VLOG 1 : Venice (Italy) – VIEW
Since I was 9 months old I have been to Venice every year, my parents have always loved Venice. As I was growing up I was taken here with them, and I also feel in love with Venice.
Venice is a very unique place, with a lot of history. The main part that everyone knows about, is that it is sinking but that’s due to the sand foundations it was built on many many years ago. This was a strategical move back then, to protect the city from invaders but now due its popularity and the weight of the tourists and buildings its slowly sinking.
For me when I visit Venice I ignore the biz, and I am instantly transported back in time and its like a home from home to me. I know Venice that well I can navigate its small streets, and remember how to get to places one year on….where I stay is in Glasgow and if you ask me for directions well your asking the wrong guy.
This years visit to Italy was for my summer holiday, and this year more so was a relaxation holiday rather than try and see as many different close locations as possible. That being said visiting Venice is always top of my list, for sight seeing or to relax.
Part of my visit to Venice this year, my parents were given a gift of Afternoon Tea at the Hotel Danieli. If you don’t know much about this hotel click the below link.
Website : www.danielihotelvenice.com
This hotel is a very attractive hotel, but it also comes with attractive prices. The more you pay for a room you will be located in the main building, but the cheaper the rooms get you are in the back of the building which I have been told you don’t get the best views.
I have never stayed here, but maybe that time I win big in the lottery I would like to spend a long weekend here….but till then I will just keep checking my lotto numbers.
The Afternoon Tea
There are two places you can be served food or afternoon tea, the first being as you go in the door and to the left. This area is a very nice lounge area, that has a very nice relaxing atmosphere. The second location is situated upstairs, where you can sit outside and have a view of the Grand Canal.
Today’s visit we were seated in the lounge area.
As you can see the presentation was very nice, and you were given a good choice of food. I wont comment on the cost since it was a gift, but you can click the website and take a look.
This was a very enjoyable and very relaxing Afternoon Tea.
Visitor Attractions
While you are in Venice, there are a lot of landmarks to see and places to visit. This blog and my accompanying VLOG don’t do it justice but hopefully will give you a little taster.
I will say a little about each place but also give you a link to Wikipedia which will give you more information and more historical information.
Piazza San Marco
One of Venice’s busiest areas for two reasons, its where most of the tourists are dropped off for their day and also its history.
If you manage to visit here and its not mega busy, you will get a very nice experience. My best advice is to walk about, and look everywhere as the detail of the buildings is amazing.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piazza_San_Marco
Rialto Bridge
This bridge has many shops at each side, and all the locals and tourists walk up the centre of the bridge. The bridge is affectively built on wooden pillars, so I really don’t know how its lasted to stay up this long but it’s an amazing design.
Most of the shops on this bridge are costly, but if your wanting to say you got a little something from Venice then a once off is good. If you do visit walk to the centre, and go to each side here is where you will get great photos.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rialto_Bridge
Gondola ride
Gondola rides are another very popular activity to do in Venice, but be warned they are VERY costly for what you get.
If you walk about the prices can vary but it’s roughly about 80 euros for 30mins, and thats per person just for a ride.
For me I have done it and enjoyed the experience, I would do it again and this time just sit and look rather than take photos and videos. Would I do it every year? no mostly due to the cost but it’s a nice experience to try at least once.
Saint Mark’s Basilica
One thing you will notice is on the busy days in Venice, you will see a long waiting line to get inside and do the tours. I was once told someone waited 4 hours just to get inside, for me I have never wanted to wait that length just to see inside. If I ever do go back to Venice and its off peak times, I may go in side but only if its not very busy.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Basilica
Torre dell’Orologio
This is another building that a lot of people wait to go inside, as I have been told that you get a great 360 view of Venice from the top.
I have never had the urge to go inside and see this view, mostly as I managed to get to a hotels roof which gave me an amazing view and one I think would be better than this view….but I cant fully comment on that.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Mark%27s_Clocktower
Fruit, Vegetables and Fish Markets
Hand Sculptures
Before coming to Venice this year, I saw this hand structure on the news and I knew I had to see it and also include it in my VLOG.
The hand structure is titled “Support” and its to raise awareness of the water level rise and climate change in Venice.
To see more information on the Italian artist see the below links :
Lorenzo Quinn : Instagram account.
Lorenzo Quinn Website : Lorenzo Quinn
And that’s the holiday over for another year……next visit to Venice I will show you more attractions.
Hopefully you have learned a few new things, even if its just a taster of Venice. If your nervous when you get here do a little walking tour, but to be honest they are over priced and all you do is walk and see places you don’t get to experience much.
Walk about and do it yourself, if you get lost just ask “San Marco” or follow the signs that are up on the buildings.
If you have any questions about Venice, feel free to message me on here or Twitter and also check out my YouTube Video.
