Venice, Italy – One of the most unique places in the world. Often called the ‘floating city’, Venice is located at the North/Eastern coast of Italy. 177 canals divide it up into 118 tiny islands which are all connected by over 400 bridges. It’s really surreal. The Grand Canal cuts through the center of Venice and has several bridges across it including the famous Rialto bridge with is touristy market adjacent.
We stayed near the southern end, just off a main “street”. All the streets here are pedestrian as there are virtually no cars. The primary modes of transportation are Waterbuses and water taxis on the Grand Canal. And there are Gondola’s for the smaller canals – but they are more of a touristy type ride rather than a taxi. They’re quite pricey, 80 euro for 30 mins (which is why Myla and I skipped it last time we were here). But we decide to do it with the kids one evening and it was worth every penny. So peaceful and calm navigating the many narrow canals between the weathered buildings and museums.
We also visited Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square) the famous center of town with the beautiful clock tower and Basilica San Marco. And even more famous for all the tourists feeding the pigeons (which is illegal but allowed) as they land on their heads, arms and shoulders. Kind of gross actually. We also wandered the crazy maze of narrow streets and alleys – window shopping, enjoying the Venetian theater masks, the glass art from Murano and evening finding a Disney store to poke our head into. The kids got some trinkets which have to be small as we’re carrying these things for a year. And we also made it to the Rialto Bridge as well.
We did laundry while there and hung our clothes out to dry on the line between buildings, just like everyone else. We only ate out for dinner once and cooked the other nights. With 3+ weeks in Italy, we know there will be plenty of opportunities for local cuisine. Near our apartment was a little wine shop with multiple carboys of wine on tap. You bring in an empty bottle and they fill it. Hollaaa!! We got 2 liters for under 5 euro and it was delicious! Salute!
As with Innsbruck, we had to make Venice a brief stay due to costs. We stayed 3 nights and head to Florence from here.
Stivers Tribe 