Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Venice

After surprising my parents for Xmas in 2007, the Brit and I decided to escape both families and spend this Xmas alone…in Venice. We'd each been to Venice separately, but never together. and we thought it would be a great time to experience the city without the hoards of summertime tourists. There were quite a few people out on our last day, but on Xmas day the streets were practically empty. During our entire stay it was freezing to the point that the Brit made fun of how many layers I wore.

The trip can be summed up as - very cold, a lot of good food, a lot of good wine and a lot of much needed sleep.

For good restos, I recommend:
La Bitta
La Rivista


7 comments:

Anonymous said...

ah, would you recommend venice as a trip for someone who doesnt get to europe but every three or four years?
i've heard the good & bad - the walt disney atmosphere, canals stink, it's expensive or the flip side: escape the main streets & there are no tourists, great food & a wonderful place to putz around in; a beautiful artistic city sinking into the sea....

Betty Carlson said...

That sounds like a brilliant time to go to Venice. I, like you, have always feared the hoard of tourists (of which I would be one...)

islandgirl4ever2 said...

Don't you just love Venice?! I was there on 24-26 Dec. in 1990. Clean, the canals didn't have any odors... The streets were empty b/c it was Christmas Eve/Christmas day... It wasn't until the 26 that I actually started to see more people out and about... I really like Venice as a city... The history behind it all... I'm a fan of the Renaissance Period...

A (Parisian) Seattleite back in Seattle said...

Deborah - if you've never been to Venice, I'd suggest that you go at least once even if it's only for 1 or 2 days. I've been to Venice a few times and I'm sure I'll visit again. Yes, the city is decaying, sinking and it can get stinky. But on the other hand it's beautiful and photos do not do it justice. Just try to avoid going when there are tons of tourists.

Betty - It was wonderful!

A (Parisian) Seattleite back in Seattle said...

Leesa - you and me both. Everyone who likes the city should experience nearly empty. You miss so much when you have to fight through throngs of people.

Anonymous said...

do you all think the lack of stink is because of the colder weather? when you do all like to go? and i am NOT a fan of large crowds....

A (Parisian) Seattleite back in Seattle said...

Yeah, I think the lack of stink was due to it not being warm. During the summer the smell is stronger. The only times I've been are summer and winter,, and I prefer winter only because there are fewer people. I have yet to visit during spring or autumn.