Many years back, I’d seen a legendary Bollywood actor croon sweet nothings to an actress (known for her famed portrayal of an embittered hippie), while on a Venetian gondola. The image stayed with me all these years, ensuring that Venice remained a much-dreamt-about locale for me.
So it was only expected that when hubby and I were short listing possible vacay spots to bring in one year of wedded bliss, Venice came up trumps.
The second week of April set in, bringing with it much excitement and fervor. After a brief stopover at Paris, we landed at Marco Polo airport, Venice’s main aeroporto.
From the minute we stepped on the cobbledstones, we were hooked by the allure and magic of this architectural masterpiece that is Venice. By far the singularly most appealing and charming thing about Venice is that it is an entire city built on water – to be precise, 118 islands, 117 canals and the most majestic of all – the Grand Canal, some 360 bridges, including the famous Rialto and the Bridge of Sighs. Add to this a place where you see no automobile in sight, and you have all the trappings of a charming, quaint place. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were also in Venice the same time as us, accompanied by their brood of children.
The water transport is incredible, to say the least – Gondolas, Vaporettos, Traghetti, and water taxis sail at various levels of speed across the length and breadth of this floating city. Even hubby, the staunch believer in the all-European-cities-look-alike-philosophy, had to take his words back, and admit that it was a place unlike any he’s seen before (and he has travelled a lot). Waterfront houses, palazzos, bistros and trattorias – all vie for space, their pictures doing no justice to their actual splendour.
Our home for the next few days was a charming B&B – Fujiyama, whose review I promptly posted on TripAdvisor here. After a hearty breakfast, we would set out for strolls, taking in the sights and smells. There were also the unforgettable Eurostar journey to Milan – a fashion paradise, the Murano island - famed for its exquisite glass, the equally gorgeous Burano island – known worldwide for its delicate lace, and the Lido island – home to the Venice Film Festival every September, when the likes of George Clooney and his other A-lister friends descend upon it, at his sprawling villa near the island.
But, coming back to Venice, the sights were many, the smells most appetizing. Each trattoria after another had tantalizing smells, and I can safely say that we have had some of our most delectable meals here – pizzas, ravioli, risotto, gelatos (favored most by me on account of my overtly sweet tooth), pasta, spaghetti, brioches, cannoli, Granitas, Tiramisu, Gnocchi – the works. The spirits were aplenty too – hubby and my personal favourites the Merlot, Campari and Bellinis. The concept of Aperitivo is a fantastic one – where, if you are buying cocktails at a bar, you can go through the buffet line as many times your tummy desires. And the spirits keep getting cheaper!
Burp! After that gastronomic’s delight above, perhaps I should also mention the repeatedly-etched-in-pictures-and-portraits – San Marco Church at St. Marks Square. Our online research capabilities proved very helpful, because we were able to beat a serpentine queue outside the Basilica, thanks to a free-fifteen minute pass we had looked up online. Near St. Marks Square, it was a wonder to see the likes of Chanel, Gucci, Armani, Salvatore Ferragamo, Valentino, Bvlgari, Prada, Fendi, Miu Miu, Max Mara, Versace etc hobnobbing with their humble streetside counterparts. Of course, the shopping paradise was Milan – with its quadrilatero d'oro (The Rectangle of Gold), where I stood agape for a few seconds, before hubby dearest reminded me gently that people had started looking.
So while I have ticked two out of the three fashion capitals of the world, it waits to be seen now when I do the third….
But till then, I will sing songs about Venice being the ultimate honeymooner’s paradise. A place for languorous strolls, lazy tides, delightful tratorrias, gondola rides, sparkling wine, and some quality time with your mate. It should top every honeymooner’s wishlist.
It wasn’t just a coincidence that it is Casanova’s land.
And while I still remain a Paris loyalist, I also proclaim - Ti Amo, Venezia!
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