Ahhhh, Venice

Once our camper engine was replaced, we were a bit behind schedule to get out of the Schengen Zone.  Many things we planned to see were now off the list.  But we were driving right by Venice, Italy.  We had to stop.

In July, the temperatures were really starting to climb.  This was our first real taste of heat in Europe.  It was a big change from the mountains of Switzerland where we had spent the last two and a half weeks.  We filled our packs with water, bought the ferry tickets, and rode the boat to Venice.  It was a beautiful way to approach the fabled city.

It really was amazing to walk along the waterways that we had only read about in books and seen in movies.  There is something special about actually being there.  There is also something really expensive about being there.

We had heard that Venice was the most expensive city in Italy, and I don’t think that could be far from the truth.  Word to the wise, convert your money to euros before you get to Venice.  We changed our Swiss francs there, and that proved to be about a 70 euro mistake.  They actually charged 18% of the total amount being changed before they added the 12 euro service fee we were aware of.  Oh well, learn and move on.  We are in Venice.

It really is amazing to walk along the canals.  It is fun to think of what Venice has been like through the years.  Seeing the gondoliers moving through the canals, singing to the passengers, it really is a unique experience.

Of course, the canals were filled with gondolas.  We heard that there actually are far less gondolas than in times past, which is hard to believe.  It appears that power boats have become more of the norm.

Everyone in Venice appeared happy and enjoying themselves, in spite of the heat.  Of course, what’s not to like?  How could you be anything but happy being surrounded by colorful history.

Venice of course has beautiful architecture.  Many of these buildings were museums, as Venice is extremely rich in art.

St. Mark’s Square was quite impressive.  There was a fair bit of construction and renovation occurring, unfortunately.  At night, the square is filled with music from the various restaurants.  I heard it is quite an experience, but sadly we were too tired to stay long enough to enjoy it.  There was some music occurring in the day for us to enjoy, as you can see in the video below.

We heard the Dodge’s Palace was a great place to visit, but due to limited time, we only were able to view it from the outside.

The bell tower stood tall and proud in the square.

We saw many of these carts in Venice, everywhere.  This appears to be their main means of transport for everything.

This is the famous Rialto Bridge.  We crossed it several times in our wanderings about Venice.  

Views from a gondola were a completely different experience, but more on that later.

As the sun started dropping on the horizon, Venice took on a completely new look and color.  It also started finally cooling down.  

In the evening, the views of Venice, Italy are completely changed.  The reflections in the water are much more intense, and the city takes on a different feel.

Here is a short video that captures some of the sights and sounds of Venice.

It was a great trip, and well worth a stop.  More on Venice to come.