Venice, the water city, is one of the place I have longed to visit. I have heard so much things about it. People has been talking how romantic & special this city is. Yes, indeed. It is truly romantic. However, I find it too touristy, and too expensive compared to other parts of Europe I have been to.
We were there in a perfect May day for 3D2N. The temperature ranging from 13C at night - 23C during the day. On the sunny day, I did feel a bit warm, but not humid or sweaty. We stayed at Best Western Olimpia at Piazzale Roma, where the main bus station, and the airport bus to Treviso airport-AVTO is. So it is a perfect location. However, on the day of arrival, we walked towards the wrong direction towards to the railway station by crossing a long overhead pedestrian bridge. And then made a round walked to the opposite side of the canal. We were lost. I had read that Venice is a place you just will get lost, and how true it is, the map is of no use at all. The road sign was bad, and in fact, the address printed on the hotel booking sheet was not complete. It did not specify the street name. Luckily we traveled light, nonetheless crossing the many bridges, and going around the area blindly still a big challenge. Finally, we spotted the hotel. Oh.. It was just behind the bus stop, a few steps away. The facade was quite old, out-dated.
Well, afterall, the hotel location is still convenient. Going downtown to the main square-St Mark square, we need to travel by water taxi #1 or #2, and the journey took approximately 40 minutes. Felt excited on my first water bus ride, but the journey was too much boring and long.
The view overlooking grand canal from the bridge from Piazzale Roma to the train station.
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| quiet , peaceful neighbourhood near the hotel |
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| Best Western Hotel Olimpia facade |
Breakfast at the hotel courtyard. Breakfast spread was not too fantastic, in fact I was quite disappointed with the pastries and even the coffee (I assume all Italian coffee is nice). Not as tasty as I had in Paris. This courtyard is a very quiet chill out place for breakfast before kick off our day.
Piazza San Marco, the symbolic heart of Venice is packed with tourist . Overpriced food served in the cafes & restaurants around the square. A cup of cappuccino as high as Euro8.00. We went into one of those small alleys, and found a small sandwich bar for toilet break & quick lunch. We ordered a sandwich , two glasses of drink, the total bill for this simple meal was Euro 20.
In the heart of Venice, this landmark bridge across the Grand Canal, It is the oldest and was the dividing line for districts of San Marco and San Poloand .
Last day in Burano Island
Another long journey to this colourful and unique island - Burano Island. It is to be more correctly to be called an archipelago of four islands. These islands are very small and linked by small bridges, I had initially thought Burano is just one island.The water bus ride took almost like 2 hours (the return was shorter, about 45 mins) as it went a loop passing by Murano Island (the famous murano glass making factories, lack of time and gave it a miss). Once you were on board of this island, it was truly picturesque and beautiful. Though it is still a tourist place, it was far less noisy or busy as in Venice. I love this island very much given its beautiful coloured house. Yes, you will feel happy being in this island. There were many shops selling lace, but the price were expensive which the designs seem like those I can find in Pasar Malam. Probably, I am not good at differentiate the workmanship of these with those cheaper lace products.
We had our lunch at Da Romano Restaurant based on tripadvisor review. Food was fantastic, and fresh mussels cooked really well.
We didnt spend too much on this island, as we have a flight to catch at night, and around 3pm we left the island, taking the water bus back to Piazzale Roma. Before heading home, we had a quick coffee and pastry at the local pastry shop nearby hotel.
In my opinion, a visit to Burano island is a must if anyone is in Venice, and has an extra 1 day to spend. It is simply too beautiful and special.
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