Sagging buildings and waterlogged wood, staggering colours and hidden bridges. Venice is truly is a city of beauty and old-world glamour. The streets breathe and whisper centuries’ old secrets.
Celebrating my 30th birthday in the city of canals was absolutely breathtaking and magical. Such a milestone in my life, the dreaded age, the moment one becomes “old” and supposedly wise. No other place could have been more perfect for such an important moment.
I love the way in which the buildings sag into each other, like if they were trying to fight against time and hold each other up. I have the feeling that they’re fighting a losing battle. Eventually the water will claim the city and it will be such a great loss. Every year, more and more Venetians abandon their dwellings, moving over to more stable towns on the mainland.
How incredibly romantic would it be to have a private bridge to one’s door? To only be able to reach one’s house by means of water transport? The mixture of architectural references is immense, Roman, Arabian and European elements jostle for attention.
Myriad colours assault the eye, from the flowers and plants decorating windows and boat landings to the barber-striped poles and sea-green, foamy water. All of the canals are edged with dark green algae that sways in the tide movement.
For those cynical people that say it is possible to visit Venice in a day or two, let me state that they are completely in the wrong. I spent a lovely four days wandering, discovering, exploring and dreaming and I still did not manage to see all that the city has to offer.
And yes, although I usually run from holiday clichés, I did spend almost an hour on a gondola. Venice is meant to be seen from a gondola, there is no doubt. Relaxing, romantic, all the typical things, but so completely worth every penny.
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We All Love Complaining…
27/04/2010 at 19:12 Permalink
What a perfect way to spend your 30th! Venice is one of my favorite cities EVER. So incredibly romantic. I’d love to go back with my man. Happy birthday sweetie – I’m glad you spent it well
xo
27/04/2010 at 22:50 Permalink
I can’t wait to go back one day! I really hope that you’ll be able to visit the city again and spend some romantic time with your guy.