Before I start, let me just say that Venice is a magical place for certain. Getting to Venice for US however, was let's say, less than magical.
We left Monterosso by train, and we switched at Viareggio. We then headed to Florence, and upon arrival found that our train to Venice had been cancelled. This situation is not at all unusual for Europe, but for 3 people with luggage and little patience, it's not an ideal situation.
We ended up running to catch another train, and we had to switch one more time (just for fun) before finally arriving in Venice. We had a driver that was supposed to meet us in Venice, but we found out she left once she saw that our original train had been cancelled. To top things off it was about 55 degrees F outside and misting rain (my favorite).
We caught a water taxi (along with another couple who were sneezing and coughing the entire way) to our hotel. And somewhere along the way from the train station to our hotel my cell phone got snagged. Kind of aggravating, but what can you do?
The good news is that our hotel is beautiful and right on the canal. We have a balcony that overlooks everything, and we are in close proximity to St Mark's Basillica.
Venice is quite the spectacle - crowds, gondolas, cruise ships, crowds,artists, canals, water everywhere, and did I mention CROWDS?! We are enamored one minute and possibly repulsed the next. But all the while it's a sight to see.
So many books have been written about this place, and so many movies have been filmed here, that it's almost familiar. And it's definitely best enjoyed first thing in the morning or in the evening/nighttime, because the day trippers are just a nightmare. Gigantic cruise ships arrive in the morning, and throngs of tourists head in with guides. Not sure I've ever experienced the crowds or more like hordes of people that congregate to this island everyday only to just shuffle along slowly and stand in line for everything.
Venice is best experienced by getting away from the main squares and exploring or getting lost (which you really can't do because all roads eventually lead back to the center of Venice). It's quite beautiful and charming (once you can get away and breathe). One note however, it was the most expensive city in Italy by far. Be prepared.
Venetian lampposts - everywhere!
The (uh hum) "Merchants" of Venice (had to get that one in there) are also (unfortunately) everywhere:
Here I am sporting a newly purchased (NEEDED) sweatshirt due to the weather that says (IRONICALLY), "I LOVE VENEZIA." Wasn't exactly "loving" Venezia at that moment...
Ready to GO GO GO Day 2 in Venice!
A common sight throughout:
From the Rialto Bridge:
RIALTO MARKET
This place is what I was looking forward to seeing the most in Venice. It's the market where all the locals get their food - from individuals buying for themselves and their families to all the restaurants. Nothing at all is grown on the island, so everyday the Rialto Market has fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, meats, fish etc. shipped in by boats. There are too many vendors selling things to count, but the food is fresh and beautiful.
Best of all - NO CRUISE PEOPLE OR OTHER TOURISTS! I could've stayed all day.
Then on to lunch at a little cafe after walking for 3 hours all over Venice:
A glimpse of the masses of people as we near Piazza San Marco and St Mark's Basilica:
Then a gelato finale:
Da Rafaela was our final Italian dinner, and it did not disappoint!
The dishes were fantastic - lasagne bolognese:
Gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce - YUM! Bad pic though...
And Caroline's delish spinach ravioli with fresh parmesan
Here's how House Wine is served:
And lastly, a final image of Venice taken from our hotel room overlooking the Grand Canal at night:
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