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Published: September 27th 2007
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Venice01
Bella Venice!! :) Venice is like a cool fresh breeze on a warm sunny day. It really is one of the most spectacular places in the world - and definitely among one of my favorite cities. So, after a fun filled night last night (I went out drinking with some amazing people from my hostel at this cute little pub filled with very nice German men), and after waking up quite early this morning in Zermatt to catch all the trains I needed for the day, I was on my way to Venice. FINALLY!!! 😊 Venice has always been a top city that I so wished to visit. I was ecstatic that I would finally be able to see it!!! =)
So anyway, I was bound for Venice. I actually met this really nice woman on the train (she was heading to Lake Como to meet back up with some friends). And we chatted about photography for a while. It was really nice to be talking about apertures and depths of fields again 😉. And she even has started a greeting card company back in Chicago of different kind of iris flowers. I also met a nice couple (also heading to Lake Como)
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My first experience of Venice who sat in the section across from me. It’s funny how so many people can’t believe I’m traveling Europe on my own! But I find it’s the only way to travel!!! 😉
Well, after my new found friends departed I was back to looking out the window at the amazing landscapes. After another hour or two we were nearing Venice. The only problem, was that there are two so called Venice train stops! So, we pull up to the first one, and you know how a lot of times the way one imagines the city is not usually how it actually looks, so, I, along with two other my age Scottish guys, get off at this first stop. But, we immediately realize we’d make a mistake. So, after a few minutes, we board yet another train heading in the same direction as the last. And this time, Venice was unmistakable. As the train went across the beautiful waterway, I knew I was heading for my Venice. The sight of it was amazing. Definitely do try and take the train into Venice, it’s so worth it!! =)
The train pulls into the station, and I eagerly hop off. I
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Venice architecture walk out of the station and right onto one of the beautiful canals! It really took my breath away. I don’t know if it was the shear sight of it’s beauty, or the fact that I was finally accomplishing one of my life’s “to do” tasks, but Venice really got to me. I just immediately fell in love with it! But enough of me standing in awe… it was time for me to cross the bridge filled with street sellers and find my room for the evening. Luckily my place wasn’t too far (and it was right next to a little gelato stand =) hehe). From the outside, it looked like a house - and once inside it felt like a little place with a bunch of flats. I definitely felt like I was living here and not simply just visiting (which I always enjoy!!). And the room was amazing - we all had our own single bed (and not a bunk bed!), we had a tea/coffee machine - cookies and crackers, and a very nice bathroom. It was one of the nicest rooms I’ve stayed at… and would definitely stay again =). The girl who was working there was
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Aw Venice ;) most helpful as well and very nice.
So, once I dropped off my stuff, I set out to explore Venice. I began by just walking along the canals - they really truly are beautiful - if you’ve never been to Venice, I HIGHLY recommend going!! =) On my walk, I noticed many mask shops - I knew Venetian masks were popular, but I had no idea there were so many places that sold them!! 😉 I next noticed an amazing little gelato shop (that was soon to become my regular gelato shop)😉. I went in, and asked for their favorite flavour in the best Italian I could give. I ended up with a divine flavour that included chocolate, coffee, and nuts of some kind - it was delicious!! This was my first taste of gelato in Italy (DEFINITELY NOT MY LAST - 😉 hehe). With my gelato in hand, I was now ready to continue my exploration of Venice.
I next wanted to see the famous Rialto bridge. As nice as it was, the only problem I had with it, was the graffiti one could find on it. It’s sad that such a beautiful monument had to be
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Yes, this is where I bought Tommy's Ferrari ;) ruined…. But, oh well, it’s still picture worthy and a great place to just stand and watch all the water taxis float by. My next stop was St. Mark’s Square. But on my way I stumbled across a Ferrari Store!! So, of course I had to go in - for Tommy 😉. I looked around a little and finally decided I would buy him a little toy Ferrari - especially since he was bugging me to buy him a real one while I was there in Italy - hehe 😉. So, of course after buying him this, I could tell him… “Yes, I did buy you a Ferrari while I was in Italy. I hope you like the colour Silver” 😉.
Okay, I was back on track towards my next destination. And all I can say about it, is WOW! St. Mark’s Square is beautiful!! It’s big though - I think maybe bigger than I was expecting - but truly breathtaking. And you wouldn’t believe how many pigeons live there!! (Lucky birds) 😉. The place is truly stunning! There are little cafes all around - complete with little orchestras playing beautiful songs. It really is a place of beauty!! But, as I was getting a little tired of carrying Tommy’s new Ferrari around, I decided to head back to my room and then venture out to find something to eat. So I boarded a water taxi (which is really fun actually - especially if you sit on the back and just stare out at all the beautiful houses adorning the many canals. =)
After stopping briefly back at my room, I headed towards this little restaurant I’d found earlier that reminded me of a Renaissance time period - so, of course I was all over that 😉. The place sat right on a canal under an old looking building. It really was nice. And the food was AMAZING!! Best caprese I’ve ever had! Oh, and the wine… it was all so good! =) After a very relaxing dinner (I was even serenaded to!!) I started back to my room - but, like so many others had warned me, I of course got a little lost. It wasn’t too bad though, I did definitely finally find my way back - so all in all not a bad start 😉. When I got back to my room I met my fellow guests and we all chatted for a while. That’s the thing I love about staying in hostels, after the day of exploration, one can go back and talk to fellow travelers about one’s day. 😉 It really is amazing to share these amazing experiences, with amazing people. =) Tomorrow I am off to further explore my Venice. Ciao!! =)
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