Bridges and Canals
With much anticipation and excitement, we booked our trip to Venice. It is known as the city floating on top of water, with canals as streets and boats as the main transportation. To me, it makes sense conceptually. But how does it really feel?
First of all, there are really no cars. zero. No motorcycles and I don't even recall many bicycles around, if any. That also means no pedestrian traffic lights, no crosswalks and much quieter without the noise of cars driving by. Most of the time, we went by foot, crossing countless bridges and canals. The architecture is absolutely stunning, from gorgeous palaces to colorful residences. Of course, the Piazza San Marco with the iconic Campanile and the Procuratie Vecchie wrapped around the space.
On the gondola ride, we move vicariously through some meandering and narrow waterways between buildings. Out on the main canal, romantic palaces are along the water, only accessible by boats.
Other than the main island of Venice, the islands of Burano and Murano must not be missed as well. The craftsmanship here is impeccable, the local workshops proudly produce high quality glassware and lace. Both are still beautiful islands relying on waterways for transportation, they offer a friendly and warm small town feel with colorful houses line up by the water.
The last night in Venice, we had dinner by the canal. As the tide rises, the water splashes ashore on the street whenever a boat passes by. Venice, oh, Venice, you are too beautiful to sink so soon.