Venice June 2018
June 15- 17 2018
i had never been to venice but i was very much thrilled to go. you hear and see so much of the city but to see its beauty in real life is a bit surreal. what a great birthday weekend!
Day 1 June 15
as it was friday there was some traffic getting into venice but the weather was really nice so the drive wasn't that bad, driving through the mountains of austria and northern italy. we parked the car then checked into our room. as it was passed our normal dinner time we definitely grew an appetite and were recommended a seafood restaurant close by. they only had a few tables outside which were obviously taken so we settled for a corner table in the back. passing the fresh seafood bar as we entered i was ready to eat.
we finally arrived in venice, parked our car in the large parking lot then checked into our room. as it was passed our normal dinner time we definitely grew an appetite and were recommended a seafood restaurant nearby. we took in some of the sights while walking to the restaurant.
the restaurant only had a few tables outside which were obviously taken so we settled for a corner table in the back. passing the fresh seafood bar as we entered i was definitely ready to eat. for the starter they put together an assortment of all different VARIETIES of seafood and fish, a little bit of everything. it all tasted so good and so fresh. for mains we ordered spaghetti with clams and Seppie in "tecia" (Cuttlefish cooked in squid ink), a local VENETIAN dish. i had never tried it before but it was very interesting as the sauce was quite rich and a bit meaty in flavor and i was surprised to see it served with rice cakes instead of some pasta or bread. the clams and spaghetti were also delicious, the clams were really fresh, simple ingredients but cooked very well.
Osteria da Codroma
Fondamenta Briati, 2540, 30123 Venezia
as it was still a bit light out, we took a quick walk around after dinner to see more of venice by night.
Day 2 June 16
this day was a full day of walking around the city. we had a quick breakfast nearby then walked from our guest room( which was close to the entrance to venice by car) to campo santa margherita then passing the gallerie dell'Accademia over the main bridge of the grand canal. then passing by the concert hall or the church of san vidal through campo santa stefano, a few more churches to finally arrive at st mark's square (san marco).
St. Mark's Clocktower
Santa Stefano Campanile
San Marco Campanile
Saint Mark's Bsillica
Piazza San Marco (St. Mark's Square)
Church of San Giorgio Maggiore
Lion Statue
a lot of walking around and exploring the little streets and small bridges. we found a cute little place to have lunch with an interesting retractable roof. some simple but fresh octopus salad and of course i had to order a pizza. i really think pizza is one of the best things in the world it is so VERSATILE of what can be added on a pizza and when you can eat it which is anytime and anywhere. as it was so hot and we walked quite a bit around, we decided to take a little break and have a short nap.
after we were a bit more rested we walked back towards st mark's square and on the way there we stopped by the fondazione berengo, which had an exhibition about the memphis, a design group that was a huge influences for 80's color and design forms. most people will recognize the style as being from the 80's but most people wouldn't know the group behind these designs and style and an interesting fact they were not from memphis or had any relation with memphis TENNESSEE. we weren't allowed to take pictures inside but here is an article about the exhibition and pictures of the designs.
outside there was an exhibition by ai wei wei called gilded cage, which symbolizes the current U.S. immigration system. it was an interesting contrast to the old ornate building beside it.
we then continued to st mark's square and took a gondola ride. yes it is very touristy and it isn't cheap, 80€ for a 30 minute ride. however when in venice you must do it, you do get a different perspective moving through all the different waterways. and it is still crazy to think that in the past the only way to get around the city was by boat before they had buiilt the bridges and made the streets.
Doge's Palace
Bridge of Sighs