Venice - Memories for a Lifetime
Venice, a wonderful place if you can get there. Since we are driving on this adventure it was major feat to follow the rotaries and signs for a parking garage; you certainly won't be driving a car into Venice. Once that had been accomplished we managed to make our way to the ferry that would take us to our island destination; well at least close to it. Even with directions, following the winding streets and their somewhat unclear markings is an adventure in itself; when they tell you to go straight it actually is a street that curves around the old buildings. What should have been a 10-15 minute walk ended up taking over 45 minutes dragging our suitcases behind us, and arguing over the correct way to go the entire way. Ironically, if we had gone left instead of right off the ferry we would have been there in 10. Such a great start to our romantic Venice stay.
Our first night we decided to eat at a restaurant around the corner from where we were staying; looked like a decent menu and it had good reviews. Unfortunately, they had someone stationed outside on the street and he quickly informed us that if you were not wearing long pants you couldn't go in. The joke between us for the rest of the night was "no pants, no food for you "! Their loss, we found a very nice place with outdoor seating and enjoyed a wonderful meal. We even had the pleasure of listening to a gentleman playing old Italian songs on an accordion.
A night of rest and our touring of Venice began. Cappuccino and croissants sitting on the sidewalk in the sun; it doesn't start off better than that. Our quest moving forward was to find Piazza San Marco which was much easier in the light of day. Such an impressive sight as you enter the Piazza and San Marco Basilica is right in front of you. The architecture and sheer size will take your breath away; a magnificent sight. As with all major historical sites there are far too many people; it would have taken hours to tour the inside. We left Piazza San Marco and wandered through the streets of Venice taking in the beautiful views of the canals and old buildings.
After our mid-day meal we went on a gondola ride. Not one through the busy grand canal, but a romantic ride through the smaller canals where it was quiet, and we saw the side of Venice many people miss. My romantic Italian boyfriend took the opportunity to surprise me with a beautiful diamond ring. This memory will stay with me the rest of my life.
We took a long walk around the back side of the island which is open to a much larger canal where cruise ships come in. The waterfront was beautiful and not as busy as the grand canal in the middle of Venice. The weather was sunny and warm as we made our way to Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Another massive church that left me in awe of what they built so many years ago, this one in 1630.
One last dinner al fresco watching the people come and go through the plaza which was much calmer in the evening. A beautiful way to end our stay.
Arrevaderci Venezia!
Our first night we decided to eat at a restaurant around the corner from where we were staying; looked like a decent menu and it had good reviews. Unfortunately, they had someone stationed outside on the street and he quickly informed us that if you were not wearing long pants you couldn't go in. The joke between us for the rest of the night was "no pants, no food for you "! Their loss, we found a very nice place with outdoor seating and enjoyed a wonderful meal. We even had the pleasure of listening to a gentleman playing old Italian songs on an accordion.
A night of rest and our touring of Venice began. Cappuccino and croissants sitting on the sidewalk in the sun; it doesn't start off better than that. Our quest moving forward was to find Piazza San Marco which was much easier in the light of day. Such an impressive sight as you enter the Piazza and San Marco Basilica is right in front of you. The architecture and sheer size will take your breath away; a magnificent sight. As with all major historical sites there are far too many people; it would have taken hours to tour the inside. We left Piazza San Marco and wandered through the streets of Venice taking in the beautiful views of the canals and old buildings.
After our mid-day meal we went on a gondola ride. Not one through the busy grand canal, but a romantic ride through the smaller canals where it was quiet, and we saw the side of Venice many people miss. My romantic Italian boyfriend took the opportunity to surprise me with a beautiful diamond ring. This memory will stay with me the rest of my life.
We took a long walk around the back side of the island which is open to a much larger canal where cruise ships come in. The waterfront was beautiful and not as busy as the grand canal in the middle of Venice. The weather was sunny and warm as we made our way to Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. Another massive church that left me in awe of what they built so many years ago, this one in 1630.
One last dinner al fresco watching the people come and go through the plaza which was much calmer in the evening. A beautiful way to end our stay.
Arrevaderci Venezia!
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