My original knowledge of Venice prior to my arrival was of its strange, yet unique layout – where roads made of concrete are replaced by narrow waterways and cars exist in the form of boats. It was a city that was supposed to be on my to-do and to-see lists according to whomever.
I also learned of another perspective. Charles Dickens’s. Dickens wrote extensively about Venice. More specifically, he described Venice as “this dream upon the water”—more specifically in reference to its appearance during the evening. In fact, he mentioned that he preferred Venice at night as to avoid the buzzing tourist during the day.
Next, I had the opinion of my step-dad, who almost urged me not to go, as his experience was less than ideal. He recalled Venice as being dirty—due to the flooding of the canals that occurred during his stay—causing algae and unclean water to flood the streets and squares. This of course was entirely opposite to what I hoped and pictured Venice to be. To say the least I was extremely eager and optimistic that my stay would be more like Dickens’, with perhaps a more desirable and less touristy day-time experience.
And it was. Dickens, in my opinion hit the nail on the head with his description of Venice. It was crowded during the day, and as close to ghostly during the evening; with only select few bars and areas to occupy our evenings. However, I do disagree with the notion that every place is overcrowded and invaded by tourists during the day. With the exception of piazza San Marco, Venice was a joy to explore, particularly Academia and Realto.
My favorite experience in Venice occurred during our first, full day. Karly and I made sure to wake up early enough to cross enough things off of our to-do list, and we began with a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. We were lucky enough to take note of each and every painting, mural and sculpture, oo-ing and aweing at each of them. We were especially excited to recognize several pieces of the collection, which we previously studied last semester in our History of Photography class.
Next, we located the snack shop, which Francesco recommended to us. This experience was my absolute favorite. Vini al Bottegon is the most adorable little shop, which sells samples of various spreads atop small pieces of bread. We ordered three each, of course alongside a small to-go cup of prosecco. I chose 1 pumpkin and ricotta, 1 pesto, and 1 white cod spread with garlic and herbs. It was our very own mini picnic and with the most amazing view. We sat along what probably was a very insignificant, more narrow canal compared to the popular, Grand Canal, but it was these kinds of places that I liked most.
I recall Karly and I describing every street, shop, canal as quaint, and that truly was the impression Venice left on me. An old-fashioned attractiveness and charm. In a way, actually it reminded me of home—historic, and so close to the water that it’s unfortunately easy to take it for granted. I cannot wait to return to Venice again.
I also learned of another perspective. Charles Dickens’s. Dickens wrote extensively about Venice. More specifically, he described Venice as “this dream upon the water”—more specifically in reference to its appearance during the evening. In fact, he mentioned that he preferred Venice at night as to avoid the buzzing tourist during the day.
Next, I had the opinion of my step-dad, who almost urged me not to go, as his experience was less than ideal. He recalled Venice as being dirty—due to the flooding of the canals that occurred during his stay—causing algae and unclean water to flood the streets and squares. This of course was entirely opposite to what I hoped and pictured Venice to be. To say the least I was extremely eager and optimistic that my stay would be more like Dickens’, with perhaps a more desirable and less touristy day-time experience.
And it was. Dickens, in my opinion hit the nail on the head with his description of Venice. It was crowded during the day, and as close to ghostly during the evening; with only select few bars and areas to occupy our evenings. However, I do disagree with the notion that every place is overcrowded and invaded by tourists during the day. With the exception of piazza San Marco, Venice was a joy to explore, particularly Academia and Realto.
My favorite experience in Venice occurred during our first, full day. Karly and I made sure to wake up early enough to cross enough things off of our to-do list, and we began with a visit to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection. We were lucky enough to take note of each and every painting, mural and sculpture, oo-ing and aweing at each of them. We were especially excited to recognize several pieces of the collection, which we previously studied last semester in our History of Photography class.
Next, we located the snack shop, which Francesco recommended to us. This experience was my absolute favorite. Vini al Bottegon is the most adorable little shop, which sells samples of various spreads atop small pieces of bread. We ordered three each, of course alongside a small to-go cup of prosecco. I chose 1 pumpkin and ricotta, 1 pesto, and 1 white cod spread with garlic and herbs. It was our very own mini picnic and with the most amazing view. We sat along what probably was a very insignificant, more narrow canal compared to the popular, Grand Canal, but it was these kinds of places that I liked most.
I recall Karly and I describing every street, shop, canal as quaint, and that truly was the impression Venice left on me. An old-fashioned attractiveness and charm. In a way, actually it reminded me of home—historic, and so close to the water that it’s unfortunately easy to take it for granted. I cannot wait to return to Venice again.