I am proud to say I'm no longer an Italy virgin. Oh yes, I have popped that Italy cherry, finally! My first trip to Italy was in November 2014; I went to Pisa, Florence, and Bologna. I was fortunate enough to make another trip to Italy in December last year, and it was to Milan and Venice. This post is about Venice. Why not about other cities I mentioned above, one might ask. I don't know why. I have tried to understand how my mind works but I have learned not to waste my energy because while I'd like to believe nothing is impossible, apparently one or two things are.
So my parents and little brother came to Paris for Christmas holiday last year. We all hadn't been to Milan so we decided to go there to check it out. While choosing another Italian destination, our choice landed on Venice. My parents had been there years ago, but my brother and I hadn't. Oh, thank you once again my selfless parents for granting your kids' rather selfish wish. But then again, it was December and winter was in session. I was a little worried; I didn't know if it would be the best idea to go to Venice in winter.
Well, worry not, Venice was still so so pretty albeit a little too cold for my liking. We took a train from Milano Centrale railway station to Venezia Santa Lucia station. It took around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
We walked from the train station to the Rialto bridge. We somehow made it to the bridge on foot, thanks to the combination of our gut feeling, street signs pointing to Rialto bridge direction, and an explanation from a local man on how to get there (at least from what I picked up from his hand gestures because I don't speak Italian. Aaarrgghh, why don't I?). I couldn't stop admiring the buildings, canals and small bridges we passed by on the way there. Seriously fascinated by everything I saw. I imagine if I met Channing Tatum in person, I'd appreciate his beauty as intensely as I did Venice's. You get the idea.
Yes, Venice did look a little grey during winter without optimal sunlight. But I mean it's still Venice, I'll take it any season it's in. There I was, in one of the most romantic and picturesque cities in the world, crossing over the cutest little (and not-so-little) canals, exploring the carless city while taking all the pictures I wanted... with my parents and little brother. Not exactly the most romantic travel companions I had there. No no, I'm kidding, I am only kidding!! I love you very very much mom, dad and well, you too little brother. And my parents were probably really annoyed at me and my brother for tagging along on what could have been their second honeymoon.
After walking around for a while, we decided to take a gondola ride. The ride takes maximum 4 people and when we took it, it cost €80 per ride and for like 30 minutes or so. Yeah, costly and touristy but what the hell, when else am I gonna be in Venice right? After the slightly cold and relaxing gondola ride, without serenade by the way, we were hungry and grabbed a bite to eat at a restaurant near the Rialto bridge. I can't remember the name though. It was pretty good although not necessarily mind-blowing. I enjoyed my lunch, which was the seafood pasta pictured above, by the canal.
My favorite thing about winter is how you can look fat in photos and just blame it on the layers of clothes underneath your thick jacket
I realized this post might not be as helpful in terms of tips and what to do and see in Venice. This is what happens when you write about a trip that took place 3 months ago. This is also what happens when you are 24 years old and your memory isn't quite what it used to be anymore.
Oh also, if you notice some colors and/or tones and/or compositions are different from each other in these pictures above, it's because once again, I stole some pictures from my brother Calvin. Thanks dude! Come visit me so we can travel together again!