Our last night in Florence, I pulled out my phone to check Venice’s weather for what I knew was going to be the same perfect weather we had been having since our trip started. However, to my complete dismay it displayed a 100% chance of rain the ONE day we would be in the city. I was frustrated, upset, and disappointed. This wasn’t part of the plan. Of course the one city where we had decided to just stay one night would be raining all day long. As I began to mildly freak out.. okay a little bit more than mildly. Ryan calmed me down quickly with a plan to “just stay an extra night”. I replied – “It’s not that easy to just stay an extra night”. (Did you hear my tone in that sentence). In my head I was ticking off all the complications: more money, changing train tickets, rescheduling our hostel in Lucerne (our next stop), budgeting issues, etc. After deciding to try to make it work, we began making arrangements. We were fortunately able to reschedule our train and our hostel days. And then when we arrived at our hotel, they happened to have a room for the extra night we wanted for even less money than we’d paid for the first night. We didn’t come out even, but we definitely didn’t make a huge hole in our budget – and it’s going to be way easier to make up that gap. Even so, as Ryan said when discussing whether to stay an extra night – these experiences are once in a lifetime, money comes and goes.
With all the hassle that went into getting here – I’m so very glad we chose what we did. What a magical city. Immediately stepping out of the train and into the water bus – I was enchanted by Venice’s charm. The water here is a deep teal, and the city seemed to paint the buildings around the color of the water because the pastel palette all flowed together creating this aesthetically pleasing environment. As you all know, Venice is an island. So to get anywhere, you have to take a boat. It was a short boat ride from the train station and the water bus acted like any city bus with regular stops, passengers getting on and off, and ticket swipes.
The weather forecast held true for most of the day and it rained heavily on and off. Ryan and I were able to walk around a little bit when we got there and grab lunch. There are no cars on Venice – so all of the walkways are just for people. It was strangely natural and made the experience more fun. It felt we were all on this private island just for us, separate from the outside world. For the rest of the afternoon, due to the rain, we rested in our hotel. Our hotel was gorgeous, in an old venetian style right off the canal. By evening the rain had cleared and we were able to walk down to San Marco square. I think Venice in the evening is my favorite, specifically in San Marco square. San Marco square is a 2.5 acred plaza with stone pavement that feels more intimate than it sounds with 3 walls of columned buildings – and St. Mark’s Basilica at the head. There are always people in the square and it’s a sight to behold both day and night. However, in the evening – the cafe’s have mini orchestra’s serenading the square. They all take turns playing, giving each others small breaks, as the music flows across the square. That first night was so enchanting. Ryan and I grabbed a gelato and just listened to the music for an hour or so. It was almost dream-like Everything was lit up and beautiful and all was right with the world.
The next day (the day we were supposed to leave and head to Switzerland), we got started with a tour of the Grand Canal. Again thanks to Rick Steves, we listened to his audio guide explain what buildings we were looking at and others aspects about the city as we rode around the island. I loved learning about the history of the city. I can definitely see how appealing it was, and still is. Apparently, it used to be seen like a Las Vegas of Italy. “What happens in Venice, stays in Venice”. There were many parties, balls, and celebrations held in Venice. And during those celebrations – all would wear masks, and all social classes would be equal for at least that one night. It was a carefree, fun night. However, as time has gone on and the world has gotten smaller, Venice has turned more and more into a museum than a residential area. Rising water levels, increasing cost of living, and the frustration of having to have things shipped into the island has driven most locals to the mainland. Venice is elegantly declining, and who knows how much longer it will be around. But I feel like that adds to its appeal and uniqueness. Unlike Rome or Florence, Venice doesn’t shout its beauty. It has a quiet, slightly melancholy elegance. It’s unspoken, but known that in a few generations – Venice may no longer be a city. It may only be a museum, and it may be completely under water.
A highlight of our time was the tourist typical gondola ride. It was quiet on Sunday night, and Ryan and I got a really unique view of Venice – from its waterfront canals. Businesses and houses would have doors leading right up to the canals. Our guide was awesome and pointed out some more interesting buildings and history, and we got to live a once in a lifetime experience. I’m so thankful for being able to go on this trip. We have seen thousands of years of history, art, architecture, and more. And I’m so excited to continue on. Ciao, Italia!
