After arriving in Bologna yesterday afternoon, it was time for our first full day of touring.
It was a Monday morning and we had a train to Venice booked for around 0830. Breakfast starts at 0700 so we arrived dead on the dot to grab some food before our journey.
The hotel offered a small banquet of food for breakfast; cereals, meats, cheese, rolls, yoghurt, cake, muffins, pastries, fruit and even had a small hot option, eggs, bacon and sausage.
There was even wine on offer!
Obviously there was coffee of various kinds, but I was totally thrilled to see they had tea available too. Earl Grey at that. Well I was thrilled and asked for a pot.
We scarfed down our food and popped to reception to ask for help in getting a taxi. Ten minutes later we were at the train station and heading down to the platform.
Taxi!
The train took around 90 minutes as we had chosen the fast train. Sitting in leather reclining seats, there was free wifi, snacks and drinks and even air conditioning.
Post Train!
All for an extra £6. In fact, the return journey was only £30 approximately AND we could book it all on the British based website, Trainline.
Arriving in Venice, we walked out of the station, down some marble steps and there was The Grand Canal.
Walking Out Of The Station
Of course it was quite busy with lots of people milling around. We had to make a decision whether to walk the twenty minutes or so to St Marks Basilica or get a waterbus.
To save my knee a little, we bought an all day ticket for the waterbus and headed to the correct bay to wait for the next arrival. The service was exceptionally busy but a kind gentleman gave me his seat.
On the Water Taxi
I have to say that this was a blessing as we didn’t realise that the taxi criss-crosses the canal, stopping on both sides and the actual journey took over an hour!
It was a great opportunity to get lots of photographs though and I certainly took advantage of that.
As I snapped away, I exchanged lenses frequently as I was trying out a longer lens that gives great effects if used right.
The Famous Poles
Eventually we arrived at the Piazza and got off the water-taxi.
San Marco Piazza
What an absolutely stunning sight.
In the Piazza
Marble fronted buildings, outstanding architecture, and paintings like I had never seen. I really was in my element, just looking around and taking photographs.
Such detailing
The queue to get into the Basilica was snaking around the square. I knew I would never be able to stand in one spot long enough get to the front of the queue.
The Famous Lion of St Marks
Boo wasn’t too fussed about going inside either, so we made the decision to sit at a café and take in the atmosphere.
That Marble!
One cold drink later and we set off to explore some more.
Cold Drink Time
Our first location was The Bridge of Sighs. This could be seen whilst standing on a bridge looking down the canal.
the Bridge of Sighs
Of course, it was hectically busy and there was little chance we would get a photograph without other people in the shot.
Just About See It!
Oh well, at least we ticked if off the ‘to do list’.
From the water Taxi
Again I focused on architecture and design; taking close ups of specific features and using the different lenses to try out new techniques.
Views From The Water
The longer lens can give the effect of the foreground being crisp, with a blurry background OR vice versa, depending how you twist the focus ring; blurry foreground and crisp background.
Amazing Architecture
I have to admit to having a lot of fun experimenting with the camera, whilst wandering around. Venice truly is a beautiful place and there was so much to look at.
St Marks From A Distance
Thankfully the weather was extremely balmy and sunny. There was barely a cloud in the sky as we wandered around down tiny little old alleyways.
Tiny Alleyways
We decided to take a bit of a mooch through some of the shops within the maze-like alleys. Murano glass is very popular and I even treated myself to a tiny little fish in a bowl for the bargain price of €12.
Murano Glass
I then threw the boat out a little further when I came across a fountain pen shop; Campo Marzio and fell in love with a gift set that contained a pink pen, cyclamen coloured ink and two small notebooks with vivid coloured paper.
Sights Everywhere
Of course, it fell into my shopping basket, as did a pink covered book with cyan blue paper.
My Purchases
We walked all the way back to the Rialto bridge and stopped to take more photographs before hopping on more water-taxis were we decided to ride to the end of the line.
Such Wonderful Sights
Whilst doing so, we saw new art installations being put in situ, weddings taking place and of course, lots of gondolas. I genuinely couldn’t resist taking photos of them!
The Terrific Two
We spent our last few hours walking along the Grand Canal before heading to a restaurant which was well reviewed; Trattoria Al Lance.
Glorious Gondolas
When we arrived the place was completely empty which didn’t bode well at all. Thankfully we took a punt on it and I am so glad we did as I had the best pizza I think I have ever eaten.
Superb Scenery
Salami, artichokes, wurst, mushrooms, olives and even a fried egg in the middle. It was absolutely fantastic and I ate every single bite.
Delicious!
By the time we finished, the restaurant was full and so were we!
Just Beautiful
Time was also up and we needed to head back to the train station to make our way back to Bologna.
Beautiful Brickwork
I was so glad to have spent time in Venice. It really was a glorious City and having taken over 400 photographs, I have a lot of happy memories to look back on.
The Basilica
However, if you think Venice was stunning….. There is Milan, Florence and Verona still to come.
The Rialto
Not to mention Bologna itself!
Life In Venice
Till next time,
SPSG xxx