The Magic of Venice

Remembering my trip to Venice, Italy, brings back a ton of awesome memories of that incredible city. Venice, or Venezia as the locals lovingly refer to it, is an absolutely extraordinary destination! It's a city that should be on every travelller's bucket list. The enchanting canals, picturesque cobblestone streets, and rich history beautifully display its former glory and unique beauty. Venice is small, expensive, like most Euro cities, it's overcrowded, and it’s sinking. But it's Venice!

As I stepped off the water taxi onto the cold, damp pavement of Venice, a sense of anticipation and excitement mingled with a tinge of apprehension. The city was asleep and shrouded in darkness, the only sound was the gentle lapping of the water against the stone walls. The narrow alleyways and winding canals, illuminated only by the soft glow of street lamps. I dragged my heavy hardshell behind me, the sound of its wheels echoed off the buildings as I made my way along the canal to my apartment. The air was filled with the aroma of saltwater and damp earth, which pleasantly surprised me as it was not the unpleasant smell that Venice was known for, as I had read.

---

Finally, I arrived at the quaint courtyard of the place that would be my home for the next four nights. The flickering light of a lantern cast dancing shadows on the weathered walls, creating a sense of mystery and enchantment. Nestled above a bar with a view that would make anyone jealous, my cozy studio was the epitome of simple comfort. With a front-row seat to both the lively bar shenanigans and the serene canal vibes, my place was a master of duality. Who needed a mansion when I had the best of both worlds in one snug little package?Settling into my apartment, the soft sound of the water gently brushing against the nearby canal eased me into a tranquil sleep as I envisioned the exciting adventures that lay ahead in the enchanting city of Venice.

---

A Glimpse into Venezia, Italia

Oh, Venice - where even the gondolas have traffic jams! Embracing the chaos of a bustling city is just another day in the life of a seasoned traveler like me. As I skillfully navigated through the bustling crowds of both locals and tourists, I found the experience surprisingly tolerable and even enjoyable!

My four days in Venice was spent wandering the streets with my Fujifilm x100t in hand, eating and drinking Aperol Spritz. For me, the allure of Venice wasn't only in its physical beauty but also in the intangible sense of history that permeated the air. From the opulent St. Mark's Basilica to the chic Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice's landmarks are like gossip queens of the art world - spilling tales of cultural extravagance that never go out of style.

As I strolled along the busy cobblestone paths and crossed countless arched bridges, it felt like each step unveiled another enchanting chapter of Venice's charm. The sight of gondolas elegantly gliding through the shimmering canals, grand palazzos proudly displaying centuries of architectural grandeur, and vibrant squares buzzing with a mix of local characters and wandering souls made me feel like I was living in a vintage film reel. Venice, darling, you're a timeless masterpiece!

One of my favourite moments was standing in the centre of St. Mark’s Square — the center of Venice — taking in everything around me: the historic buildings, the open-air cafes with their dueling orchestras, the Doge's Palace, and people — so many people. Amidst this lively spectacle, what truly stole the show was the magnificent Basilica of St. Mark, a masterpiece of architecture that seemed to touch the sky with its intricate details and golden mosaics, standing as a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and artistic legacy.

Situated on a lagoon by the Adriatic Sea, Venice is like a seafood extravaganza waiting to happen! My ultimate fave quickly became devouring the freshest catch of the day, grilled to absolute perfection, accompanied by some roasted zucchini on the side. Magnifico!!! 🤌🏼 And then there's the risotto. Oh, the risotto! Picture this: slow-cooked Venetian risotto bursting with flavors, be it seafood, seasonal veggies, or even some exotic spices – a total game-changer for me. Have you ever ventured into the realm of creamy, jet-black squid ink risotto? If not, you're seriously missing out! Venice is THE spot to dive into this culinary adventure.

Venetian sunsets are truly unique. Observing a Venetian sunset is a mesmerizing experience and a serene moment of enchantment that contributes to the city's exceptional charm. There are numerous locations where one can admire a Venetian sunset. On my initial evening, I found myself situated on the Ponte dell'Accademia, overlooking the Grand Canal. From this vantage point, I enjoyed a magnificent view of the sun descending behind the city's remarkable architecture. In the following days, I had the chance to see the sunset from different locations, each offering stunning views.

---

---

My trip to Venice, Italy was like stepping into a real-life painting! It was a whirlwind of bustling excitement and tranquil beauty, giving me a taste of culture and captivating views that will stay with me forever. Even with the crowds, Venice still manages to weave a spell that's truly one of a kind. So, get ready to wander through narrow alleys, stumble upon hidden gems, and maybe even catch a gondola serenade as you explore this enchanting city!

Thank you for joining me on this virtual exploration of Venice, Italy. Let's keep the spirit of travel alive and continue to seek out new adventures wherever they may lead us.

~mahsi!

written by: Shauna Yatsallie