Venice, Italy
When I wrote my last post, Dave and I were both feeling overwhelmed with all the complications that had arisen with our travels. There have definitely been a lot of ups and downs on this trip, and they were starting to take our toll on us.
After the uncomfortable nine hour train ride to Venice, we walked out of the train station to see the beautiful Grand Canal. Our spirits were lifted almost instantly when we arrived in this quiet city.
There are no cars in Venice. Instead, people transport themselves on foot or boat. It’s a different way to live, and it feels peaceful to share winding alleys with only other pedestrians. The streets are narrow and lined with tiny shops. It’s really a gorgeous place to experience.
The biggest tourist attraction in Venice is Piazza San Marco. The piazza holds Basilica di San Marco and a palace. The basilica is beautiful, but it is nothing compared to the enormous basilicas we saw in Rome.
What I have found most fascinating about Piazza San Marco are the pigeons. There are hundreds of pigeons in the piazza, but the fascinating thing is that people feed them. There are vendors that sell corn to the tourists, and hundreds of people stand around in the square feeding the pigeons. Somehow, I find it both disgusting to see people feeding these dirty birds and fascinating as I wonder why adults are participating in this activity. But that’s just me, I guess. Apparently, I am one of the very few who think that though.
We have heard that you can go to Piazza San Marco around 9 am when the city feeds the birds. They set food in nets and catch about 80-100 of the birds that land. Our guidebook says you will be reminded of Hitchcock’s The Birds. The locals say the government says they take the captured pigeons to a “nice farmer,” which is awfully reminiscent of the nice farm childhood pets went to when they really died. The locals are under the impression they are killed due to overpopulation. These pigeons are so fat I’m surprised the don’t just explode. Okay, enough bird-hating.
Dave and I have been spending our time in Venice just enjoying the ambience of the city. There is plenty to see here, but we have been keeping ourselves fascinated just exploring the pleasant, tiny streets, shopping, and eating delicious food. It’s been a relaxing break from the overwhelming sightseeing of Rome and Naples.
After the uncomfortable nine hour train ride to Venice, we walked out of the train station to see the beautiful Grand Canal. Our spirits were lifted almost instantly when we arrived in this quiet city.
There are no cars in Venice. Instead, people transport themselves on foot or boat. It’s a different way to live, and it feels peaceful to share winding alleys with only other pedestrians. The streets are narrow and lined with tiny shops. It’s really a gorgeous place to experience.
The biggest tourist attraction in Venice is Piazza San Marco. The piazza holds Basilica di San Marco and a palace. The basilica is beautiful, but it is nothing compared to the enormous basilicas we saw in Rome.
What I have found most fascinating about Piazza San Marco are the pigeons. There are hundreds of pigeons in the piazza, but the fascinating thing is that people feed them. There are vendors that sell corn to the tourists, and hundreds of people stand around in the square feeding the pigeons. Somehow, I find it both disgusting to see people feeding these dirty birds and fascinating as I wonder why adults are participating in this activity. But that’s just me, I guess. Apparently, I am one of the very few who think that though.
We have heard that you can go to Piazza San Marco around 9 am when the city feeds the birds. They set food in nets and catch about 80-100 of the birds that land. Our guidebook says you will be reminded of Hitchcock’s The Birds. The locals say the government says they take the captured pigeons to a “nice farmer,” which is awfully reminiscent of the nice farm childhood pets went to when they really died. The locals are under the impression they are killed due to overpopulation. These pigeons are so fat I’m surprised the don’t just explode. Okay, enough bird-hating.
Dave and I have been spending our time in Venice just enjoying the ambience of the city. There is plenty to see here, but we have been keeping ourselves fascinated just exploring the pleasant, tiny streets, shopping, and eating delicious food. It’s been a relaxing break from the overwhelming sightseeing of Rome and Naples.
posted by Lindsay | 2:50 PM
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