STUDY ABROAD_Poland: Venice
After taking the bus to Venice, we spent a day and a half in the city. In Venice, we were greeted with a drizzling rain, which may have stopped drizzling once – twice, tops. While this might seem disappointing at first as the vibrant stucco colors and sun glinting off the Grand Canal deserve a blindingly bright day, the rain drove many tourists away, leaving the city significantly emptier for us to explore. It felt as though the city were only for us to see.
It’s easy to imaging the buildings as the most intriguing part of Venice, or perhaps the bridges. However, I like to think the river itself, and all its small tributaries, are the most fascinating. Because the city is built on the water, all transportation that does not rely on sidewalks is dependent on boats. Not only are there stereotypical gondola rides, but there are also gondolas made specifically to ferry larger groups across the river. Because there are only four bridges across the Grand Canal, these ferrying gondolas are frequently used. We managed to fit all fourteen of us in one boat, but I recommend putting fewer people in each vessel.
Public transportation is atypical (boats instead of buses). While there are places to sit, I recommend standing on the front and sides of the boat. You’ll get much better views, and at certain times of the year, the gusting wind will feel quite pleasant. The most unnerving thing about the boat rides was seeing the "garages" at the bottom level of all of the houses facing the river. The openings seemed shorter than they should be to let boats in, which is not surprising considering the city is sinking.
What little land the buildings of Venice are built on is swampy; the soil conditions are far from ideal, and have trouble supporting heavy buildings over long periods of time. Due to the original materials of the buildings, nearly every structure in the city is heavier than the marsh can hold. As a result, the city itself is slowly sinking, causing the boat garages look so short as they were built farther above the waterline than they are now.
If the water isn’t for you, there are many opportunities to get hopelessly lost in the twisting streets. There are a few main pedestrian walkways, but most of the city consists of side streets, alleys, and courtyards that connect in unpredictable and often convoluted ways. Thankfully, there are often signs along the way to guide you to nearby landmarks, primarily public squares. With the signs, you only get slightly lost as you head towards your destination. Or you could wing it – getting lost is half of the fun, and the best way to see the city.
My favorite part of the entire trip involves the city sinking. The tide rises at night, so it’s not uncommon to see small wooden platforms running down the streets, sitting a foot or two above the flood line. It feels like walking down a runway, and the best destination is the Piazza San Marco. Because it is especially low-lying, and closer to the river than many parts of the city, it floods more than most areas. And because it’s a large piazza, the water is very easy to see, and available for the brave to wade in – in their waterproof shoes, of course. It’s at once both an exciting and terrifying experience, to see the buildings that define the square reflected on the ground, in the water that will one day overtake them.
Our time in Venice was fantastic, and we were exhausted but happy when we finally boarded our bus to head to Vienna. Tune in next week for more travel fun, and until then daydream about travel!
Allison’s Recommendations for Venice:
Get lost. Take a few side roads and wander until you find the river. It’s the best way to explore the city.
Walk up and down the waterfront. Cross every bridge at least once. Resist the urge to push the annoying tourist in front of you into the water – it’s not nice, and you should be looking at the sights, anyway.
Take a gondola at least once, preferably with fewer than fourteen people.
When you need public transportation, take a boat. Stand on the sides and feel the wind on your face as you go through the city.
Walk through the Piazza at night, and bring waterproof shoes because wading around the square is an amazing experience.
Bring a camera. It’s usually sunny, and you’ll get great photos. Also bring a rain jacket, just in case. I didn’t expect to need mine, but I was very grateful I brought it.