Without a doubt, Venice is my favorite city in Italy. There is only little things I dislike about Venice, and too much to love.

True that, the Venetian canals in the summer can be quite stink and there is no way to avoid it if you want to see the true beauty of Venice. Also, heavy crowds and all the pigeons might not make this city sound like the perfect destination. But despite all this, I still put Venice as one of the best city I’ve ever been to so far. I find it romantic, relaxing, unique, small yet rich in history.

And I’d say that was the highlight of my italy trip.

I took the water taxi from a train station to the hotel we were staying. I got to see many great views along the way and it was such a good first impression.

It was a really bright day.

We reached The Westin hotel approximately in twenty minutes. The hotel’s dock is right on the Grand Canal and water taxi is the best way to arrive. I find The Westin in Venice is so much better than the one in Rome. Or maybe I just personally prefer Venice more than Rome.

Check out the view from my hotel room. Tell me… How could I not love it?

I wouldn’t want to waste anymore time in the hotel room so I quickly got myself refreshed after showering and moved on to next exciting moment.

a Gondola ride, a beautiful song.

Some gondoliers will sing to you in Italian or play a musical instrument during the gondola ride which you often need to pay extra for such service but it will be worth it. When I heard them sing the very first time while I was crossing a small bridge, I paused immediately to listen and look at how happy they were.

In fact, everyone in this city seems so happy and enjoyable. It really felt like a dream to me at that moment, a very sweet dream.

Only if I could sing an Italian love song.

Locks of love on Accademia Bridge

This is where the lovebirds write their names on a padlock, attach it to a bridge, and throw keys in the river. This act was inspired by a bestselling romantic novel, I Want You (2006), by Federico Moccia.

Taking a short break.

My energy boost after a long walk would be this glass of Lemonade with Gelato sorbet! So refreshing. Gelato in Singapore can’t compare a tiny bit with what I had in italy seriously. I think I spoil my taste bud.

This little bird wanted his shares too. I’m glad I managed to get this shot.

And we continued walking.

I spotted this along the way. What a good sense of humor. “OPEN SOME TIME” hahaha!! Love the ideas.

Should I say this person is being lazy or creative?

Shopping was next. I wasn’t tempted by luxury brands when I was shopping in Venice. It will be another story if I’m in Milan or something.

Venice is uniquely famous for their local crafts and other unique stuffs such as Venetian glass, art sculpture, marbled paper, nice watercolors or oil painting of Venetian scenes, and of course those carnival masks that caught my full attention.

Venetian carnival masks. 

They are so unique and detailed in designs with a long history behind those masks. How they are made and what’s their origin. Isn’t it interesting?

So I bought some back of course. The mask is quite bulky but definitely worth my luggage space. How often do you get to see such thing right? Do take some notes and be more careful when buying these masks. They do sell fake ones as well. But it’s not difficult to tell the difference by looking at all the details. Here’s what I got.

Masquerade Eye Mask, 30 euros.

I also bought “I love Venice” T-shirt for myself and some postcards for loved ones. Shopping was fun but it was not how I wanted to end my day in Venice. Because the best thing to do in at night is actually…

a nighttime stroll

There is not much in terms of nightlife but it’s more about going on a nighttime stroll where I can soak up the atmosphere and do some photography along the way. It was pretty quiet at night and I got to see many beautiful spots without the crowds.

Back to the hotel after 2 hours of strolling.

and relaxed ourself for an hour in the hotel bar soaking up the night view before moving to the next city tomorrow morning.

One day spent in that small island-based city was good enough for me to appreciate all the good things they have. Would I ever go back there again? My answer is yes, obviously. I wonder what it’d be like to spend another holiday over there, but in the winter. Actually, it would be a great idea to bring my parents here as I’m very sure they will like this place like I do.

It’s true as they said about this romantic city. Thank you Venice for your beauty.
Sweet love.- nira