New Year's Day in Venice

I had an amazing day in Venice and am keen to go back. I want to go and get lost in the winding streets. Stay for a week or so and go on gondola rides every day.

We took a ferry across the lagoon to the city of Venice and when we arrived I got to see Saint Marks square by day, which was equally stunning and surprisingly clean given the huge street party the night before. We did a walking tour with a local guide. She told us about Venice's seedy past and its power during the renaissance, and the sadness that the Catholic church caused by closing down their brothel houses. She pointed out what she referred to as the 'Titty bridge' named because apparently there was a law in Venice in the 1700s that meant that all prostitutes had to bare their breasts on the bridge in order to gain business. Much more liberal than today. She also told us about how the gondolas used to be used by the locals hundreds of years ago as a place to have their affairs. Of course, the gondolas had only a small canopy so everyone would know exactly what they were getting up to on the boats.

Our first stop after the tour was the Venetian Glass Factory where I bought some very beautiful earrings. We got to see how they make a cat out of molten glass and how they make a jug. The skill they have is mind-blowing.

We then had a ride on the gondolas and I had a moment.I could have spent hours on it. The only thing that was a shame was the gondilier who spent the whole time talking to other gondiliers. I expected some singing. However, it was still absolutely amazing! It was something else all together to get to see Venice from water level.

After the gondola ride, we all split up to get some lunch. Jamie and I split from the pack and found an amazing little local restaurant. It was small and personal with only two staff and six tables. It was about the size of my old bedroom. What that did mean was that we got really personal service and the food. Good god, the food! It wasn't the quick tourist pasta that seems to live in most big restaurants. This was fresh pasta, cooked perfectly.

We headed back to the square after that and did some more shopping. I had to try and behave myself. I find I like shopping at tourist shops more than is probably good for me.
At the end of the day we jumped back on the ferry and went back to the hotel. It had been a long day with little sleep the night before.