Venice - The city of canals and bridges

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

Venice is probably the top tourist destination in Europe, but I was more attracted to the history and tradition. Venice was Europe's center of commerce, trade, arts, literature, architecture. In short, Venice was the richest city in Europe (and probably the world) in the 13th century. I would never forget my history text books, where I studied the Renaissance Period. Venice, was the at the heart of the Renaissance. 

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