Travelling to Venice
I took a day trip, with the University to Venice by train. When travelling by train in Italy there are two options: fast or slow. When on a time budget the Freccia Rossa is always my first choice. The cabins are spacious with cushioned leather seats and a complimentary drinks and snack service; not to mention getting to your destination in a fraction of the time. The downside to the fast train service is that much of it is travelling in tunnels. There is not much of a chance to see the countryside. What you do see is magnificent though. So, I spent the entire time doing homework.
Venice is a beautiful city and promises to delight as the train rolls in to the station. To this point I had never lived far away from the ocean for a length of time, so it was a blessing to see a large body of water again. Once in the city, public transport by way of ferry bus was used to get around.
Ferry buses take ages to get you where you want to go and never, if ever run on time.
I almost missed my train. I was sprinting up the platform as the train was taking off, jumping in the last car as the train pulled out. Plan an extra fifteen minutes to half an hour extra to reach your destination. Ferry busses are, however, still quicker than walking the maze of canals and bridges.
The trip was arranged for students at the University to see an exhibit on architecture and human settlement in Italy. The exhibit was fun and ‘edgy’. Using modern art to express facts on human settlement in mixed mediums including media, sculpture, picture, paint and lighting to leave an impression. The museum is in the industrial/ ship building area of Venice. It is rarely visited by many tourists so it was a unique setting to start the trip.
Florian’s
The afternoon was for exploring piazzas and eating. It was my roommate’s birthday so a surprise trip to Florian’s was in order. Because tea parties are the best parties. Florian’s is a Venice staple. It has been around since 1720. It has has witnessed much history including revolutionary history of Venice. The walls are decorated by originals from Italian and foreign artists. Many a historical figure has had a cup of coffee at the Cafe. The Sacher torte and Tiramisu were to die for. Not to mention the excellent cup of tea served in china on silver trays. Florian’s is a must stop destination. Had the weather been warmer, we would have enjoyed sitting outside. A musician was playing a grand piano that overlooked the piazza San Marco.
Touring Venice
Gondola rides are expensive, on a shoe string budget. If this is something that is on the bucket list be sure to budget around 80 euro for 30-40 minutes. There are bylaws in effect now, that regulate the cost of gondola rides so most places offer the same rate. Unfortunately, this was too far out of my budget and something that did not interest me. Using my feet and the ferry busses I saw almost everything on my list for Venice. Unfortunately one thing that I did not get to enjoy was amazing pasta alle vongole, clam linguini. It is the most popular pasta of Venice. It is challenging to find amazing food near the heavily populated tourist areas. Most of it is over expensive and average at best. I wish that I had more time to find someplace less touristy.
There are fewer tourists in the early mornings and off seasons in Venice. Making it easier to find a place to take a picture without so much of a crowd. By late afternoon the weather had turned bleak and cold. Most attractions were almost crowd free. Where there was once a line-up to photograph the Bridge of Sighs it was now an empty site.
Shopping in Venice is an amazing experience.
From second-hand book stores with books stacked on the floor to the ceiling, to high fashion boutiques, to must have jewellery made from Venetian glass. Venetian glass is the main artisan buy in Venice. Also known as Murano glass as it is made on the small island of Murano outside the city harbour. The glass work is beautiful and delicate with art forms in glass in many windows around the city. There is something to cater to every taste. Day trips can be arranged to Murano where the cost of buying glass pieces is cheaper in the factory. If you are after a lovely piece than the boat ride out to Murano more than pays for the savings, you’ll get. I waned a beautiful glass quill and fountain pen with a wax seal kit.
Venice is romantic and historic, combining sights known from literature and art in a blend of old world meets new. One day is enough to see the famous, picturesque sights that are free to see. Two days would be ideal to get to know the city better. No matter the time frame a stop at Florian’s is the absolute must!
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