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Thread: Venice

  1. #1

    Default Venice

    Currently in Venice, with my wife, mum and sister. This is the most tourist-stricken city I've ever visited. Certainly, I've been to cities with larger tourist crowds, but they've always also offered something beyond the ordinary tourist experience. Here, it's been nearly impossible to avoid tourist traps. The food is almost universally tourist-adjusted, but some restaurants are happy to serve more authentic fare upon request. People have been very friendly we decided to go with Airbnb this time and it's been excellent. Incredible apartment that I suspect is only used by visitors but still feels very welcoming and home-y. Airbnb was good when we last used it a few years ago but even better now, and my regrets about spending my $$$ on other stocks are stronger than ever we're in a slightly less touristy area with better food.

    Getting here was a surprisingly pleasant experience (apart from pubic hair in every urinal, see WTF-thread) up until the point where we discovered that cabs only take you to like one central location from where you have to walk. We love walking, but my mum can't walk very far at a time.

    The city itself is quite lovely although our exploration has been slightly hampered by thunderstorms (also lovely, when you're indoors). I must confess that, as old cities go, I still kinda prefer Visby, but this place is cool. Many opportunities for Doge-jokes.

    The best experiences so far have centered around gelato. We found a couple of places that are universally well-regarded by both locals and visitors, and god damn. I could eat that stuff all day every day. This is the first time I've understood the point of fiori di latte.

    Mobile data and GPS work fairly well (thank you once again, EU roaming regulations) and wifi is otherwise fairly ubiquitous. There are some advantages to getting 25 million tourists every year.

    My friends who've lived in Italy were unanimous in their recommendation to forego visiting Venice in favor of a long list of more pleasant and less touristy cities. I get that, but this has always been a dream of my mother's and she seems very happy in spite of all the bustle, it is surprisingly romantic, and there's a pretty good vibe. Unlike other touristy places, tourists here are polite, quiet and well-behaved. Haven't come across any intolerable children so far, for example--only cool ones.

    The Biennale was a disappointment. We went at the wrong time, will post a video of the worst part of this experience. I suspect a trip to Venice should be planned in such a way that you can experience the Biennale properly. Carole Feuerman's sculptures in the garden 5 minutes from the Biennale were more satisfying.

    Anyway, now we're off to enjoy our last day here. Still holding on to a desperate hope of finding truly excellent coffee.
    "One day, we shall die. All the other days, we shall live."

  2. #2
    Incidentally, whereas Stockholm is one of a long list of European cities that have been nicknamed "The Venice of the North", Venice itself appears to be worthy of the nickname "The Bangladesh of Europe". There are Bengals EVERYWHERE. I have no doubt life is tough here for my countrymen, but they all seem happier here than the Bengals I met in Paris, for example. Yesterday was Eid, and it was nice greeting one Bengal after another with "Eid mubarak!" and chatting for a few minutes. I used to shy away from this kind of interaction but I have, over the past few years, become more comfortable with approaching unknown Bengals, and it has always been a pleasant experience. I'm glad we're everywhere #bengalpower
    "One day, we shall die. All the other days, we shall live."

  3. #3
    Thank you, this confirms my desire to never go to Venice.

    I do, however, highly suggest Toronto.

    Why did you want to see the Biennale?

  4. #4
    Toronto is basically New York City...except worse in every way.
    Hope is the denial of reality

  5. #5
    The three European cities I've always most wanted to visit are Venice, Prague, and Copenhagen. I don't know that I'm put off by it being "touristy."
    Last night as I lay in bed, looking up at the stars, I thought, “Where the hell is my ceiling?"

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by LittleFuzzy View Post
    The three European cities I've always most wanted to visit are Venice, Prague, and Copenhagen. I don't know that I'm put off by it being "touristy."
    I always find it awfully funny if tourists whine about a place they visit as too touristy. That whole 'touristy' thing actually affects the locals a lot more than any tourist who visits. I tell you this as somebody who not so long ago lived in central Amsterdam.
    Congratulations America

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