We arrive in Venice

        It’s a 12 hour train ride from Vienna to Venice. We took the night train to catch some sleep while heading down to Italy. We got reservations in coach, and luckily it was just Randy and I in a compartment so we were able to close the door, turn out the lights, and stretch out on a bench where we slept. It wasn’t the worst or best sleep I’ve ever gotten. There was some tossing and turning during the night but I’d say it was a pretty good experience. So we arrived in Venice the next morning.

        I know some people will be shocked when I admit that I have never really cared to visit Italy. I know it’s hard to fathom, but nothing about the country really intrigued me. Maybe it’s because everyone loves Italy or everyone wants to visit it. So why did I come? I came because Randy wanted to see Italy. Despite my lack of interest or excitement about coming, I did my best to keep an open mind and happy disposition.  I did my best until we arrived in Venice and got a rude financial awakening. As it happens, Venice is a very expensive island. We had to pay €16 for them to store our luggage for 5 hours because their lockers were “out of service”. They wanted €18 for a one way ticket on the metro (which was by boat) and don’t even ask how much a 24 hour pass was. Of course, another 80 cents to use the toilet, and €100 for a taxi boat or gondola ride. Food was relatively higher in price but not too bad, and I know there are some places you can get a good deal. A couple we met on the train leaving Venice said they walked into a wine shop with barrels of wine and got to do some free wine tasting by the glass. Anyway, just some things to keep in mind if you’re planning to visit.

        There were tons of tourists, despite tourist season being over. I would not want to go in summer. But the weather was perfect. Such a difference from Vienna, it was unbelievable. I could wear a short sleeve shirt with no jacket. After being bundled in a heavy coat for a week, it was weird. But despite the crowds and high prices, there is definitely something to be said about Venice. The city really is like no other. The buildings are deteriorating and the city is sinking but still life goes on as usual. The locals have adapted to getting around in very tight spaces and living their lives like a live attraction. The city is cramped and ancient but incredibly beautiful. I couldn’t help but notice the roof top patios, which seemed like a secret clubhouse for the locals. And I’m sure it is, being that it’s probably the only place where Venetians can get away from the constant influx of tourists. I wish I could explore those rooftops. It must be so amazing to view the city from up there.

        When we walked out of the train station I said, “Lets just get lost”. Well, we literally did just that. Not on purpose, but the city is like a corn field maze. There are so many canals and bridges and small alleys. How anyone learns their way around is beyond me. Luckily we had a map, but finding the tiny street we were on in the midst of a million tiny streets covering the map was a challenge in itself. After we found our way back to the train station, we had a couple of hours before our train left for Florence. So we retrieved our luggage, sat in front of the station, just next to the canal, and watched the busy traffic on the water. And might I just say, those taxi boat drivers are very skilled in regard to the precision in which they maneuver those surprisingly long boats.  They can get a boat lined up to the dock with very little effort, like they were steering a tricycle. For that alone I give the city two thumbs up.