Stepping from the train platform, I didn't truly embrace Venice for what it was. In hindsight, I had just stepped forth onto a place with bodies of water all around. Across from me was an old run down line up of buildings almost side by side with barely there alleys with water buses (aka boats) going back and forth along the Grand Canal. Quite a sight for the eyes, but being tired and wanting to find what direction we were headed in asap, I lacked the enthusiasm to fully experience my initial "aha!" moment with this city.

For as long as I could remember, Venice was my dream city. I had thoughts of saving the prospect of travelling here for a wondrous or special moment, like a honeymoon, or a big girl trip moment. I guess the latter came true, but perhaps it was thinking that Venice was ultra expensive or a nearly impossible place to travel to, that the chance would be far far away. I was a bit overwhelmed and excited to be in Venice. My emotions didn't truly show, possibly due to being tired or also realizing that all the hype I had growing up didn't fully match what I had perceive Venice to be.
Now this sounds anti climatic, but sometimes you dream and foreshadow a place to be a certain way for so long (due to the pictures you see or all the hype up talk you hear about it), and then your expectations ends up falling short. Don't get me wrong, Venice was an amazing city, but different than how I had always had imagined it to be. Maybe the weather threw us off as it rained the second day, or realizing how ineffective the city can be when the water buses go on strike (which did happen on our second day), or losing electricity our first night... all in all, Venice will never be forgotten.

Purchasing a 48 hour (there are various duration of passes you can choose from) Venice card for 30 Euros is definitely more worth it than paying 7 Euros each time. Though you may think you will take less trips than the cost of a card, do factor in the chances of hopping on a wrong boat, being at the wrong platform, and scanning in at the wrong time. The card allows for human error and as its unlimited use, you won't have to worry about mistakes! Good thing we were able to make some quality uses out of it the first day as like I said earlier, the water buses went on strike during our second day there. Apparently the drivers don't make that much as some people don't pay when they get on and so its actually a smart move to get the government to act upon it as the city can't function effectively without the water buses.

The first day we got an unintentional tour down the Grand Canal while heading to San Marco Piazza and the Basilica. After seeing so many cathedral, they start resembling each other and it gets less interesting, but it was fun just to frolic, explore hidden alleyways, and chase after pigeons as you can see me doing in the photo below. St. Mark's Campanile (the bell tower) is also in this square, and pardon my lack of knowledge, but it's not until now as I'm writing this blog that I just realized that's what that tower was and how it's a recognized symbol of Venice; I guess tourist attractions are only as popular as you are made aware of them... harhar.

As with our luck, half of the Rialto Bridge was under construction when we were passing through the Canal, so no decent photo was captured, but just having a ride down the Canal felt charming. A huge tip is to take the #1 water bus after 9pm for a calm and more collected tour to yourself as less people are out and about in the evening (Venice is a very calm city once the sun sets-minor night life!) Also, eat dinner away from the tourist hub-restaurants farther away and those hidden in alleyways have better deals and prices!


Day 2

Though the water buses were on strike (how many times did I say this now?), the minimal amount of service was offered which meant long wait times and having to trek further to find a stop with a water bus running. We had plans to go to the island of Murano and Burano, so from the main train station stop we walked from Fervovia to Fondamente Nove, the port that takes you to those islands. The walk there was a good 30-40 minutes, but there was plenty to see as boutiques, souvenir shops, and even market stalls selling fresh fruits and juices were bountiful.
Venice is known for these intricate "Venetian" masks...hence the name, which I didn't realize-duh! 
Murano is about 20-25 minutes away from Venice and it's known for the glass blowing factories. If you go early enough, apparently you can see the employees at work and making glass art live. Other than the blowing glass, there isn't much to see here so I say one hour is enough. Though due to the strike, waiting for a water bus took longer. From Murano to Burano, it's about an hour ride and they have lots of colourful houses as well as seafood. I didn't find the food exceptional, but once again, we were tired, impatient, and a tad grouchy from the mix mash of waiting and the cool weather making us blue.
Glass helium balloons! So cute!
A giant glass display in Murano
Go-Yield-Stop: Burano
What an a-maze of a city-literally! It's so easy to get lost wandering alleyways and roaming the streets of Venice, but that's what makes it an adventure and a joy to stumble upon hidden gems. That night, we ended it off with over priced drinks at the top of the Hotel Carlton, right across the train station. All in all, Venice was a different, but an unique experience. We rolled with the punches, and left more thrown off than when we started... more on this in the next post!