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Venice, Italy

Venice: Twice is Not Enough

Sse
2004-09-14 10:20:58

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find it hard to leave and explore this fascinating city.

Take the time to explore an island or two and escape from the hustle and bustle of Venice. If it's sun and sand, Lido, only a 15-minute boat ride from San Marco, has the beaches.

I chose Burano (6 Euros return). The boat ride takes over one hour 15 minutes one way to this colourful island that represents what Venice once was. Quiet.

Burano is known for lace. Plenty of shops to purchase original crocheting. Some shops have a woman crocheting their handmade goods. But not at bargain prices. If you're into originals then Burano is the place.

One of the highlights in Venice is the Rialto Bridge and it is busy to say the least. I tried to squeeze my way into getting a view of the Grand Canal. Breathtaking. There are enough cafes to choose around here. I plunked myself anywhere to get a good view and sipped on a cappuccino (3 Euros) watching the boat traffic go by, from tourists being serenaded to police patrols.

Speaking of coffees or cappuccinos, I was told a cup of coffee at a cafe in Piazza San Marco cost 7.00 Euros. (Cough) That's $10.85 CDN. I decided to pass. No matter what time of the day I passed by San Marco, cafes are not full. Gee, I wonder why?

The sun had gone. Nightlife began. I sat on the steps with my 1.00 Euro bottle of water at the steps of the piazza. Watched the people pass by. Listened to the band of three at one café or a single pianist play at another. All I heard was American music. Maybe, though just maybe, they played Italian later but I was too exhausted from the day's walk in heat and humidity to find out.

A sad day. My trip to Italy was over. I walked along Piazza San Marco at 5:15 in the morning. No one in sight. The Alilaguna left at 5:35. The slow rising sun shone on the water. I took one last photo. My heart sank but my head was full of beautiful memories. No, I'm not ready. I still have places to see. Turn the clock back. Obviously an impossible dream.

Ah Venice! I will be back.

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