Tag Archives: venice

venice, part 4

So, its my last post from our wonderful adventure in Venice.

Naturally we started off in Lido, eating chocolate logs sent from heaven, coffee given by the gods and watching the local Venetians go by their Sunday business.

After a dose of caffeine, we hopped on the bus boat to Murano which is just north of Venice. Famous for its Murano Glass production, Murano is industrial and different to Venice itself. The smoke pluming chimneys pop up in-between the beautifully coloured buildings which are remnant of Venice, but so different.

After wheeling our suitcases around the cobbled streets, it was time for more coffee.

Another delicious italian latte down.

Murano glass is everywhere to be seen. From the sculpture’s which pop up like alien creatures, to the millionth Murano Glass shop which lines the canals. Equally as beautiful as the next.

In this mist of this quaint industrial town, Venice still shines through. The canals cast beautiful reflections of the gorgeous architecture which heads out to the sea. Boats are moored up waiting for their owners and the smell of Italian pizzas drift through the streets.

We went into our umpteenth Murano Glass store in the desperate search for a pandora charm for Mums bracelet.

And then it was time to say good bye.

Hold on, not without one last bite of pizza.

On our way back to the ferry terminal, we decided to take a “detour”. What we discovered were idyllic backstreets which looked like something from the industrial revolution. I seized the moment…

And with a click of the heel…

We were on the plane home. Venice was a magical and inspiring adventure, one that I will never ever forgot. Thank you Italy, I will be back.

venice, part 3

Our penultimate day in Venice was a foggy one. The whole place changes from a bright and colourful wilderness, to a gloomy and mysterious James Bond-esque scene.

With that in mind, we decided to make a trip to Gallerie dell’Accademia which is a stunning building full of Venetian 17th century art. My trusty Lonely Planet guide came in particularly handy as (to my disappointment) there was no English translation for descriptions of particular pieces. With that said, it is well worth a visit.

We then headed to the more residential Canneragio district on the northern tip of Venice taking a trip by boat up the Grande Canal. We used Alilguna bus boats while travelling around Venice. It is less popular than the main ACTV boats, but be warned, ACTV boats get extremely busy as it is the primary boat bus provider for local Venetians. Buy a 72 hour Alilguna pass online before you travel for 55 Euros and you get a free cruise up the Grande Canal.

Bag: H&M, Skirt: River Island (on sale now!), Pumps: Primark, Jacket: Primark, Hat: H&M

Heading back from the Cannaragio, we stopped on the Rialto bridge to take in the hustle and bustle of the Grande Canal.

It really is a beautiful work of art and one of only 2 bridge that cross the Grande Canal.

When in Venice, you must take a trip on a Gondola. Whether you pay for a short trip, or a long relaxing journey throughout Venice, it”s just a must.

Make your selection well, and you could end up with a gorgeous Italian.

We paid 100 Euros for our trip around the Rialto bridge area and up the Grande Canal. It was well worth the money, and one of the most relaxing things we did while in Venice.

Next stop, afternoon tea in St Marks Square. Again, choose your cafe well and you’ll be treated with orchestral entertainment.

We opted for very posh filter coffee which really were not as fancy as they’re made out to be.

A little regret was that we didn’t go up the bell tower before the fog came in (which was still in fog-force come the afternoon). Regardless, we paid our 8 Euros and took the 99 story elevator to the top. The views are magnificent, fog or no fog and well worth the trip up (and the que).

Venice is transformed into a model village from the skies.

St Marks Square looks medieval and ghostly.

But really, Venice you are so beautiful.

venice, part 2

After an evening of eating too much Pizza and drinking too many Spritz, we were feeling surprising refreshed on our first bus boat over to Venice. The excitement all got a bit too much and emotions were running high as the boat pulled up to San Marco. Venice is truly memorising.

We headed straight for the nearest coffee shop and sat planning out our day. The coffee is delicious in Italy so a quick stop for coffee usually resulted in a tipple or two… or three.

Every twist and turn of the streets reveal different shaped canals and wonderfully decorated Gondolas.

Gorgeous Italian men zoom past in private water taxis.

St Marks Square is exuberant and elaborate in every single way. From the intricate detailing of the Basilica, to the loud chimes from the Bell Tower, every tourist is in awe of Venice’s beauty.

Venice’s hidden gems are found in the side passages, where locals moor their boats and Gondolas are left on display in all of their glory. It is in these streets when Venice takes hold.

As you wonder through the different districts, Venice reveals something new. Different bridges, different coloured boats, different churches and museums, and more beauty.

Being the most photogenic place I had ever visited, I put my camera to test with different coloured shots and settings.

But nothing, no nothing, can touch on how immaculate and gorgeous the local Venetians are. Their chic, they all have little gorgeously groomed dogs, going by their day to day lives in the mystical land that is Venice.

From the Basilica, St Marks Square is even more captivating. There is no greater space in Venice than this.

My trusty Lonely Planet guide was fantastic. I couldn’t imagine travelling without one.

After weaving our way through the nooks and crannies, the vast Grande Canal reveals working Venice in all its glory. Fish and fruit markets line one side of the Rialto Bridge, and well as locals luring you onto their boats and Gondolas.