Venice
Venice needs no introduction. It is truly one of the most unique and amazing cities on earth. It is located on a series of islands separated from the mainland by a bridge. Transport is by boat or you get around on foot.
Venice has unfortunately been ruined by tourism. This makes it horrendously expensive and unpleasant to visit due to the hordes of tourists, many from cruise ships, who descend on the city every year.
All the prime real estate has been bought up by huge Italian conglomerates or family empires, converting former living space into shopfronts selling tourist goods. This has threatened the way of life of local residents who can no longer afford to live in their own country.
I have been to Venice twice and was fortunate enough to visit the second time during the pandemic. The city was practically empty and I was able to observe the Venice of yesterday with just local people going about their business. Prices has also plummeted. The first time I visited was in 1998 as a poor backpacker. I am and my then girlfriend were not able to afford a hotel in Venice itself and had to commute daily from the mainland. This time I stayed in a super luxury old-school suite right in one of the main squares. I paid 90 € per night. The price now ranges from 600-1000 €!
St Mark’s square, the centerpoint of Venice was practically deserted at night. The famous Rialto Bridge, which crosses the Grand Canal, was almost empty.
During the pandemic, cruise ships were banned and the polluted water in the canals started to regenerate and there were even fish spotted! Now, the city has reneged and allowed ships back in.
Venice is famous for its ornate bridges, magnificent palaces (the most famous of which is the Doge Palace in St Mark’s square) and Murano Glass. Venice is also known for its masks worn at the annual carnival and the world famous Venice Film Festival.
But the best part about Venice is just getting lost in the backstreets and alleys and finding amazing wonders away from the tourist hordes. On my first visit, I remember stumbling across a random square with local kids kicking a football around. Down a side alley, I found an old guy operating an old projector in an old school cinema, reminding me of the 1988 film Cinema Paradiso.
Verona
Verona is city in the north of Italy near Venice. It is famous for its opera which is held in an old Roman Amphitheater. Shakepeare’s Romeo and Juliet was set in Verona.
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