Vibrant Venice

Venice, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the 4th leg of our two-week Do-It-Yourself Eurotrip. It was the city with the shortest time I’ve visited — heck, it didn’t even take a full day. I had to forego other places in Italy because I’m dying to see this romantic place and was mesmerized by the enchanting alleyways, colorful masks and beautiful gondolas.

While some travellers dislike Venice as the canals were said to be dirty and smelly, it didn’t give me that kind of impression — the city has to be seen beyond that. I was more drawn into its uniqueness, artistry and the fact that it’s simply old. Yes, I may have this absurd fascination with quaint cities for the rich culture and history behind them. As a personal preference, I’d choose to get lost in a nature trip or an ancient city than to explore a modern one.

It’s a shame that I didn’t even know Venice is into masks until I got there. The streets are proliferated with small stores selling colourful Venetian carnival masks.

One of the best things about travelling is when you get to experience an unplanned adventure. I had this Amazing Race moment when we were on the other end of Venice and had to go back to claim the baggages that we left near the train station, which is only open until 8pm. On the same night, we’d be taking a pre-booked overnight train to Rome, thus, it would create a domino effect if we miss on getting the luggages. While on our way back, I asked a local if the train station is nearby, she affirmed and pointed that it’s only on the other side. Funny thing is, she failed to mention we had to cross a bridge which happens to be out of the way. I never thought I could run that fast, and yes wearing boots! Thankfully, we got to claim the bags; I always find myself chuckling over this event — old laidback cities never fail to amaze me.

You’d see lots of traditional Venetian boats rowed by gondoliers. It’s so fancy that replicas of these could be seen in other modern cities. I have dreamed too of riding this, that’s until I learned the cost of riding gondolas haha!

The Euro Budget Travel:

Euro city hopping is cheap when you purchase months early, by train or plane. Yes, there are budget airlines in Europe too, like RyanAir and we were able to book a one way flight from Paris to Venice for only 30 EUR (travel time: 1 hour and 35 minutes). As always, the catch is airports for budget airlines aren’t that convenient — it took us more than an hour from city proper (Paris) to Beauvais airport, and as expected, the flight is delayed. In spite of that, it saved us so much travel time (train ride would have been 10 hrs or more).