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My First Trip to Italy (November, 2000)

Italy

Microdude+
2004-04-05 13:15:03

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Venice by night

Driving in Italy is interesting, even fun (though note that I am no where near Roma). I think I have arrived at the outskirts of Venice and have parked my car. The main route into town, via the Grand Canal, is out of the question because they are on strike (is anybody surprised by this?). I'm told to take the bus instead. I follow the crowd onto a bus. Is this the right bus? Do I pay? How much? How? Where do I get off? I have no idea. Yet, here I am on my way. Will I arrive? I just don't know. It is 7:00 pm (Slovene time).

The view from the bus is of a very crowded place. Lot's going on. Reminds me of Tel Aviv, though of course different. The bus comes to a stop. Do I get off here? Who knows? Everyone else gets off. I follow, fighting the crowds getting on. I see water. Canals. I can't be too far, can I be? It's 7:10.

I'm looking for old buildings. Or a map. My (potential) tenure for a map! OK, I find one. How does one say, "You are here!" in Italian? Tu, usted, aqui? Que? I give up. I move on. (and how am I ever going to find my way back to my car. Egad!... the bus stopped at Santa Chiara Hotel. Where did it start?).

I turn around. I soon cross a bridge over a small canal. I see old buildings. I write as I walk. It is 7:18. From a map I looked at this morning I recognize this as the grand canal (I hope). I keep walking. Man this place is crazy nutso. So many people. I follow the crowd over a large bridge. More old buildings. Spectacular old buildings. Meanwhile, the city closes down - the shops close and cover their windows. A remarkable and old (of course) church chimes 7:30.

A farmers market. Shutting down for the evening. Beautiful food. I avoid eating. Haven't eaten in 12 hours. Don't want to tire myself out/weigh myself down. Perhaps (I hope) later. ...