Amateur Adventures #45: Living the Good Life - A Weekend in Venice

Hello lovely Steem Friends,

Time for another adventure. I hope you enjoy it.

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Once the powerhouse of Italian cities, Venice is high on the list of places to see. With it's gondolas, cobblestone alleyways and spectacular sunsets across the lagoon, it is arguaby one of the most romantic cities in the world.

It was our first step on to the European continent. A far cry from the recent months of backpacking around the Middle East.

Back in 2012, we arrived in the airport late one afternoon, backpacks in tow - and well, looking like the dusty tired travelers we were. In travel worn hiking shorts and boots I felt self conscious in a country that was one of the fashion capitals of the world. My only salute to Italian fashion being my beloved Gucci sunglasses which I had miraculously managed not to lose throughout my travels thus far.. even having had them returned to me on two separate occasions!

There was a distinct difference between where we had been for the last 4 months and this new phase of our travels. The air, the smells, the atmosphere. We had stepped through a portal from the cultural richness of the Middle East to the fiscal richness Europe.

The story of Venice begins around 400 AD, when refugees from the near by Italian mainland settled around the lagoon, escaping the barbarian tribes who conquered Italy after the Roman Empire fell. Eventually it grew into an extensive empire spreading across the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, with far flung trading posts and fighting battles against the Ottoman Empire. Venice thrived on trade and one of it's most famous sons was explorer and merchant Marco Polo, who traveled the Silk Road to China. It's power stemmed from trade, not military might, only engaging in war to protect its interests.

Venice is made up of 118 small islands, separated by canals and linked by 400 bridges, making it one of the most unique cities on earth. Over the last several decades however, the gradual lowering of the surface of Venice had led to the seasonal "Acqua alta" when much of the city is covered at high tide.

Many visitors - like us - are on a tight time budget in Venice, so tend to stick to the major attractions. A large number are day trippers from the cruise ships which dock there. Increased damage caused by the ships to the canals has made it a controversial stop on the cruise itinerary and many have removed it as a stop until a solution is found.

Vaporetti, or waterbuses are the most popular form of transport and they run regular services on the Great Canal and between islands. Other than that pack a good pair of shoes to explore Venice on foot.

Its an easy city to get lost in, so leave the stress behind and go with the flow. You will always stumble across a hidden cafe and can relax with an Aperol Spritzer. It was in Venice I discovered this drink. Everywhere I went, any time of the day, people were sipping on refreshing looking bright orange sparkling drinks in wine goblets - and not wanting to miss out, I of course had to try it. It's now my favourite summer refresher!

Places to See and Things to Do

Piazza San Marco - St Marks Square

Without doubt this is the most famous piazza in Venice. Occasionally it floods, it's almost always crowded with tourists and it's full of pigeons. But it is still worth a look! If you are on a budget, don't eat anywhere on the square go one or two streets back.

The Doges Palace

A tot al of 120 doges ruled Venice and their palace is simply stunning, dating back before the Renaissance. IT's worth the tour to see the remarkable artwork inside and to cross the Bridge of Sighs to the prison where Cassanova was once held.

Gondola Ride

Okay I'll note right here, we actually didn't take a Gondola ride. At the time it was 100 Euros for 40 minutes. And to be honest I was quite happy to walk along the canals and wave at those who were being ferried along the canals. I'd bee nin the ones at the Venetian in Vegas (I know, I know) so I kinda felt I got the general idea! But guys, if you are going to propose... it would definitely be worth forking out the cash!

Visit Murano Island

If you are after glassware - this is the place to go! At least to look at and watch the artisans in action. To buy the famous hand-blown glass here is extremely pricey. There are plenty of shops in the back streets of the main island where you can buy some stunning pieces for a fraction of the cost.

Check out Rialto Bridge

Okay this is another place crowded with tourists, but you can't go to Venice without crossing the main bridge over the Grand Canal. Again if you are willing to fork out a bit of extra money there are some lovely cafes canal side for a great view of both the canal and the bridge.

If you are in Italy, it's definitely worth a few days in Venice, but be prepared for a bit of wallet shock. It is on the pricier side of any where we've traveled - and we live in Sydney so we are used to high prices. But it is hard not to get caught up in the romance of the place and sometimes it's worth it just to let go, relax and enjoy living!

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Source:

1. Photos are the work of the author except where credited otherwise
2. This is original Content and may at some future point also be found at my Travel Blog The Amateur Adventurer
3. You can check out some of my other posts here:
   • Amateur Adventures # 44: Lazing on Lake Garda Part 2 - Malcesine & Mt Baldo
   • Amateur Adventures #43: Lazing on Lake Garda Part 1: Limone
   • #MOTU: I Have the Power! Masters of the Universe: The Quest Begins!

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!steemitworldmap 45.4044576 lat 12.2416605 long Living the Good Life in Venice - D3SCR

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