Venice - ITALY! Part 1

Venice, known also as the “City of Canals,” “The Floating City,” and “Serenissima,” is arguably one of Italy’s most picturesque cities. With its winding canals, striking architecture and beautiful bridges, it's no wonder Venice is such a popular destination for travel. 

We're thrilled that we undertook the lengthy journey from Zermatt. The train trip posed a considerable challenge, with just seven minutes to switch from one station, cross a road to the next station and ascend a lengthy, steep ramp to the next platform with our heavy luggage. Lynette and I feared exhaustion as we gasped for breath, but we miraculously made it with two minutes to spare. Fortunately, we weren't alone in this mad dash, as other passengers joined, providing the encouragement we needed.

The entire train journey unfolded against an incredibly scenic backdrop. Descending from the picturesque, snow-covered alpine regions of Switzerland to the majestic, snow-capped Dolomites of Italy, we traveled alongside a river and through numerous vineyards and quaint little villages. It was an extraordinary experience, undoubtedly worth the seven minutes of panic!

Upon reaching Venice, another challenge awaited us. The AirBnB owner assured us it was a straightforward, easy 15-minute walk from the station to our apartment. Despite offers from porters to assist with our luggage, we decided to go it alone. However, each bridge we encountered turned out to be a series of steps. We hadn't anticipated this and by the time we reached our apartment, exhaustion had set in. Thankfully, there was a lift to take us up.

Our exhaustion quickly dissipated as we entered our beautiful apartment. While it looked impressive online during the booking process, nothing could prepare us for the breathtaking views overlooking the canal. Opening the shutters felt like a scene from the movie "A Room With A View," instantly casting aside all our earlier challenges.

Upon completing the unpacking process and preparing to secure our valuables in the safe, we made an amusing discovery: the safe was casually sitting inside the wardrobe, unattached. It was amusing to realise that our suite's safe, intended for safeguarding our passports and money, was itself not secure. We had to laugh.

Eager to delve into the enchanting labyrinth of Venice, we relied on Google Maps on our phones. How did people ever find their ways in the old days? Venice mesmerises in the tangled maze of calli (alleyways) leading to quaint squares, canals, and bridges adorned with opulent palaces overlooking the Grand Canal. My camera practically became an extension of my hands, capturing the beauty at every turn. The city's famous landmarks, such as St. Mark's Square, Bell Tower, Doge's Palace, the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, and more, unfolded before us. Yet, we found ourselves irresistibly drawn to quieter nooks and crannies, away from the bustling crowds. Visiting in winter proved advantageous, escaping the throngs typical of the summer season.

One thing I longed for was the sight of gardens. To my delight, we stumbled upon a charming courtyard garden tucked away in a narrow laneway. Adorned with an ornate walled gate leading to a pathway, the garden, even in the midst of winter, exhibited stunning beauty with meticulously manicured topiary trees.

The array of patisseries, cafes, and restaurants with abundant ambience felt like an endless selection. For those who know me, ambience holds as much significance as the culinary offerings. Inside a particular patisserie, faced with the delightful predicament of deciding what to indulge in, I found myself in a bit of a quandary. A fellow patron, relishing his own pastry, observed my dilemma. With a broad Aussie accent, he chimed in, "You must try one of these," pointing to the Pasticciotto filled with egg custard. How could I possibly resist such a compelling recommendation? It instantly became my new favorite pastry!

Our next and sadly our final post for Karp's On Tour is Venice, Italy - Part 2!