Before I left for Venice, I asked a native for recommendations on what to see and do. His advice was, “just get lost.” I thought that was hopelessly lame advice. I mean, who goes to Italy to get lost? I wanted art, music, architecture and food!
But when I got to Venice, I realized that he was actually right. So, I wandered the back streets, off the beaten path, far from Rialto Bridge, Murano, the scads of cruise ship day trippers, and the Grand Canal.
Down narrow cobblestone alleyways that seemed like ancient mazes. In a place, where even something as basic as photography shop can look so beautiful, how could I not roam?
Accommodations in Venice are spendy; supply and demand dictates that bargains are few and far between, so I did something different this time. I rented an apartment in a very old building overlooking a small canal.
In the mornings, I cooked eggs, and brewed coffee on a hot plate in a Bialetti. I listened to the church bells, the canal boats, and the workmen chattering below in Italian. In the evenings, I visited a little shop where the shopkeeper didn’t speak a word of English. I bought fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, homemade pasta, pesto, bread, and the best Parmesan I’ve ever had. It was amazing what I could cook on that single burner!
It was simple and lovely, and I wouldn’t want to “do” Venice any other way.
Anonymous says
Well, I’m glad that SOMEONE is living the life that I haven’t quite been able to sustain …yet!
-Geoff
Nicole Rossetti le Strange says
Even though I live in Chiang Mai, I still get homesick for Venexia!
I suspect that every Venexiano/a will tell you that the best way to see la Serenissima is to just get lost in her – I certainly tell visitors that! Oh, and to keep off the tourist track (which is really easy, since most people only ever take one or two routes)!
There’s so much more to Venexia than S. Marco! Ha ha! Glad you had a chance to experience this for yourself!