2Day trip to Venice

Alluring and enchanting, magnetic and mysterious, dark and doomed - dangerous beauty indeed🖤. Venice is the place I fell hopelessly in love with even before I set foot on it and both my visits left me longing for more.

My first visit to Venice was rushed with barely 7 hours - not even close to register that I was actually there. Sunset didn’t even begin when I had to leave. The place takes different life at dusk - the transformation from vibrant colourfulness to mystique darkness never looks more beautiful 😍. 

I made a promise to myself that my second visit to Venice is not to be combined with any other place. The intent is to focus only on Venice, but as time passed it seemed less likely 😔. Finally I saw a small window between Scotland to England to India and I jumped on the opportunity. Made all the bookings while sitting at Glasgow airport waiting for the boarding.

Leaving my luggage at my friend’s place, started around 5 am - little over an hour ride to central London and another hour to Gatwick airport for 8 am flight (speak of cutting it close). I landed in Marco Polo airport around 10:30 am and took a bus to Venice - tickets were sold on flight (if recollect right, return bus ride with a window of few days was included😌). 

I took a day pass to water bus and reach the hotel which was a boat in a harbour little away from main area. As it was my first stay on boat, the owner gave me few instructions. After a quick nap, I headed to St. Mark’s square around sunset. 

First I visited Campanile bell tower. Only way to go to top is by elevator as the stairs are closed. The views from the four windows are amazing but most prominent is dome of salute. 

In my previous visit, I had to leave before sunset and missed the live music shows. This time I enjoyed them whilst getting my dinner 🎼🎹. 

It was bit late by the time I started back to the boat and had rare opportunity to see less crowded Venice streets.

After much needed sleep, I had breakfast on the boat which was included and only meal available at the stay. Decent spread of bread, yogurt, cereal with juice and coffee. 

Not wanting to do typical tourist things, I booked a slot for plain air painting workshop. There is only one other lady along with me. We could choose from 2 options at the place and I opted for the view with bridge with a tower and few plazas. In 2 hours, main focus was on shadows and most painting was done by the instructor 😟. 

Our instructor gave reference of an art supplies store where we get good brushes, however, after searching for a while, we gave up on it. I went to a famous sea food place for lunch and spent the afternoon walking around Rialto bridge. 

Around 6 PM, went to the bus station to catch bus to airport. Even 2 day trip did not feel sufficient. Next time, instead of weekend getaway during a work trip, I would like to have a long vacation. Couldn’t wait to revisit this place 🥰.