Today we ate a simple breakfast at the hotel, but the coffee was outstanding.I could not wait to get out to “feel and breath” Venice.
I think we reached our record high in photos for one day. It is just like you see in movies and TV shows. It was perfection to me. Now if something could be done about the over-abundance of tourists. In some areas, you simply could not walk and even then at a snails pace. I think a visit in April, March or May would be vastly better, even though weather may be less attractive, which in turn effects picture taking.
On a short stay Venice requires decisions on where to go. We didn’t make it to the Jewish Ghetto, as we stayed to do San Marco, The Rialto Bridge and a Gondola trip into Dorsoduro with a long circular walk back to Piazzale Roma.
I was surprised to see so many people with young children. I would have been a nervous wreck if I had little ones with me, where they could so easily fall into the water, but that is just me being a worry wart. I hear that it is quite safe water wise, but actually more of a chance for little people to be stepped or trampled on by bigger people. I saw parents carry strollers up an over the bridges. I was impressed, but not at all envious. It was difficult enough to climb over them sometimes and me just toting my own behind. The problem (and attraction) is that many little alleys dead end on canals,so the map gives two routes to the major attractions. Consequently these routes are bursting with people in both directions.
We were out seeing, experiencing, eating and walking Venice for 7 1/2 hours. My face got sunburned even. Probably due to being surrounded by water.
Han said of course I had to see the Piazza San Marco, so we set out in that direction. We made quite a few stops beforehand because on every corner there is something new and amazing to gaze at, and of course a “smidgen” of shopping along the way. Who can resist Murano glass? Everyone said the prices in Venice are outrageous, but I did not find that to be true until you get to the heart of the city, then the prices are dramatically jacked up and a cup of coffee is much pricier than Paris.
The same magnet that cost 1 euro outside the San Marco area, will cost you 3 to 4 euros inside. Food is another item that is over priced in the town center. It literally blew my mind and the service is damn horrible too. We sat down at one place because we needed a rest and no one came by to take our order, so we left. We stood in line at another one and waited while the waiters sat larger groups before us because it meant more money of course. We even questioned them about it and we received a “don’t bug me” wave. Practically the entire inside of the restaurant was empty but we could only order the more expensive food inside. Peasant food for outside only a New Yorker in the line mentioned sarcastically. Just poor service, so we left again. We walked a little further to a small restaurant, where we grabbed a table right way, had great service, delicious food and very reasonably priced. It is called Caffe Redentore. I would post their website, but they do not have one. (don’t tell Han)
Note that ice is still at a premium in Europe, and you are lucky if you can score a couple of cubes for your drinks.
One of the coolest things to happen was, when we ended up sharing a gondola ride with a lovely family of four from England.
We were inquiring about the cost and started chatting. More economical to share the ride, as it is the same cost (Euro 80 for 30 minutes) for up to six people and I enjoyed being able to be understood when speaking. LOL
It was a lovely, peaceful, relaxing ride, and even though some folks think it cheesy, I am glad we went. Our gondolier was Enrique and he was quite charming. Want to give a shout out to the family of Paul, Jo and their twin sons Alex and Tom. Very nice considerate sweet young men and loved chatting with them all.
The half hour was over much too fast.
Travel Hint: Shop around for gondola prices, as some are less expensive than others.
Travel Hint: If you get too hot and need to rest, retreat into one of the many churches and enjoy the quiet, serenity and beauty surrounding you. Religious or not, it is a tonic to the body when in need of relaxation.
We made our way back to the hotel, getting lost once but all is good when you can retire for a few minutes with AC.
We went to an indian restaurant for dinner that was close to the hotel called “Ganesh Ji” on San Polo. Food was excellent, as was the service, but once again no website to post. I wonder why that is? I did read some of their reviews afterwards and some are not favorable, but our experience was just the opposite. The window seating we had offered great views of one of the many canals.
Travel Hint: Save yourself some more money and DO NOT purchase bottles water. Take some bottles with you and fill them up in the many fountain areas offered along the way. It is free and very good water. Just a 16 ounce water bottle can easily ring up a 5 Euro bill in Venice, although the going rate is 1.50.
A little story on queueing…
So I am waiting in line today to fill the water bottles and walked around to the back side of the area. I am just standing there waiting my turn, not making any moves forward and a girl looks at me and snootily says, “she is next” while pointing to her friend. I said, “yeah I know, and I can also count.” She shut it after that.
I wanted to rip her bossy 20 something year old ass over the railing and smack her around.
So take a wild guess who my least favorite tourists are???
They push, they shove, cut in lines, have zero manners, will scream in your ears, talk louder than anyone, they think everyone wants to be part of their phone convos, disrespectful, bossy, they enter the churches like a gang of loud five year olds, they will not give way to anyone passing and are annoying as hell.
Mainly these are the ages 30 and below.
So take a wild guess who my least favorite tourists are???
They push, they shove, cut in lines, have zero manners, will scream in your ears, talk louder than anyone, they think everyone wants to be part of their phone convos, disrespectful, bossy, they enter the churches like a gang of loud five year olds, they will not give way to anyone passing and are annoying as hell.
Mainly these are the ages 30 and below.
I will keep the countrymen on the low down for now but I will surely never vacation there. Heck no!
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