venezia, italia
our train was delayed for a good 1 hour, which meant that we only arrived in venezia at 10am. finding good and cheap accommodation over the internet was virtually impossible, so we decided to try our luck at the tourist helpdesk over at the train station. in the end, we got a double room at a 2 star hotel for a whooping €68, the most expensive one we have stayed so far (with the exception of the family lodge in kiruna). but I guess we pretty much didn’t have any other choice and if it helps, breakfast is included and the hotel is only 2 minute walk from the train station.
it was raining so heavily that we had to don our jack wolfskin just to brave that 2 minute walk. since the rain did not stop, we agreed that we should just go out anyway, and just wear our jackets.
despite the rain, venice is a very beautiful place.
rainy venice
the narrow alleyways, the little shops selling gifts and trinkets, the friendly restaurant owners, the sound of rain on the cobblestone walkway. every scene is a kodak moment. i especially love those small and deserted alleys. it feels as though there is always some adventure that awaits you at the end of the narrow streets.
venezian masks from the world renowned italian opera
me in venice
wats a trip to italy without its cuisines?
what was to be an one hour walk from our hotel to san marco became a 3hr stroll, as we feasted our eyes to everything venice has to offer. this place feels as though time has frozen and we are being transported centuries back.
rising water level
rialto bridge is really picturesque but it was quite crazy having to make our way through the crowd, all tourists trying to get a picture perfect shot of the place.
rialto bridge
view from rialto
bustling riverside activities
returning to the streets, we saw boutiques like united colours of benetton, caledonazia, and even macdonalds. but it seems like even they had to change their shop layout to fit the old and rustic surrounding.
getting lost in the messy streets - who's complaning?
the classic gondolas
flooded riverside cafe
we knew the very moment we stepped into san marco piazza. the basilica and palaces are all nice and pretty, but the crowd was a stark reminder that i am in italy - a place where it is impossible to stay clear of tourists. the rain did not help and the entire square was flooded. in the end, we decided to leave and seek shelter in a nearby osteria.
time spent in san marco: 15 minutes
time spent exploring the alleyways: 5 hours
flooded san marco piazza
funky boots alert!
a place where the number of pigeons outnumber humans
the rest of the day was spent just walking around, looking at gifts for friends and buying postcards. dinner was at a recommended osteria, which was supposed to be cheap. but the calamari we ordered cost us so much that it left us very broke, and determined – that we will not spend any money on food tomorrow.
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