Venice

We have been very fortunate to visit Venice twice already over the last 2 months. From the Piazza San Marco, to the narrow canals, to the gorgeous churches and angled towers, the place oozed even more romance than I had imagined.

Sam relaxing on the water shuttle on the Grand Canal

Piazza San Marco

Sam being a cool guy at Saint Mark's

 Saint Marks’ square is the main touristic centre and is always bustling with people. There is live music playing from most of the bars, from instrumental covers of popular tunes, to Dixieland jazz, to chamber music, the different groups compete for the crowds.

Saint Mark's Basilica

The canals and the innumerable bridges crossing them are the real heart-stoppers, however. I soon realized that if I stopped at every beautiful/romantic/picturesque spot to “soak it up”, that I would never get anywhere!

The famous Rialto Bridge

On our second visit to the city we met up my parents! They had just spend a week split between Tuscany and Venice and it was incredibly surreal to have our first rendezvous organized for the Piazza San Margherita. Dad, however, surprised us by meeting us as we left the ship!

Mum and Dad at San Marco's

Mozart's house

 The main highlight of our time with them was taking a gondola ride. It cost us €80 for the 20 minute ride, but it was a very special experience. The ride took us past Mozart’s house, which was an unexpected highlight!

Gondoletta!!