May 10-11, 2012
DAY 1
May 10, 2012
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| on board Trenitalia |
On board Eurostar Italia AV 9406
Frecciargento in Coach 1 seat number 45 in the first class accommodation, we
arrived Venezia Sta Lucia station after a 3-4 hour of rail cruising. The advantage
of having Eurail as my ticket, the accommodation is always first class, I just
paid EUR 10 for the required seat reservation. It was my first time riding a
high-speed train from Roma Termini. The trip was smooth, the couch were great.
I am sitting on a solo window seat. Departing Rome, I saw the lush greens along
the way. Nice views in the rural areas as we traverse the tunnels. I was asleep
after the snacks were served but managed to take pictures on some greens along
the way.
We had a quick stop at Verona. I knew that
we’re already near since I’ve seen Verona while checking train routes. I am
thrilled that I never felt asleep. I was feasting my eyes on the views. We have
reached the point that we’re like on a bridge where both sides I saw bodies of
water. I immediately think we’ll be arriving in awhile. While crossing the
island, there was this feeling of excitement. I was delighted seeing one cruise
ship docked near the train station. I’ve seen the sea, the buildings and yes
it’s Venice.
I took my bags, got off the train and
hurriedly went outside. To my surprise, the station was just at the Grand Canal
where waterbuses, water taxis were cruising. I’ve seen waters all over and I
immediately looked for my hotel for me to check in, to refresh and to start my
Venetian adventure. I chose my hotel close to the train and the waterbus
stations, just walking distance. It was also close to shops and restaurants.
I stayed at Hotel Universo Nord for two
nights paying at around EUR 80-110 per night. It was an old Venetian building
that I don’t exactly know when it was built. I got a nice air-conditioned room,
just a livable one with a bath tub inside.
After fixing my things, off I went to the
nearby waterbus station. To buy tickets, you need to choose which of the saver
tickets will suit your needs. Since I only have a day and a half stay in
Venice, I decided to purchase a 36-hours waterbus unlimited pass paying around
EUR 30 since single pass was a bit expensive costing EUR 6. I saved a lot with
the unlimited waterbus ride. There were water taxis also in the area but I
haven’t tried one since I know it will cost a lot. The waterbus also serves as
the public transportation throughout the island. You cannot see any
four-wheeled vehicle roaming around. Lots of walking in the place since you
will be passing thru narrow alleys. Since I’m new in the place, I just hopped
on the waterbus and went to San Marco. From Ferrovia station, we passed thru
the famous Venetian icon, the Rialto Bridge. I was amazed along the way. I
can’t stop taking photos on every building we’re passing. I thought I’ll be
seeing this only on TV but now I am really cruising the Grand Canal myself. I
suddenly remembered several Venice movies scenes of James Bond and that of the
Italian Job movie.
Arriving at San Marco Station, I am
flattered by the gondolas parked along the walkway. There was vast open water
where you can see come beautiful churches across. Some gondolas gliding with
the small waves created by the waterbuses and water taxis crossing. I’ve also
seen yachts and a sail boat. Several cruise liners were also passing the area
to and from the Venice port.
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| Basilica di San Marco |
San Marco Square was one of the attractions
in Venice. There you may find Basilica di San Marco, the bell tower, Doge’s
palace and the museum in the area. It was a big area with shops and
restaurants. It was located near the Venetian Lagoon, with access to nearby
islands around the area. It was about lunchtime that I had to grab some food to
eat. I checked with one of the local shops and asked for a Panini and a soda
for EUR 12, just enough to fill my stomach and be ready for the afternoon’s
activity. I also met some Filipinos having tour also, they were working on the
cruise ship and fortunately I asked them to take pictures of me.
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| San Marco Square |
The Basilica di San Marco was not just nice
on the outside but it’s also magnificent in the inside. You can easily notice
the mosaic on each arches of the Basilica. It was finely crafted using gold,
marble and other stones. The bell tower was standing tall in front of the
Basilica that I managed to climb it in the afternoon of the day before I left
Venice. Foods are everywhere you just have to choose your preference.
I have booked and joined the three islands
tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello. I paid online with Viator for EUR 20 and
just redeem the coupon at the booth near the station. The guy instructed me to
wait around the area. I was one of the few who arrived first; we had a chit
chat with other tourists who were also joining the tour. It was a 4-hour shared
group tour in a medium size boat. Different nationalities were joining the tour
and it was fun talking to them. We had a multilingual guide speaking in
English, Spanish, Italian and French. She was so funny that she spoke several
dialects one after the other to cater different tourists. She spoke English,
Spanish, French and Italian.
Our first destination was the island of
Murano. Murano is known for their crafts of blown glass. It was incredible that
they can create a wonderful piece in just minutes. We alight the boat and being
directed to one shop. They have demonstrated to us the way to make this
so-called blown glass. One crafted a vase out of a very small glass being
heated on the fire. Literally they blew the glass connected to the tube creating
a balloon-like formation. Then the craftsman was designing the vase using his
tools to wave the edges adding beauty to the vase. Can you just imagine, a vase
can be created in less than 15 minutes? The other guy was melting his solid
glass on fire and started to bend and shape the molten glass. After a minute of
twists and turns, it came out a nice glass horse. I was so amazed on how
talented they are in creating those special works of art. Inside the shops were
displays of their crafts. Different prices on different items depending on how
detailed and how big it is. All of the displays were astounding. I am just so
careful not to bump on an item as I will pay a fortune on it. As a souvenir, I
bought two gondola designed glass at the store for EUR 11 each in the factory
itself even if it was priced higher than what you can find in the main island
of Venice.
Next stop was the island of Torcello. We
were told that the island only have 16 inhabitants. It was the farthest among
the three islands but it is just near the island of Burano. They have a small
port in which the boats can dock to it. The main attraction of the island was
the old Cathedral of Maria Assunta which was just 5-10 minute walk through the
narrow walkway beside a canal. The views along the way are spectacular seeing a
typical rural area with the green grass around. You can pass by several houses
and a restaurant also. At the end of the road, you can see the Cathedral of
Maria Assunta and Church of Santa Fosca both dating back centuries ago. You can
imagine the beauty of the church centuries back. It was built in bricks and had
a mosaic floors inside. They no longer hold mass on the cathedral itself
because there was a Church of Santa Fosca beside the old church where the mass
will be celebrated. It also houses the skull of St. Cecilia as a relic. The
place was so sacred and well respected. It was well-maintained and available
for viewing by tourists for a minimal fee of EUR 3. Inside the church was
exquisite and photograph is prohibited inside. We were just given 30 minutes to
explore the place as we have to move to our last destination.
The last stop was with the island of
Burano. It had a very colorful pastel houses. It is a big community and was
really known to have these magnificent colorful houses painted with charming
pastel colors. You will really be amazed how the locals cooperate in
maintaining such wonderful beauty on their place. Walking along their stone
paved walkway, you can find souvenir shops and restaurants in place. We were directed
to one shop near the church of St Martin making this hand-made lace which made
Burano know for. The hand-made lace was finely crafted to its perfection, they were
really making it by hand coming along with the patterns they want to create.
There were lots of things to buy, many items to chose from, some were cheap but
most of it were expensive. But it’s a nice keepsake souvenir from the place. We
don’t have ample time on roaming around the island. But simply seeing those
pastel houses really would create an impression that the whole of the Burano
Island would look the same.
We went back to the main island after
Burano. I felt so tired and sleepy since it’s siesta time. We also spent 4
hours on the entire three-island tour.
Back at the main island, I looked for some
souvenirs. I managed to take some photos around, made feast on the views in the
early afternoon and then I took the waterbus back to my hotel. I just stayed
awhile at the lobby since internet is available only at the hotel lobby, I managed
to call my friends and my mom via Skype. I just killed my time like that while
waiting for my time to have dinner. Several minutes later, I went out for
dinner. Now it’s pasta time, near my hotel was a restaurant offering pasta
dishes. I tried one dish that night and it was delicious plus a glass of
merlot. One order starts at Euro 10 for the dish and Euro 6 for a glass of red
wine. It’s a wow! A good night sleep follows. I have to take an early rest, to
regain all the energy that had been wasted on my trip from Rome to Venice and
for the 4-hour three islands tour.
DAY 2
May 11, 2012
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| Rialto Bridge |
I got up not that early in the morning. I
took a shower and prepared for the day’s itinerary. I went to their breakfast
nook, grab some bites for me to sustain the activity in the morning which was
the 3-hour walking tour, the Best of Venice Walking Tour. After eating, I went
back to my room to get my things. My backpack and camera were all set and I’m
ready to go. I checked my calendar in my iPhone to which I registered all my
activities ahead, also double check with my printed confirmation receipt for my
walking tour and it’s said that we’ll meet at a square near Rialto Bridge. I
was then excited for a stop at the Rialto Bridge.
I hopped on to the waterbus going to Rialto
Bridge. The travel was short, just few minutes, we’ll be there, just early
enough for me to have some morning view on the place. Arriving at the
destination, I noticed that the stores on the bridge itself were still closed.
I hurriedly hopped off from the waterbus and tried to locate our meeting place.
Since I got enough time for me to roam around, I managed to take early pictures
on the place. I enjoyed the serenity of the place where only few people
walking.
Just as scheduled, the group gathered on
the square on time. We were given our earphones for us to hear our guide
properly while we keep on walking. After the check and testing of the headsets,
we went our way to a place across the
bridge.
We commenced our tour in Rialto Bridge. We
passed thru the fresh market. If I say it’s fresh, it really is fresh! The
market will be available daily and it’s in the morning only. But we were also
told that there were markets that will open in the afternoon on certain
locations. Fresh produce coming from the inland farms and fresh catch fish from
fishermen were sold in the place. The place is not that big but it’s just
enough to cater the vendors and the customers also. If you feel like cooking,
you just have to be early in the market to catch the freshest goods you want to
buy. The prices I think were right enough the budget.
Moving along, as part of understanding how
to walk around Venice, our guide Alexandra explained us also how to read and
understand the signs that were being placed on the building near the passageway.
In this case, we can manage to roam around the place without bringing our own
maps as maybe maps will just confuse us. The place is complete with signs on
which way to go. The ones painted with white was the name of the district and
the ones in yellow were for the direction going to one landmark. One tip, you
must know where you’ll go so you just have to look for the sign and eventually
follow the arrows leading to it.
While walking, she also explained to us the
important events that took place on the area. We passed thru narrow alleys,
crossed some canals, and went into a place where it’s like a very secluded one,
then proceed to another alley leading to a square. The church of Santi Giovanni
e Paolo was so nice. It was built on bricks and it’s a huge church. Beside it lie
the mason house and a beautiful paved square in front with a monument at the
center. There were hotels around it but I don’t really know how to get to the
place, I just followed my guide.
We moved to different significant sites
along the island, explaining us the events that had happened before. It’s nice
to see some sites inside Venice as our guide explained us the roles of some
structures such as the water wells present in their piazza. She also managed to
explain the activities that are being done such as there was a specific time to
take water on the wells. There were plenty of Churches we’ve passed. Some were
already closed and some were being used as a museum but the structures were
still preserved. We kept on walking, passing along narrow alleys, we reached one
side of the Grand Canal, and now we’re near San Marco.
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| Bridge of Sighs |
Along the way, Doge’s Palace was situated
fronting the Grand Canal. It was the home of the ruler before, the justice house and also being connected to
the a prison on certain period. We saw the bridge of sighs connecting the prison
and the Doge’s Palace. It is literally a connection of one building to the
other having small windows and a canal beneath the bridge.
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| Basilica di San Marco |
We continued our journey going to the
magnificent Basilica di San Marco. The Basilica is one of the landmarks of Venice
aside from Rialto Bridge. Part of the tour that I booked was the skip-the-line
access to the Basilica. Doing the line will take 15 minutes just to get inside,
so this skip-the-line thing was a plus as we don’t have to wait for the long
queue. Before getting inside the Church itself, we first went to the second
level of the church. It’s a small museum showcasing some important historical
events of Venice. They have featured the original four golden horses that were
said to be successfully claimed from France after Napoleon Bonaparte took it. Also
in the museum, we can directly see the marvelous golden ceiling of the
Basilica. We also have access to the terrace of the church overlooking the
square in front and the lagoon on the side.
When we went down to the first level of the
church, mosaic floors were brilliant. It is still preserved as to its original
construction. The view of the golden ceiling from the first floor was really
overwhelming. Mass was regularly held inside the church so they have available
chair for sitting while attending the celebration. It had very nice pillars, if
you can really see it for yourself; you’ll tell yourself that you’re lucky
enough for the opportunity.
After Basilica di San Marco, the group
parted ways as to the ones not taking up the Doge’s Palace. I squeezed in
another hour and half for the tour since I’m already there so I won’t miss the
chance also. Again, we skipped the line and went inside immediately. You can
see an open ground inside; they have the stairs where the Doge was accepting
honored guests before. They still have the nice ceilings and the wide
stairways. Doge’s Palace was also the house of justice before. They still have
the drop boxes used in submitting complaints to the government. They were just
using the drop boxes to hide the identity of the complainants. They will
investigate as to what was being complained and decision will be made in the
house. Doge’s palace was connected to the jail thru bridge of sighs. It is a
narrow bridge with a window where you can see the canal outside of it. In the
jail, huge iron doors were fixed in the stone walls and the windows were not
that big. We ended our tour back at the Doge’s palace near the main gate
fronting the staircase and it’s time for lunch.
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| my lunch |
I decided to take my lunch at the
restaurant near my hotel. I hopped on the waterbus back to my hotel after the
walking tour. The restaurant was just near the Ferrovia station so I eat first.
Ordered pasta a la carbonara and it was yum! They served me with the grated cheese
and a bottle of water. A bread basket also was served and I thought it was just
for free. When I ask for my check, I noticed that I was being charged with the
two pieces of bread that I ate. Good thing the price is not that expensive. The ambiance was good, dining on the riverbank
with nice flowers on the side. Paying Euro 20 for lunch that good was nothing
with my goals of eating different pasta dishes while in Italy.
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| Bell Tower |
Early afternoon, I was just in my hotel,
downloading pictures and uploading it in my Facebook account. I also find time
talking to my mom back in the Philippines using Skype. I’m just staying at the
hotel lobby since the wifi was only available there and the signal was good.
After 2 hours in the net, I decided to go back to San Marco for a souvenir hunt
and my plan was to apply what I’ve learned from Alexandra which is walking thru
Venice without a map. I remembered googling it and printing the direction on
where to pass but since we’re taught the easiest way, I have to try it myself
before leaving the place.
I got off the waterbus and walked towards
San Marco. When I saw the tower, I decided to take a peek of Venice at the top
of the bell tower. Good thing there’s only few people around and I easily got
an elevator pass from the ticketing booth. On top of the tower, the view was
amazing, full or houses, you can see the islands also. I tried locating the
places I went thru, and I also tried to follow the route of the waterbus
imagining the Grand Canal. I spent few minutes on top, taking pictures and
enjoying the fresh breeze up there.
From San Marco, I started walking towards
Rialto, and I was fascinated with the shops along the way. Left and right, I
wanted to get inside on every shop I was passing thru. You can’t feel bored as
there were lots of tourists walking too. Boutiques here, souvenir shops there,
I can’t help myself but to stop for some interesting displays. Gelato store are
everywhere and so inviting. The price is between EUR 2-5 depending on the size
of the cups. I chose the EUR 5 and I tried different flavors. You can combine
three flavors in one cup. I’ve eaten gelato while walking and I really loved
the mint flavor. It’s like a palate cleanser. I kept on walking, following the
signs, and I was surprised, I’m already in Rialto.
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| me with the gondolier |
I tried to find my luck in Rialto, asking
some gondoliers on how much they’ll be offering me. Euro 80 for a 30-minute
gondola ride was expensive. I was hopeless that I was about to grab the chance
since my feeling is that I will not complete my Venice experience without the
gondola ride. Luckily, there came this Indian couple who was asking the same
gondolier. Same price was given as it’s the standard price per gondola ride.
They rejected the offer but the gondolier told them if they want to share a ride
with me. Thanks to them that they agreed.
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| my gondola ride |
We boarded the gondola and started gliding
along Grand Canal passing Rialto, going thru narrow canals inside Venice. We
had a chance of passing to the house of Marco Polo as our gondolier also had
showed us. The good thing that I have these couple was for picture taking
purposes. I took pictures of them and they took mine, we’ve exchanged places. We
had lots of fun and laughter while having a wonderful ride, without noticing
that our 30 minutes was over. Thanks for the gondolier and the Indian couple
that I have completed my Venice experience. We have just shared our ride; I
gave EUR25 for my share.
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| my dinner |
A nice smile was painted on my face as we
finished our gondola ride. I felt like I have accomplished something. So I
decided to walk again from Rialto to Ferrovia, there were many souvenir shops
that I couldn’t help myself but to buy some small items. I enjoyed the trail
following the signs to Ferrovia. Some signs were like you have to choose which
way, left or right still reaching the same end. It’s like a friendly maze that
sometime you can see some dead ends. And it was a great experience. It didn’t
took me long to reach Ferrovia and I decided to reward myself with another
pasta dish and red wine for dinner.
I went back to my hotel for an internet
glance when a Filipino couple arrived. We’re both staying in the same hotel we
also arrived the same day and we’ll also be leaving the same day on board the
same train bound for Milan. They’ll be catching their train to Zurich while I
will be catching mine to Geneva in the afternoon. They are both working in
Doha. We’ve exchanged stories and experiences but I think I didn’t pay
attention to their names, I really forgot both names. I haven’t taken their
facebook accounts too or even their numbers. How crazy I am. Lol
Ended my stay in Venice with a photo shoot
at night I took at the bridge near the waterbus station, I walked a bit inside
Venice for some glimpse of Venice by night. A very nice place. If given a
chance to be back then I’m sure I’ll be grabbing it.
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