Flooding of the Canals -Venice

We arrived in Venice in a downpour! It was torrential. We found our way to our accommodation and hibernated for the day to scared we would run out of clothes if we went out again.

The next day we ventured out to explore Venice….we arrived on the main island and found it wasn’t just raining it was flooding. Rather than running home scared we decided that what a little flooded wouldn’t hurt us.

We found some sexy looking waterproof fold-up gumboots. (Lewis strutted out in them in with his trackies…you can just imagine the looks we got. Haha).

We made it to the markets to explore all the fresh produce. Fish, fresh fruit and vegetables. They looked delicious. We crossed the Rialto Bridge, the oldest bridge in Venice and made it to St Marks square. The square was yet again flooded (calf level) and covered in a maze of planks to navigate your way around.

Aside from the flooding the buildings in the square were stunning! The old churches exterior was magnificent…we went through the maze to get to the ferry to head along the canal.

The ferry ride was amazing…There was no gondola in our budget (but to be honest holding an umbrella while the boat is filling with water doesn't sound too romantic!). Off peak it costs 80euro for 20mins to take a ride in a gondola while the ferry was a mere 6 euro each. The ferry slowly went down the canal. We saw all the amazing old merchant houses, the water taxis as well as the serenading gondola drivers. The houses were stunning, some needed some repairs but even so they were still were marvels that were amazing to look at.

It was gnocchi Thursday so we were off to find some. Lunch was gnocchi with four cheese sauce and Venetian vegetable soup. The soup was amazing and was full of chargrilled vegetables and tomatoes. It was an amazing combination.

We explored the streets of the canals never really knowing if we would be able to walk around the next corner. Venetian glass jewellery stores were on every corner. The problem was it was doubtful as to whether it was the genuine product. Unfortunately I never found anything that I wanted that stood out and spoke to me. (This is another excuse to come back). The streets are definitely ideal for getting lost in and I can only imagine how magical they are when the carnival is on and everyone is in masquerade.

We left Venice and it was still pouring with rain. Hopefully we will be able to return and see more of it.