The flight itself and the long Ryanair Eurobus shuttle ride from Treviso airport to Venice were uneventful! Being ‘clever’, we’d booked a 3-day Venice Card for collection at Piazzale Roma central bus station. We then boarded No 42 waterbus to Madonna del’ Orto and our lovely Hotel Ai Mori d’ Oriente! Dumped our bags, went in search of a coffee ‘fix’, and then shopping! Our route took us to the Rialto bridge and it's market (made famous by Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice’) which sports the usual over priced ‘tat’ i.e. fridge magnets, key rings, postcards, masks etc. We inadvertently took the long way back to the hotel and admired the stunning architecture. I do love the bright terracotta and golden colours of the houses with arched narrow windows-beautiful flowers in window boxes, the occasional washing hanging on a line!
For dinner we dressed up and ate at the hotels’ pricey restaurant serving typical Venetian fare- mainly seafood from the Adriatic Sea! It consisted of 4 courses – Antipasti (starters) first course, second course and then scrumptious dessert! The restaurant was very loud - full of Italian families. Afterwards we took to the streets again in search of some action and ended up at the famous Piazza San Marco. This is the largest square in Venice – the size of 2 football fields, and has the monstrous San Marco cathedral dominating the right hand side, and the beautiful Duke’s Palace next to it. Because it was nighttime, the Piazza did not have it’s usual crowds (and fat pigeons), so quite pleasant. Star crossed lovers waltzed to romantic music played by the various bands set up around the square. However nice violin music is, after a while gets irritating, so we made our way to the Santa Margherita Square, recommended by Receptionist Andrea where young Venetians tend to chill out in the evenings. A couple of guys, Lorenzo and Marco stopped us, and offered to buy us a drink. Lorenzo rents out his apartment near San Marco to tourists during the high season. He is also a Salsa Merengue dance instructor who happens to just LOVE black women. “Italian men are a bit’a boring” he assured me “they don’t know how to dance’a. Me, I am a different’a. Not aggressive’o, but I really like you, your lips they are so beautiful!” Well, couldn’t help feeling flattered! Especially when pretty Venetian Susan joined us, and clearly had a crush on Lorenzo! He told me in confidence “ She likes’a me, but I don’t like’a her! I like you” Explained the dirty looks I was receiving. Yati and I both fancied Marco though. He had a wicked sense of humour and very good-looking. The boys took us to the ONLY disco in Venice, a small little pub measuring about 4 sq metres. The DJ looked late 40’s, music mainly 80’s Euro Pop! Lorenzo lost interest when I made it clear to him that I would not be having sex with him that night. Actually he didn’t take rejection very well. When we were leaving Marco came over and gave us each a bear hug and a kiss on the lips. So sweet!
All-public transport (waterbuses) was suspended the next morning, to free up the canal for the Regatta (boat race). We watched a bit from the Rialto Bridge. Some of the participants were dressed in colourful costume and masques; yet others had signature black and white gondola shirts. There was also a Scottish crew, playing loud bagpipes, which apparently abandoned the race and started drinking beer purchased from a nearby boat! On our way down to San Marco again, we came across loads of African street hawkers selling imitation designer bags on the street, (one right in front of the Gucci shop). They called out to me as I went by “hey beautiful lady, come here, I want to talk to you”
When you tire of the streets, you can always catch the No. 1 or 82 to nearby Lido Beach. On the way, you pass by the beautiful Public Gardens, Gardenia, which are a refreshingly pleasant sight after the concrete jungle that forms up most of Venice. Huge cruise ships went by! On our last waterbus circuit of Venice, we met Fernando from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He referred to himself as a photojournalist, and was at great pains to explain that he was not one of the Paparazzi. (Even though he was there to catch a photo of the new James Bond currently filming in Venice for the new Casino Royale Film.)
For dinner we dressed up and ate at the hotels’ pricey restaurant serving typical Venetian fare- mainly seafood from the Adriatic Sea! It consisted of 4 courses – Antipasti (starters) first course, second course and then scrumptious dessert! The restaurant was very loud - full of Italian families. Afterwards we took to the streets again in search of some action and ended up at the famous Piazza San Marco. This is the largest square in Venice – the size of 2 football fields, and has the monstrous San Marco cathedral dominating the right hand side, and the beautiful Duke’s Palace next to it. Because it was nighttime, the Piazza did not have it’s usual crowds (and fat pigeons), so quite pleasant. Star crossed lovers waltzed to romantic music played by the various bands set up around the square. However nice violin music is, after a while gets irritating, so we made our way to the Santa Margherita Square, recommended by Receptionist Andrea where young Venetians tend to chill out in the evenings. A couple of guys, Lorenzo and Marco stopped us, and offered to buy us a drink. Lorenzo rents out his apartment near San Marco to tourists during the high season. He is also a Salsa Merengue dance instructor who happens to just LOVE black women. “Italian men are a bit’a boring” he assured me “they don’t know how to dance’a. Me, I am a different’a. Not aggressive’o, but I really like you, your lips they are so beautiful!” Well, couldn’t help feeling flattered! Especially when pretty Venetian Susan joined us, and clearly had a crush on Lorenzo! He told me in confidence “ She likes’a me, but I don’t like’a her! I like you” Explained the dirty looks I was receiving. Yati and I both fancied Marco though. He had a wicked sense of humour and very good-looking. The boys took us to the ONLY disco in Venice, a small little pub measuring about 4 sq metres. The DJ looked late 40’s, music mainly 80’s Euro Pop! Lorenzo lost interest when I made it clear to him that I would not be having sex with him that night. Actually he didn’t take rejection very well. When we were leaving Marco came over and gave us each a bear hug and a kiss on the lips. So sweet!
All-public transport (waterbuses) was suspended the next morning, to free up the canal for the Regatta (boat race). We watched a bit from the Rialto Bridge. Some of the participants were dressed in colourful costume and masques; yet others had signature black and white gondola shirts. There was also a Scottish crew, playing loud bagpipes, which apparently abandoned the race and started drinking beer purchased from a nearby boat! On our way down to San Marco again, we came across loads of African street hawkers selling imitation designer bags on the street, (one right in front of the Gucci shop). They called out to me as I went by “hey beautiful lady, come here, I want to talk to you”
When you tire of the streets, you can always catch the No. 1 or 82 to nearby Lido Beach. On the way, you pass by the beautiful Public Gardens, Gardenia, which are a refreshingly pleasant sight after the concrete jungle that forms up most of Venice. Huge cruise ships went by! On our last waterbus circuit of Venice, we met Fernando from Buenos Aires, Argentina. He referred to himself as a photojournalist, and was at great pains to explain that he was not one of the Paparazzi. (Even though he was there to catch a photo of the new James Bond currently filming in Venice for the new Casino Royale Film.)
A last quick walk about to buy souvenirs, visit the Jewish Ghetto and that was the end of Venice.
It was quite sad to leave. I think this is the first holiday I’ve ever spoken to anyone else besides my travel companions – so quite interesting. Also first holiday that a guy has come on to me – a rare experience! A definite recommend – but not for budget travellers because can be very expensive!
It was quite sad to leave. I think this is the first holiday I’ve ever spoken to anyone else besides my travel companions – so quite interesting. Also first holiday that a guy has come on to me – a rare experience! A definite recommend – but not for budget travellers because can be very expensive!
