The Soft Sunny Skies and Warm Days of Venice, Italy!

For a romantic get-away (celebrating our 9th Anniversary), my sweetie took me to the Venice!  We felt the warmth of the Italian people as early as our plane ride, where we meet a new friend who drove us from the airport.  Rick Steves sums it up perfectly, Venice is Europe's best-preserved big city".  With only gondolas, boats (even the bus is a boat), water taxi's and more boats, it's easy to fall in love with Venice!   

Venice has 400 bridges and 2,000 alleys and is home to 60,000 people in its old city. It's easy to get lost, but exciting to get away from the other tourist and just soak in it all. "Venice is a car-free kaleidoscope of people, bridges, and odorless canals." Strict laws prohibit any changes in these buildings, which makes Venice "Europe's best-preserved medieval city", as Rick Steves says.  Here was my favorite view of the Basilica di S. Maria della Salute from St. Marco's Square.

We carried a water bottle to refill at the public fountains. Public fountains, pure, safe and refreshing tap water piped in from the foothills of the Alps. The Italian girl on the plane told us because Venice has been a pilgrimage, (it has over 116 churches) it would refresh those who came worship. They are around every corner.

A local Venetian watering her plants.

Santa Maria della Salute at sunset.

The ligthhouse on Murano.

We visited the glass making factory on Murano.

The Bridge of Sighs.

Coming home to England felt like walking an the outdoor air conditioning!   Venice has become one of my absolute favorite cities to visit!