Venice

Note to self, it rains in February in Venice. Further note to self, when the weather is cloudy, don’t try to bargain a 3 Euro umbrella down to 2 Euros, and then skip buying it. We had the good fortune to land in Venice during the Carnival. With masques all around, it held the atmosphere of a renaissance drama. Colorfully attired locals, with wigs and medieval costumes, gawking tourists, casual passer bys – Venice has a charm all of its own. The first advice I’ll give is to have a hotel close to the Grand Canal. If for nothing else, when (and note, I say when, not if), you get lost its easier to ask for directions back. Don’t expect the GPS to work. Simply note some major landmarks like the Canal, St. Mark’s Square, The Jewish Quarter and just ask for directions. Take a trip to Murano, but some authentic Murano crystals (keeping budget in mind). Wander around St. Mark’s square, lose yourself among the narrow lanes in the island, find tiny bridges and canals crisscrossing the city, walk along the markets, buy some of the masks that the city is so famous for, check out the cozy souvenir shops, have a meal at Floriana, walk along the canals and take a ferry in the evening to travel along the Grand Canal.