Walking in Venice

Walking in Venice is a pleasure.  On our first night we decided to go out and look for somewhere to eat.  This proved to be an adventure as rounding each corner brought a new vista and enticing new alleyways to explore and bridges to cross.

As we walked, we were surrounded by tourists snapping priceless photo opportunities and tuxedo clad waiters who were trying to attract us into their tiny restaurants.  The season hadn’t reached its height yet, so the tourists were bearable and for us the weather was perfect – just a little chill in the air to remind us the winter had just left.

As we looked, a little of the life of ordinary venetians started to reveal itself.  A dance troupe appeared from nowhere and started folk dancing in the street.  Following them to a square (Campo), we found a bevy of old ladies all knitting in what was a demonstration of traditional handicraft. 

Further on we found an army of people all wearing white and green T-Shirts.  Apparently there was a non-competitive marathon on which attracted teams of participants including many school children.  It was a little chaotic watching the green and white shirts navigating their way through the crowds of tourists.

The sounds of Venice are unique, there are no car, truck or tram sounds.  Water lapping, motorboats and voices are the predominate sounds.  Every now and then you hear a ‘Gondola, Gondola’ chant go up as the Gondoliers try to drum up business.  In the end we succumb to their entreats and negotiated a 1 hour ride for 100 Euro.  It was fantastic! We were taken off the Grand Canal into the private backwaters of the city and saw much more than you can see walking.  The expert way in which really long boats can turn 90 degree corners was an amazing experience and we never once touched another boat or building.  Our Gondolier  - Gabriel, gave us a great commentary as we went and pointed out historic and everyday sights to our delight.

By nightfall we found ourselves at the Rialto Bridge and grabbed a table at the nearby Florida restaurant where we could watch both the bridge and the Vaporetto (ferry busses) packed with people going home.

Venice is famed for its seafood (surprise) and so after a very nice seafood feast we caught the Vaporetto back to the hotel palace so we could crash – and that was just day 1.