Travel Made Different – Venice

Wanderlust is seriously kicking in right now, as I browse through the photos
taken during the recent trip to Italy. It is my first time to Venice, I know it’s long overdue,
but please allow me to put these wonderful memories up on my blog so I can always come back to read about them.

A lot of people tell me that Venice is a romantic city.
May I please also add that this is such a unique city with so much to offer culturally and ahem, “materialistically”. Haha! The first thought that came to my mind while weaving around Venice is
“Wow! That’s a lot of big labels in such a tiny city!”.
If you’re looking for some serious shopping, Venice is definitely the place to be at.

And of course, when you’re in Venice, how can you possibly miss being in Piazza San Marco (St Mark’s Square)?

This place is picture perfect (minus the hordes of tourists).

A must-do when you’re in Venice. Visit St Mark’s Square in the middle of the night.
I know this sounds crazy, but I heard that it is a magical sight.
Yes, I haven’t done it yet because it’s not easy to wake me up after I’ve fallen asleep.
Will do it the next time I’m there. Heh!

When in Venice, roam around without a map and take in the sights and sounds.
Venice is a really small city but trust me, even if you walk with a map,
you might lose your way too because the buildings all look almost the same (to me at least)!
The streets are old but charming and the there is a picture-perfect corner every 15 mins.

I love exploring new places because there is always something new to see, always something interesting I’d find.
I love the sights and sounds in Venice!

Those are food. And these…

These are made of Murano glass! And of course, how can I possibly leave Venice
without some Murano glass accessories for myself?

Unfortunately, I only had one and a half full days in Venice.
I think it would be great to visit Murano to learn more about the making of the famed Murano glass
if you have more time in Venice the next time you visit.

When we were there, we also took a gondola. It set us back by about 80 euros –
pretty expensive for a 15-min ride if you ask me.
But I really respect how much effort the gondoliers put into maintaining their gondolas
and the dedication they have for their work. Most of the occupants in Venice are in tourism industry.
If I was born a Venetian, I don’t mind being a female gondolier! Do they allow that? Haha.
I need to read up more about them!

Our gondola headed out to the open seas!

And gave us a nice view of St Mark’s Basilica!

On the way back, we also cruised by Ponte dei Sospiri, also known as the Bridge of Sighs.

This bridge has a beautiful and tragic story, it was said that the view from this bridge
is the last view of Venice that prisoners will see before their imprisonment.
As the bridge name suggests, prisoners will sigh at the beauty of Venice through the windows on the bridge
before taken down to their cells.
However, a local legend also said that lovers will be granted eternal love and bliss
if they kiss on a gondola at sunset under the Bridge of Sighs as the bells of St Mark’s Campanile toll.
That’s some skill needed for perfect timing man! No wonder they say true eternal love don’t come easy. Haha!

I hope that legend is not made up by some gondolier. I shall blindly buy beautiful legends.

Another renowned bridge we visited was the Rialto Bridge, one of the four bridges over the Grand Canal in Venice.

Isn’t this just the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen?

Venice is beyond beautiful, and I wish I had more time there.
If you’re planning to visit Venice, I hope I’ve given you a few tips on where to go and what to expect
when you’re there. If not, you can also visit TravelMadeDifferent because it’s a pretty awesome platform
for young people to exchange travel tips with one another.

By the way, if you’re going on your trip soon, do snap more photos as you’re cruising the world!
From 22 September to 21 October 2014, forty @TravelMadeDifferent followers who post
the most awesome #explore shots on Instagram will win a $50 voucher each!

It’s easy to take part in the contest!
Check out and follow @TravelMadeDifferent on Instagram.
Simply post a photo or video and share more about your must-see, must-do or must-eat on your travels on Instagram
and hashtag #TravelMadeDifferent #Explore #.
Do also note that your Instagram account has to be public.

Have fun seeing the world!