After studying abroad in Italy my junior year of college, I began to think that Venice as a vacation destination was over-hyped and overrun by tourism. I was exposed to unique and charming cities packed with cultural value that were overlooked because of the romantic notion of a gondola ride. But when you visit Venice, you remember that there is a reason why people go here. It is special. Your first step off the train transports you into a world that is fabulously unreal and unlike any other place you will visit. Every street, canal and boat are perfect photo ops. Getting lost (which will happen) is a-ok because you'll encounter the charm of undiscovered streets. Sure, you will have to mortgage your house in order to go on a gondola ride. And, of course, an espresso in St. Mark's square will cost you 10 euro. You will be tempted to think that anyone who pays these prices is a fool and you will refuse to put yourself in the same category as these naive tourists. Don't be a cynic. Just pay the charming sneaky gondolier and enjoy the touristy ride. Pay for the overpriced coffee and sit in St. Marks square at night while the piazza slowly floods with water and the orchestras play past midnight. You will be thankful you did.
Venice High Points
1. Take out Pizza in St. Mark's square
2. Late night orchestra music
3. Our navigation skills
4. Our first taste of Gelato for the trip
Venice Low Points
1. The longest walk of our lives (in the rain)
2. Squid Ink pasta
3. No galoshes and one umbrella
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