In December 2018, we were in Italy for a week for a family holiday. Italy has to be the choice, being the 'hottest' country in Europe in December. We are from the equator.
The Swiss Alps - Quite magnificent
Flying in from London via Ryan Air on a midday flight, we were treated to some spectacular bird's eye views.
After the alpine planes (far upper left) I knew we were in Italy
Anyway, I was also aware that horrible floods will render the city inaccessible. There are no cars or taxis. But you would have guessed - there are water taxis.
There was a horrible flood in November 2019:
https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2019/11/16/st-marks-closed-after-fresh-flood-hits-venice/1810372
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I booked AirBnb on the mainland, near the Venezia-Mestre Railway station. Venice central (old town) is a host of islands, and lagoons, with cobbled streets. It was not ideal to drag luggage bags and was not the easiest place to navigate. The simplest way is to stay on the mainland, and take a bus across the Ponte della Liberta into Venice for the day. The bus ride was pleasant, and we got off the bus at Roma Main Terminal on the island.
The perks of visiting during off-season can never be understated, and is something I prefer.
Winter in Venice, though having shorter day-time, you still get blue skies
Marco Polo is a familiar name to anyone who travels. This Venetian merchant is probably the world's first backpacker and adventurer. Long before the Spanish, Portuguese and Columbus, Marco Polo had traveled to the Far East in the 13th century. His books and writings became inspiration and guides for future explorers of the world.
Marco Polo, was a merchant from Venice.
The Grand Canal from Ponte Del'Accademia, with Santa Maria della Salute at the far right
Photographs can be deceptive. I survived because of my Scottish winter jacket. The temperature was around 8 degrees Celsius, so sunlight was a welcome.
Gondola maker's factory
As usual, we joined the local walking tour, and explored the city on foot.
In life, never judge a book by its cover, or judge a person by his appearance. The San Pantalon church looks extremely ordinary, but thanks to our guide Shannon, we were introduced to one of the most magnificent frescoes in Venice.
San Pantalon church - The owner spent so much money for the interior, that he had nothing left for the exterior
Photography was not allowed, but you could check the mind blowing frescos on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Pantalon
Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, build in the 14th century
The center Venice though is St. Mark's Square, also known as Piazza San Marco.
This place would be packed during summer months
The Bell Tower of the Basilica
San Marco Basilica - Venetian-Byzantine architecture
At the southern end of Venice, the Bridge of Sigh is a sight you won't want to miss. Connecting the court room and prison cell, convicts walk past this bridge and enjoy the final view of Venice.
The Bridge of Sighs
The southwards view is probably one of the most spectacular, be it during sunrise or sunset.
The view from the Bridge of Sighs
The walking tour ended around sunset, at a shopping mall just beside the Rialto Bridge. We were led up the rooftop balcony without much expectations. There was a short queue, but we instantly realized how magnificent and unparalleled the Venetian sunset was. It was surreal, and you would remember this view for the rest of your life.
There was a reason why Venice attracts around 23 million tourist a year
St. Mark's Square and Basilica's Bell Tower (to the right)
Took the water taxi back to Roma station
If there's a reason to keep yourself fit, it's to be able to see the world (when COVID ends).
Visiting Venice during winter and low season (December) turned out to be a superb decision.
Everyone did well traveling during winter
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Fast forward to COVID-19 world, I came across a newspaper article just a few weeks into the lockdown in Venice (April 2020). Without the tourist, the canals and waterways became crystal clear, with fish and dolphins re-appearing.
This report from BBC was refreshing to see:
So it is a fact that as humans, we are a nuisance to planet earth. We should all try our best to live sustainably. But what does 'sustainably' mean???
My understanding is we should not over-consume or destroy resources that future generations require. Everyone could weight in and contribute, starting by cutting down on waste and rubbish. Always 'reduce, reuse and recycle', though it may feel futile and insignificant. When going out to buy food (takeaway), you could bring your own tupperware and bags. There is no need for plastic folks/spoons if you could have your cutleries and eating utensils. There is no need for paper cups or straws. The less things you throw into the dustbin, the better~ For all these 'rubbish' would end up 'idling' in the landfill somewhere.
The fish and dolphins in Venice is a prime reminder before it is too late
We have only one planet earth, and it is our responsibility to live sustainably
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Up next, Florence:
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