what’s to love in venice
If Italy is the Capital of Awesome (well established fact) and the National Cinema Museum is Awesome’s official museum, then Venice is its official amusement park - its Disneyland.
A friend once told me that either you are a Florence person, or you are a Venice person. And that no one likes both with equal measure. We’ll get to Florence soon (I’m running a few days behind here), but Venice was absurdly good.
The main walkways were packed - in precisely the same way they are in Disneyland, as visitors move from one main attraction to the next. But foot traffic is Venice’s only traffic, so I didn’t mind so much. Just fell in behind the next tourist and made my way to the Rialto Bridge, and San Marco square.
Then, I got lost. On purpose.
I turned off the main path and began winding inward - away from people and their cameras, crossing tiny, empty bridges, watching women shake out rugs from their upper floors, listening to men grouse as they gutted fish, tossing the innards to hungry seagulls. My internal GPS never actually lets me get lost, so as soon as I decided on it, I’d be back at some recognizable junction, and on my way back to the hostel on the Grand Canal.
Me, I am a Venice person.
Don’t miss: Palazzo Ducale (well, well worth the 12 Euro entry), the house red wines (I’m a fan of Montepulciano), the vegetable soup, and for a night out, Campo Santa Margherita. Plenty of bars there to choose from, though we sorta dug the 90s tunes Orange was churning out.
I’m definitely a Florence person. And I do agree, you are either one or the other.
But, I also loved Assisi. Quaint little town with the best gelato I’ve had in my life!
Getting pseudo-lost in cities is one of my favorite things to do. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Fish!! Though I haven’t been there since 1980, at the tender age of 14, I remember it like yesterday and, it’s exactly as you describe it today.
Mmmmm. I can still smell it too.
My favorite day was when my older cousin dragged me away from the main path and we found these lovely stores and a fresh meats deli. They prepared, and I consumed, the best Italian lunch I’ve had in my life. To date, nothing has topped it. I’m so happy for you, Bella! Enjoy! Ciao
Hey there “Recovering”…. I know the Gelato you speak of!! It was amazing! (Yum!)
Oh, Venice. *Sigh*
I fell in love with Venice. It was amazing to me that a city with that caliber of beauty, awe and wonderment actually existed. Did you take the boat to the little island where the Venetian glass originates?
You’re making me seriously want a vacation right now.
Venice ~ you all must watch Bread and Tulips, or Pane e tulipani.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0237539/
just awesome
I am the exception to the rule. I love both Florence and Venice. Only been once to each place and hope to go again to both places. Love them although they are very different!
Oh Venice. Venice is probably my absolute favorite place in Italy (aside from Capri).
And purposely getting lost in that city? Priceless.
You are one lucky girl!