waterway wanderings...

Venice. It is magnificent! We are truly amazed at the place and the unreal beauty that surrounds it. I feel also because there are no cars or mopeds or bikes (and the corresponding beeping of horns) we are enjoying the peace of walking without the constant heightened sense of making sure the children aren't about to be run over!

This morning we had pre-booked a private walking tour with a guide that we had been recommended, Rita. She came to our apartment at 9am (we were just about ready - getting teenagers up on holiday is no easy feat!) and off we went to explore Venice through local eyes. For two hours we wandered with her, learning about how the city was built and the on-going work to maintain it - not easy nor straight forward. She pointed out things that we would have easily missed and showed us how if you skirt down the small calles (streets) you can avoid the main tourist drags and have the pleasure of quiet and space.

A place that was of particular interest to use, was the house where Aldo Pio Manuzio lived who developed italics, which because it reduced the space needed for type, allowed books to be printed on less paper and therefore cheeper, ultimately becoming more accessible to the 'masses'. She also showed us Venice's, Ospedale Civile (hospital) which is suited in a immense 15th century building with a facade that dazzles and has a beautiful square out front that the locals meet to drink coffee and she slowly took us to St Mark's Square - just before the crowds arrived. Every turn is so picturesque another moment of 'wow' and appreciation of how unique this city is.

The extent of the tourists is quite overwhelming though, the Rialto Bridge groans under the weight and there is only jostling space in certain key streets...I can understand when we are told that the city has approx 80,000 visitors a day!

Home via the street markets where we bought tomatoes and grapes that tasted like what I grew up with in New Zealand and marvelled at the fish markets and the abundance of produce from the seas.

The afternoon was spent working - a project that goes live next Monday needed our full attention, although we have found that in the heat of the day is best to relax indoors and gather energy for a late afternoon/evening excursion.

So out we went via our favourite ice cream shop - Alaska which has flavours beyond belief - the best of our holiday by far. Uplifted by such 'goodness' we then explored the Cannaregio area which is quiet and offers lovely views of the lagoon. Sitting on the very edge of Venice with our legs dangling over the sea in the setting sun will be a memory we will all retain. Walked through the thought provoking Jewish Ghetto (the world's first and the one who bequeathed its name to all other enclaves of oppression) and its very moving memorial to those who were deported to the Nazi death camps.

Then seduced by the atmosphere and the delicious smells from the many canal side restaurants we decided to enjoy a dinner out (Sienna in this image is checking out the canal!). Found a place that suited us and enjoyed fresh sea bream, black squid spaghetti and scampi and a lot of wine!!! We also enjoyed the noise and animation of the locals who spilled out of their houses as dusk settled and watched in envy as they rode up and down the canal in their boats - what a life they project...

Home via another ice cream shop/cafe for the kids - a place where you literally pour your own ice cream and top with a variety of toppings and dippings - complete with free wifi and a good vibe - my 16 year old has said - it would be a perfect hang out back home for her friends!

Just a wonderful day and one where family memories have been well and truly made...