Venice: Soaking in Italian Vibes and Timeless Experiences

Venice, with its iconic canals and rich culture, is a top destination for experiencing the essence of Italy. During our visit, we opted to explore Venice without the gondola ride, but our journey was unforgettable nonetheless.

Our decision to skip the gondolas may have stemmed from an exaggerated fear of toppling over, but we decided to indulge in the luxury of a private water taxi for a single memorable experience. Although it was probably the most expensive taxi ride of my life, costing about S$200+ for a single trip, the views and the experience were worth every penny. Gliding through the canals in style, we had the opportunity to take in the breathtaking architecture and vibrant life along the waterways.

For the remainder of our trip, we opted for a more budget-friendly and practical mode of transportation: the Vaporetto water buses. These efficient vessels allowed us to explore Venice from a different perspective while connecting us to key attractions and neighborhoods.

One of the highlights of our trip was our stay at the Foscari Palace. With a million-dollar view of Venice from its balcony, this hotel exceeded our expectations. Conveniently located next to artistic hand sculptures in the Grand Canal, the Foscari Palace surprised us with an upgrade to a spacious canal-facing room. From our window, we enjoyed watching gondolas pass by, adding charm to our unforgettable stay. I rarely talk about hotels, but this one left a lasting impression.

One of the most unexpected discoveries was a massive mall with luxury brands, emerging seamlessly from the picturesque walkways of Venice. It was a testament to the city's ability to blend its rich history with modern conveniences.

One day, our European adventure had us craving for a taste of home, specifically rice. To satisfy our rice cravings, we ventured into the outskirts of Venice and stumbled upon a small Chinese restaurant. We didn't care about appearances; all we wanted was a comforting bowl of rice. Lol.

Venice was beyond special. Its canals, historic charm, and culinary delights made it a cherished destination.