What Did Jolene do in... Venice 2007

  Venice, Italy
Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Day 1:

I bought my 3 day pass for 22euros.  Ouch!  That was expensive.  The lady at the tourist information booth adviced me to take the boat to my hotel.  Getting a taxi would cost over 60euros.  So I gingerly walked to the boat stop and got on a public boat.  It was cramped but the boat attendant was nice to help me with my bags.

It was really difficult to get around with my bags.  I got to my hotel after crossing over a couple of small canals.  That was quite challenging!  I later found out that Venice does not have elevators and my room is 4 floors up.  The receptionist was nice to help me with the bags.  He was very helpful.  On his way out he gave some Italian kisses and again I had to refrain from pulling away.  After all this guy just helped me get my 25-pound bag up 8 flights of stairs.  The least I could do was be polite.

After settling in, it was time to get acquainted with Venice.  I was told that this city is reputated to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  My room was next to the San Marco square and I am glad that I chose to stay there.  I paid only 35 euros for my room.  What a deal! 

San Marco Square

I instantly liked Venice.  The Venitian glass is so cute.  I promised myself I would visit Murano the next morning.  Walking around the city at night is rather fascinating.  Sadly the city is obviously sinking--there was water everywhere on the square!

Sinking San Marco

Day 2:

I had breakfast in a restaurant overlooking the canal.  I had the whole restaurant to myself since it is morning time.  The weather is gorgeous.  It is colder in Venice compared to Florence and Rome.  I was glad that I overpacked and had some warm clothes with me. 

I was determined to make use of my expensive boat pass.  I visited Murano island and witnessed the art of glass making. 

Glass making

It is amazing how easy these glass makers make it look.  The guy made a horse within minutes.  Visiting Murano was quite a mistake for a shopaholic tourist like me.  I wanted to buy everything.  I absolutely love Murano glass.  But I kept telling myself that self control is one of the seven fruits of spirit.  So I abstained.  My empty wallet definitely helped too.

Murano island

Besides Murano, I took a boat ride along the grand canal. 

Venice picture

It was such a lovely ride.  Venice is certainly a beautiful city.  After visiting the Bridge, I headed back.  I was famished and had dinner at the restaurant down the street from my hotel.  This time I did not want the tourist menu and another dish of spaghetti.  I got myself some pasta with lobsters.  Yeah, it was good!  I also got it with wine mainly because water is so expensive in Italy.  I figured I can make it back safely if I drank too much (it does not take much alcohol to get me sick).  The meal was the perfect grand finale to my Italian adventure.  I will definitely come back to Italy... maybe when the tourists leave.