Yet Another View Of Venice…

I have just returned from my fifth visit to Venice.

I love this beautiful iconic city and will never tire of going there. I am happy to sit and watch the gondolas gliding past or get lost (which I invariably do) in the myriad canals and the maze of paths meandering through the quaint shops and delightful restaurants. Even on a day when seven large cruise ships may be in port for the day, it is still easy to escape the crowds in St Marks Square and find your own little gem hidden away. It is so easy to picture how it all was years ago as the buildings remain unchanged and preserving this and keeping hold of traditions is so important to he Venetians.

Despite popular belief, Venice is no more expensive than other places in Italy as long as you keep off the main squares and this is also where you will find the best cuisine. I also think that you do not need to pay the highest hotel prices as there are some wonderful small hotels, mainly family run, and all within an easy walk from the main sights.

A few years ago, I visited with colleagues when Venice was flooded. This happens fairly often and the locals are used to getting on with life by donning their wellingtons. Tourists can be seen in the multi-coloured boots, sold on every street. Be prepared if staying at these times as the flood-warming sirens will be reminiscent of old episodes of ” Dad’s Army”!

This recent trip again offered a different experience as the Venice Marathon was on which starts on the mainland and finishes at St Marks on the island. I like running and belong to a running club but how anyone can keep smiling and appear to have hardly broken a sweat after more than 26 miles is beyond me. I need oxygen after 10k!