The Beauty of Venice
Stepping from the water-taxi onto the cobbled road in
Venice, I knew I never wanted to go home. You may assume that’s premature
considering I only walked off the plane shortly before. So before I get started
on the rich beauty of the city, here’s a beautiful photograph of one of the
first things I saw opening my eyes in Venezia.
So, we spent 2 days in Alilaguna and were determined to see
every inch of Venice. After doing plenty of research we headed into the
astounding architecture that illuminates the Italian city. Shabby-chic
buildings that appeared dream-like, painted in classy colours with snow white
wooden windows. They almost look like they’ve been intentionally painted to
look old and quaint – but that isn’t the case. The architecture is like nothing
you have ever seen in the UK. The intricate detailing on the stone makes you
ponder over how long it took someone to create such masterpieces. Venturing down
to San Marco Square, you will gasp at the beauty and feel like you’ve just
walked into Ancient Rome. When you see pictures of Venice in magazines you
probably think ‘wow.’ Times that by ten and put a cherry on top. As cheesy as
it sounds, it’s like Disney Land for grown-ups. 
Firstly, you should probably know that when you venture into
the alley ways and backstreets of Venice it is literally like a maze. One
street leads to another, which leads to another and another. So it’s handy to
carry a map or have access to Google Maps – unless you like the whole mystery
of getting lost in Venice. That’s what I thought and before I knew it, I was at
the opposite side of the Grand Canal!
While we’re on the topic of the Grand Canal, it is something
you must go see for the view alone. The sun glistens in the powder blue water
that swishes around the pastel painted houses. You can see for miles out at the
gorgeous city and every sparkly city light. It kind of makes you feel
insignificant – in a good way of course – that there is just a place so
beautiful on earth.
Very cliché but never to be missed; you must take a gondola
ride. If you purchase a ride on the day, I believe they are quite pricey so it’s
always best to try book in advance. Relaxing to the ebb and flow of the Italian
waters is lovely, especially when it feels like a secret tour around the
attractive backstreets of Venice. Small tunnels and bridges make the route
scenic, although I did rather wonder how they painted their houses lovely
spring shades when the ground below is nothing but water and river boats.
There are plenty of quaint and quirky cafes sitting on the
waterfront. I would list them, but I don’t recall their names – partially
because I had no pen and partly because I was slightly intoxicated... Anyway,
we sat outside one cool little cafe with a jug of red wine and two glasses. While
the sun glistened off the glasses, I felt at home here. It was like the world
elsewhere didn’t exist. This was where I was meant to be. Nothing mattered –
even if it was for only 2 days. I would say that on the downside, alcohol is
very expensive in Venice. So if you are a big drinker, it’s probably best to
save your pennies with one drink costing an average of 6 Euros.
Saint Mark’s Basilica is the most exquisite place and never
have my eyes seen interior so delicate, yet simultaneously grand. The towering
ceilings and holy drawings stretching across the walls are made up entirely
from intricate pieces of mosaic. Tiny flakes of gold cover the place of worship
from head to toe. This was a special place where we lit a candle and said a
prayer which was a beautiful moment.
Sun down and the first thing you want to do is try Italian
pizza, pasta and wine. We headed to several restaurants over our time there.
You have to venture into the backstreet's to find quaint and cosy places to
eat. I would say that even though the food was amazing and definitely better
than the UK’s attempt at Italian dishes, the wine was the highlight. Every
place we drank or ate, whether it be a bar or restaurant, offered the best red
wines. So if anything, ensure you take a thorough look through the drinks menu
and be adventurous with the grape you try.
Bars don’t tend to exist in Venice and are more like cafe
bars. This means that most places shut before midnight so try to venture out
early. The best drink – apart from the red wine – I have found that the
Italians create to perfection is the champagne spritz. If you don’t try this
then make sure that you try their lemoncello which is difficult to get your
hands on in the UK.
