Venice, Italy

10/21/20083:51:08 PM Link 2 comments | Add comment

There is something about Venice. This 2000 year old city built on petrified wooden stilts, tall old buildings and narrow streets rule this unique city. It consists of just 118 small islands (city blocks) all joined by bridges that strecth over the 120 canals and no cars allowed. All transportation is bus city bus (a small ferry) or a water taxi. The doors of the homes and hotels open directly to the water to receive the visitors. It is unlike anything imaginable. Mystic in its long history and Venetian ways, but as the newest addition to Italy it is just 200 years old.  I adored the historical sights, but must confess my favorite memories of this city are of walking through the narrow streets tasting all it has to offer: pizzeria, cafes, pasticceries (pastry shop) and gelato shops abound.  If you ask directions to anywhere you will be politely told " go over 4 bridges, past 3 cafes, a pizzeria and 2 gelato shops on the left."  All things measured by food and bridges, charming. But, if you feel lost just follow the signs to The Ferrovia "the train" (at the cities beginning) or the signs to St. Mark's Square "Piazzetta" (at the cities end). The signs will kindly lead you through the windy ways and over the bridges until you arrive back to your destination.