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| Just the side of Saint mark's is lovely |
Opinions are like assholes, everybody's got one.
Venice
Transportation in Venice
Greg
4 Gondolas - Water taxis (vaporetto) aka water buses. What a novel concept! Lovely way to see the city and surrounding area.
4 Gondolas - Water taxis (vaporetto) aka water buses. What a novel concept! Lovely way to see the city and surrounding area.
Ian
4 Gondolas - Everything was very accessible. Only drawback was that vaporettos were very expensive. But who needs that when you can walk everywhere?
4 Gondolas - Everything was very accessible. Only drawback was that vaporettos were very expensive. But who needs that when you can walk everywhere?
ebe
3.5 Gondolas - Train station is a bit far from things, but the vaporettos make moving around easy. They are a pricy option, but entirely necessary to truly see the city. Plus they take your out to islands which gives a unique look at the place and a brief respite from the crowds. Walking is the best way to get to know a city and walking through alleys, along canals, and over arched bridges..."È una bella città"!
Accommodation in Venice
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| Map in the lobby |
4 Gondolas - Accommodations were wonderful. Intriguing decor, fascinating building. Only drawback was night clerk was rather snotty.
Ian
4.5 Gondolas - Awesome building with antique furniture. Air conditioner was a bit weak, wifi only on main floor, and lack of common room were the only shitty thing.
4.5 Gondolas - Awesome building with antique furniture. Air conditioner was a bit weak, wifi only on main floor, and lack of common room were the only shitty thing.
ebe
4.5 Gondolas - The Pensione Guerrato was right off the Realto and fish market, this was one of the best locations I have ever stayed. Paired with true antique decor and lovey Italian breakfast (chocolate & coffee) I see why rick Steves recommends. Down-side is that Rick Steves recommends so there are many a Steves book around and it's like mini-America. Also, air conditioner & wi-fi could use a boost.
Sights in Venice
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| Doge's Palace |
Greg
4.5 Gondolas - From alley to bridge, to Grand Canal- stunning with every step.
4.5 Gondolas - From alley to bridge, to Grand Canal- stunning with every step.
Ian
5 Gondolas - Everywhere you turn is a postcard. The actual sights themselves are absolutely amazing.
5 Gondolas - Everywhere you turn is a postcard. The actual sights themselves are absolutely amazing.
ebe
4 Gondolas - As romantic, decadent, and rotting as one could hope. Even as a motley crew of Porters, it's magic. The Doge's Palace was overpriced, but Ian helped by talking them into giving one of us a student price- well done Ian!Also- great Steve's tip: Check your bag at the Ateneo San Basso, a former church just around the corner and down the Calle San Basso from the Basilica's main entrance. and you can skip the line.
The only thing that hides it's loveliness is the throngs of us tourists.
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| These guys own the city & know it |
Dining in Venice
Greg
4 Gondolas - Highlight for dining was lunch on Murano. Welcoming owner, very attentive, hands-on. Many tidbits of Venice flavors. Quite delightful
Ian
3 Gondolas - Overall, a culinary disappointment. There was however, a lovely lunch in Murano. We sat next to Keith Richards- a little more salt on that salad?
3 Gondolas - Overall, a culinary disappointment. There was however, a lovely lunch in Murano. We sat next to Keith Richards- a little more salt on that salad?
ebe
4.5 Gondolas - Tourist menus are always enticing, but dissuading. But what is the real Venice for cuisine? We chickened out and had lots of groceries and little meals, which I think did us a dis-service. Should have got our hands dirty and gone in for a big splurgy meal. Still, gelato greasing every meal and snack time helps. And Ian forced us to eat a bunch of little squids (video coming) which was a highlight.
And Murano's lunch was perfect! Wandering in when most things were shut for siesta, we were warmly welcomed by the owner who charmed us all through lunch and served cuttlefish & Bolognase on spaghetti, wine, and we even tried Grappa (Fermented from the peels, seed and stems of grapes, it is clear in color and of high alcoholic gradation. This beverage is very popular in northern Italy and is normally consumed as an after dinner digestive drink).
Overall
4.75 Gondolas - Beautiful city, extra bonus Murano. Getting Murano glass ornament from Keith Richard’s shop- priceless.
Ian
5 Gondolas - It’s Venice. It truly lives up to it’s expectations, even in the middle of July.
5 Gondolas - It’s Venice. It truly lives up to it’s expectations, even in the middle of July.
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| Doge's Palace |
4 Gondolas - We counted how many mask/glass stores Greg went in before buying something. I think it was 15. BUT it was fun to see the city, every nook & cranny. We had serious fears about prices & crowds at this time of year and both were manageable. I like to get away from the crowds, but this was a city I was glad to see with the guys.
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| Looking out from the Square |
3 comments:
Ha ha! :-) You always have great titles for your posts (no pressure)
Thanks! I try, but I think my humor is usually too absurd and I just come off weird-er than I usually am.
Hope you are having fun settling into your German life!
Love reading your ratings - makes me feel I am along on the trip.
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