amazing in the church. No photos allowed to be taken (some people were – didn’t want to break too many rules) and it’s an amazing church with gold frescos and fantastic mosaics.
Acqua Alta
My final mission for the day came from Australia. A regular reader had tipped me off about a bookstore with English books. Since the tipoff was so precise (including address) thought I should give it a go – especially when I was told it was the ‘most beautiful bookshop in the World.’ Knew the general area I had to go and after some wandering managed to find it! Would never have stumbled upon it without the help. Took a photo of the back of the shop – linked to the canal. Also bought a few books – one of them by an author who writes crime novels related to Venice and the book shares the name with the bookshop. My kind of souvenir.
(photo of canal entrance...)
Looks like my weather luck was also running out. A cold wind and drizzle had come up and I hadn’t bought a jumper or anything. Not much fun shivering in Venice.
Grand Canal Ride Out
After getting kinda lost but heading in the right direction for a few hours caught a rapido or vapido (can’t remember) but it’s like a bus for the canal. Was included in our tour so thought I should make use of it. Really good and again took too many photos. Got a random to take this one.
(on boat about to pass under famous Rialto Bridge)
And this:
(slightly confusing advertising sign – Anyone able to explain?)
So that was Venice – obviously didn’t see everything. A lot of fellow travellers had a bit of a miserable day but I still had fun. Could easily come back here and actually stay in Venice and go a bit more in depth. Maybe visit some of the other islands... And now let the Italian adventure continue. Tower of Pisa and Florence to go.
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