Venice is truly a romantic city and one of the most beautiful places I have visited to date. What sets this city apart? Numerous aspects contribute to its uniqueness! With pedestrian-only walkways and canals serving as the primary thoroughfares, the entire city exudes charm and allure.
During our trip from Milan, we took the regional train to Venice, benefiting from the proximity of two train stations that facilitate easy transportation to and from the city. Our accommodation at the Hilton Garden Inn, while American in origin, offered the most favorable rates and proved to be quite convenient. It was just a short public bus ride to both the airport and the train stations, as well as the entrance to Venice itself.
From the moment I arrived in Venice, I was captivated by the remarkable architecture and infrastructure of the city. As a tourist, one often overlooks certain aspects—unless, like me, you consider emergency services and public works. These elements are crucial to any community, and Venice is no exception.
While sitting by one of the canals, I began to hear a siren growing louder. I thought to myself, "Wait, I'm in Venice, and there are no cars here." To my surprise, the source of the sound turned out to be an ambulance boat, fully equipped like a traditional land ambulance, complete with an interior cabin and flashing lights. This revelation sparked my imagination; as a paramedic, I wondered what it would be like to dock a boat with a patient at the hospital's boat ramp. I had never considered such logistics before, and this insight enhanced my overall experience in Venice.
The narrow and wide pathways meandering between buildings and canals, traversing bridges and passing beneath structures, were genuinely captivating. I found myself drifting away from the typical tourist areas to immerse myself in the local living spaces, observing how residents navigate their environment. It was particularly intriguing to engage with locals who emphasized that walking is the most effective mode of transportation. Although water taxis are available, many residents assert that walking is preferable. To my surprise, the extensive network of pathways connecting various areas made navigation much easier than I had anticipated. Additionally, the rich aromas of the local cuisine significantly enhanced my exploration.
While we didn't get to spend a long time in Venice, we experianced a truly beautiful city. Follow my next blog - Tuscany, for our train experiance through the tuscany region as we made our way to Rome!