Italian Road Trip Part 2- Venezia

I love Venice! The canals, the ultra narrow cobblestone streets leading nowhere, the deep history that shines through in the architecture, the gondolas, Murano glass, Piazza San Marco, everything! Studying abroad nearby allowed me to really explore the majestic city years ago. It was one of the only cities I'd been to that Justin had not, so I was excited to show him what he had been missing.

J & E in St. Mark's Square

We were fortunate to have gorgeous weather on our first day and took a water taxi ride from our wonderful hotel, Gritti Palace, to the island of Murano to check out the glass. Our hotel concierge informed us that some of the glass shops will send a complimentary water taxi, give a glass blowing demonstration, allow you to shop for some glass, and then send you back on your way. We signed up sceptical that we'd be given the hard sell. But, we took advantage of this service and were really happy with our experience!

Gorgeous glass everywhere. Had to be careful where I walked!

It was very cool to see the making of some gorgeous glass art. Venetian glass dates back to the 9th century and was originally sculpted on the main island. Since the ultra hot ovens cannot be shut off at the end of the working day, worry of fire moved the art to Murano. The Venetians idolized glass makers and they were once very prominent citizens with special privileges. The skills are still passed down from generation to generation today. It is truly beautiful and a true art form, and we hope to one day own some amazing Venetian glass of our own!

We're on a boat! 

Our second day was spent taking in some culture and getting lost. We visited the modern Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Ca' Pesaro. Ca' Pesaro boasts the largest collection of Asian artifacts in Europe and the Guggenheim Collection's setting is spectacular. Both museums were really impressive. It was also a perfect day or roaming (despite the rain). And we spent hours getting lost eating gelato in the historic city.

The second night our hotel informed us that a strong front from Africa was moving in and that the lobby would be flooded the following day. All the antique furniture was moved out and catwalk stilts were put into place. The elevator was shut off from entering the first floor and the hotel staff slapped on their rain boots. I figured after all my visits to Venice, it was only fitting that on my last day there I would witness an infamous flood.

Gondolas fill the busy canals

However, luckily for us and for the sinking city, the water did not come in as high as expected- at least not while we were there. I find it so hard to believe that such a gorgeous city is on the brink of literally getting buried under water. Hopefully the solutions they are putting into place are a success and we can all enjoy Venice for many years to come.

See our photos from Venice and Paderno del Grappa here.