Around Europe in Twenty Days- Venice the City of Love

( The City of Masks - Venice)

It was a bright morning. We packed our bags yet again in the hotel at Genova for another long journey ahead. The lovely soft croissant, the home made jam and a steaming hot cappuccino went down the throat as if I had not eaten for days. We checked out of the hotel thanking our lovely hostess and headed for Genoa Brignole station which was not too far. We boarded the train departing for Piacenza and avoided going to Milan from where we could have got a fast train, as we were keen to see the countryside of Italy. The train rushed through the granary of Italy and the small station of Piacenza was pretty. Another ride till Bologna was exciting passing through small towns of Fidenza and Modena. A yet another change at Bologna till Padova , was the last leg of the journey. The small city of Ferrara en route looked very enticing. We also saw the huge fields and automobile industries during the entire journey. By the time the train arrived at Padova it was 5 PM. I inadvertently left all my documents in the lounge and the moment I realized I rushed back, panting. Thank god, it was tucked away by the attendant, but I got a scare of my life. A little later we walked into the hotel and dropped in the bed for a breather. Later in the evening we explored the picturesque city with dense arcaded network of streets. The city is best known for the huge University and numerous luxurious villas. There are a number of churches and monuments worthy of a visit in the city.

( The City of Canals- Venice)

Next morning was a day for which I had waited for long. The memories of reading the ‘Merchant of Venice’ flashed past the memory lane. Soon after a quick breakfast we rushed to the Padova rail station and boarded a fast train to Venice. It took less than half an hour to reach Venice.

( At St Lucia Rail Station- Venice)

The huge St Lucia rail station with almost a dozen trains is a sight that cannot be forgotten. Just step out of the platform and one can see the water taxis in the canal across the street. It is an unusual sight. The easiest way to explore this beautiful city is either by walking else by Vaporettos (Water taxis). As we had just a day to explore the city, it was pertinent to make the best use of the time by a combination of both these modes. Galleria dell’ Accademia is a treasure trove to explore the architectural wonders and paintings of some of the greatest like Bellini, Michelangelo and many others .

( A gondola ride in Venice)

The small canals with gondolas floating past are a sight to die for. There is a galore of visual delights like San Salvador, Arsenale di Venezia that left me in complete awe.

( The beautiful Rialto Bridge)

A walk on the Rialto Bridge over the Grand Canal and a street side scrumptious pizza, the antique shops were the magical moments I had always dreamt of.

( Piazza San Marco with Doge's Palace in backdrop)

Piazza San Marco a huge square is the central part of the city has been so for centuries. A large flock of pigeons and never ending swarms of people are the regular feature of this place. Awesome buildings of Doge’Palace, where the rulers lived and doled justice, Basilica San Marco and Saint Mark’s Square Clock Tower surround this.

( Amazing churches of Venice)

Nearby is the infamous Bridge of Sighs that connects the Doges Palace with the Old Prison. In the earlier times, the prisoners were marched off after sentencing in the court in Doge’s Palace directly to the prison over this bridge. The bridge has become immortal after Lord Byron’s poem where he mentions about standing in Venice with one hand on Palace and other on the Prison.

( The beautiful buildings along the canal in Venice)

The architectural beauty of many churches, houses and huge bungalows by the canal side drift past as I rode over a vaporetto admiring the beauty of the canal and the city as the sun slowly set in the west. The twinkling lights of the boats, glittering spires and gondolas are some of the lovely memories that still linger. For art lovers, Venice is a real haven and I look forward to visit the city of masks, canals and love