There are 55,000 people living on the island of Venice, and over 20 million tourists a year, so we were a little overwhelmed. Yes, it was busy, but we found quiet places where you could relax and where the food prices were not outrageous. I also discovered the Campari Spritzer drink which is more refreshing than beer sometimes.
Our AirB&B hosts gave us some really good tips on restaurants where the locals eat, and we weren’t disappointed – a couple of the best meals I’ve ever had. I talked to the owner of one place, right on a canal, and he mentioned he’s a drummer. When I told him I play a little guitar, he told me that next time I’m in Venice, to bring my guitar, and we can play in the restaurant. How cool would that be?
There are over 400 bridges on this tiny island city, and hundreds of narrow streets, some of which I had to duck to get through. There are no motor vehicles or bicycles in Venice, only pedestrians and boats. We got 3-day Vaporetti passes (public transit boats), and spent much time on those, including a night-time circumnavigation of the island. Of course, there were tourist traps galore, the famous gondola rides being one of them. I was much more content to just watch and photograph them.
Venice is very historical – the home of Marco Polo, Casanova and Shylock, to name a few. So I noticed there are many plaques, with quotes; but being in Italian, I couldn’t read them. But I began thinking of some other famous quotes:
"Never was so much owed by so many to so few."Â Â - Winston Churchill "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." - John F. Kennedy "I have more than enough to eat at home."Â Â Â Â - Rob Ford
June 30, 2017 at 6:21 pm
Beautiful shots, Len. Did you use your new Fuji? Over the weekend I will say a Novena to hopefully cleanse your soul over your blasphemy about beer.
June 30, 2017 at 6:57 pm
No, I didn’t have spare battery, etc, yet, so all photos are with the Fuji X100S. Very rarely do I need a zoom now. And don’t worry about praying… I’ve made my amends, and am back on beer!
July 2, 2017 at 2:08 pm
Loved, loved the sunset pic! Venice is such a breathtakingly beautiful place.
The pigeons in the square are something else! Brings back memories!
One of my favourite places. Thanks for sharing.
July 4, 2017 at 1:41 pm
That Woodstock T shirts a bit old isn’t it?
Lovely picture of the guy with the yellow shirt relaxing – thats a sport I approve of.
Run to the library and get a detective book by Donna Leon, featuring Coommissario Guido Brunetti e.g. Friends in High Places – he’s a down on his luck detective based in Venice, they’re all good reads.
Great pictures
July 4, 2017 at 2:16 pm
Sounds like good books. But I’ve read that there’s practically no crime in Venice… only pick-pockets, because it’s very hard to get away. So maybe Brunetti is a pick-pocket chaser. Or are we talkin’ “Grand Theft Gondola”?
July 10, 2017 at 11:40 pm
Colours are wonderful. Sunset pic is great.
July 11, 2017 at 12:06 am
🙂
January 8, 2019 at 10:34 pm
Len, George and I will be in Venice next September. Please share your recommendations – especially restaurants! Peter is right about the Donna Leon novels.