Venice - Venezia

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I will use a quote from one of the guide books we are using (The Rough Guide to Europe)

“The first time visitor to Venice arrives with a heavy burden of expectations, most of which won’t be disappointed”

and we weren’t !!

Venice, despite the hordes of tourist (something like 20 million visitors a year), has retained a beauty that those who haven’t been here would struggle to understand. Venice is a must for anyone visiting Italy.

We will stay just outside the city limits, at La Foresteria in the town of Spenia, with our new friend and fantastic host Giovanni. It is here we meet Jan and Peggy (from Antwerp, for a wedding – we will catch up with them again when we make our way to Belgium). With trendy bars and quaint restaurants, La Foresteria is how B&B’s should be.

Giovanni is a wealth of information and we take advantage of his knowledge to our best advantage. We purchase a 36 hour City pass, which gives us unlimited access to the transportation system within the city limits, this includes the water buses that operate within the Venezia canals and connects the various islands.

I’m not sure that the two days we have allocated will be sufficient to do this marvellous city justice. But we give it our best shot.

The first day we spend wondering aimlessly through the congested canal system. San Marco Square holds a very impressive church and as far as churches go, this one is impressive

Gondolas, water taxis’ and water buses compete (sometimes quite vocally) for the right of way. Land based vehicles (including bicycles) are not permitted within the city confines and it is very interesting watching water shuttles manoeuvre their way to a docking station to unload their cargo. Makes moving house an interesting and logistical challenge.

On our second day we venture onto the outer waters and explore another two of Venice’s important island landmarks; Morano and Borano.

Anyone with an interest in ornate and classical glassware will recognise the name Morano. Famous for its world class glass making. A number of the factory’s Glass Blowing Masters provide regular demonstrations and it is quite fascinating to watch these artists at work.

Borano a small yet vibrantly colourful island, renowned for its lace and textile products, is also a must when in Venice. With the introduction and sale of cheaper Chinese products many of the retail outlets are resorting to displaying signs that they sell the original product and are using their shops as a workshop.

We have spoken to other travellers that claim that two days is enough for Venice, I’m sure Michelle disagrees.

Time seems to be moving against us and it is time to move on, our next stop is Austria and then the Czech. Republic

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Photos

Venician Mask
Made from ceramics, paper or leather

Comments

[Giovanni]

thanks for the post card.
Hi Mark and Michelle, hope everything is well with you, I'm ok, hope to meet you again. thanks also for advertising my B&B La Foresteria, the right name of the town is Spinea (Venezia). all the best, a kiss from your italian friend. Giovanni.