There are no words that can describe just how amazing this little
island was, it was just like the pictures I've seen but 20 times
better! Some of the streets were smaller than the sidewalks in the US
and led us a new way each time and each and every building had it's
very own character. Most of the windows had beautiful, vibrant flowers
hanging from the windows and the canals offered a sense of tranquility
in a busy town. The churches were unlike any church that I have seen
thus far. I was blown away at the detail of the art work and
sculptures that covered the ceilings!! I wanted to take pictures but
there were workers that would shake their heads at you if you even
tried. Around every corner there was a unique cafe or bistro, some
made for tourists, others hidden in alleys where the locals hung out.
The main rivers surrounding the city were always busy with boats -
boats carrying tourists, packages from fedex or supplies for
restaurants, police or ambulances. It was neat to sit along the river
and watch the everyday hussle and bussle surrounding such an authentic
little city.
The day that we arrived in Venice was an unforgettable experience to
say the least! After we stepped off the train we had not a clue which
direction to head. The directions we had were vague for such a complex
town (there are hundreds and hundreds of streets within a perimeter of
only a couple of miles and the maps are very hard to read)! This was
the first time that I was not enjoying myself. Imagine trying to walk
through crowds of people in narrow alley ways with a 35 pound backpack
on in hot, humid weather, not knowing where you are going. A definite
challenge. I suggested we call the hotel to ask for directions, I
later found out that it would have been impossible to get directions
considering most of the streets or alleys don't have names. GPS came
through, thank goodness! A 20 minute walk could have easily turned
into over an hour walk. I was relieved once we reached the hotel.
We were fortunate enough to be able to stay on the island and not the
mainland. The place we stayed was a little bed and breakfast that only
had 6 rooms. Our room was beautiful and spacious, so much better than
staying in a hostel! It had an Italian decor and air conditioning..
Something hard to find in Europe!
The first night we explored parts of the city and ate the dinner we
grabbed from a nearby market along one of the peaceful canals. It was
nothing less than amazing to see the city at night! Most of the
tourists leave the island and it gets pretty quiet. We got a perfect
view from the famous San Marco bridge.
The next day we got up early to find a popular open-air market that
was along the outskirts of the town on the river. This market was
unbelievable! There were numerous stands of the freshest fruits and
vegetables along with a variety of stands with various fresh fish,
squid, octopus, eel and shrimp. I've never seen anything like it.
Venice is known for there sea food as it is surrounded by ocean. Every
morning they bring in fresh fish and sell it at this market. I loved
walking around looking at all of the different foods. I only wished
that we had a kitchen to cook some of that yummy looking fish! But I
did have some fruit that was better than any fruit that comes from the
market at home!
After the market we explored as much of the city as possible. I was
able to see the San Marco square with the famous pigeons. Recently,
feeding the pigeons and having them sit on you has been not allowed.
However, there was a kid who had some seed who had gathered hundreds
of pigeons! If you stood with your arm out they would come and sit on
you. I enjoyed watching however with my history of birds, I stayed out
of touching distance. Haha.
After more wandering and exploring it was time for dinner! We decided
to eat at a restaurant that was a bit hidden and was run by an italian
man that we nicknamed 'papa rico'. It was almost like eating in his
backyard - a very neat atmosphere. I chose pasta with pesto and Andrew
ordered a 'mixed fish' dish. When he got his plate I laughed pretty
hard. It consisted of two whole fish with the skin, head, teeth and
eyeballs still on and a little prawn! It was funny trying to eat the
dish. Overall, the food was great along with the italian wine.
Afterward we asked to take a picture with 'papa rico', he was very
surprised and touched by the gesture and even gave us free dessert to
go! We couldn't have had a better italian dining experience.
I was sad to leave Venice, but am glad that I was able to see it (it
was not on my original itinerary). It is undoubtedly a city that I
hope to visit again in the future and a place I will remember forever.
