Venice As Seen From the Water

When you visit Venezia you must take time to appreciate the city from the water. It is after all, a city of islands. Water water everywhere, it is an integral part of Venezia. I found the Gondola is not an easy thing to get into or out of. At least not for me, I am too unsteady on my feet,  I found it to be quite awkward. Depending on the tide, you might be stepping up or stepping down a foot or more. The one time that I rode in one, there was a guy who stood on the “dock” and held out his hand as assistance to get in, and the same thing for getting back out. But that was the extent of the help for anyone in our Gondola – or that I saw on others.  The Gondolier stood in back and verbally directed us where to sit. – but do take a ride at least once.

The Vaporettos are a great way to get around if you get tired of walking. They run on schedule and frequently throughout the day. They can be very crowded at times, there is seating in the rear and very front, while the middle of the Vaporetto is standing only.  Be sure to hold on if you are standing because the ride can be rough at times, and when they dock at a stop, it is more like a crash landing 🙂  The cost is €7,50 and good for 75 minutes.  We purchased a 7 Day pass for 60,00 €.   Do be sure to swipe your card before boarding. We saw an awful lot of people who did not, and I confess I didn’t on one trip as I was in a hurry to get on. However, on our last trip to Piazzale Roma there was an ACTV employee/Conductor? checking ticket validation – if you get caught, I understand there is quite a hefty fine – €50 or €60? So, just do it!

The thing I kept forgetting about the Vaporetto stops was, that despite the fact that they are cement, and appear to be an extension of the Calle, there being an enclosed structure on them, they ARE floating in the water and move around quite a bit. Depending on the tide, wind etc, they can be swaying and bobbing a lot.  I did notice that Venetians had no trouble whatsoever, even the elderly.  I guess they are used to it 🙂 I on the other hand looked like a drunken sailor much of the time.

Grand Canal as seen from the Ca’ Rezzonico Vaporetto stop

The Campanile di San Marco

Santa Maria della Salute as seen from a Gondola

The Rialto Bridge – under restoration as seen from the Grand Canal

Santa Maria del Rosario – also known as the Gesuati on the Zattere

Another look at Santa Maria della Salute

The Grand Canal

The Grand Canal

A view of the Grand Canal from the Accademia Bridge

You don’t think about the fact that the only way to get anything into, or out of Venice, the only way to get around, the only means of transporting anything, is by boat. Also remember, that the boats travelling along the canals, are not very large. I cannot imagine how long it must take to say, move into an apartment with all of your furniture and belongings. I’m sure it is quite an exercise to coordinate it all. I watched these guys in the first picture, unload, and carry to where they’d be working, all of the pieces to construct the scaffolding you see in the second picture.

Local workers bringing in material to construct scaffolding

And this is the final product!

Picking up the garbage

 

Italy’s version of the Good Humor Truck?

Unloading in Campo San Barnaba

Gondola Traffic Jam

Headed for Piazzale Roma no doubt

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