VENEZIA: GONDOLA RIDE & VENETIAN DINNER

#wanderwahine
Sep 21, 2016
2 min read

After shopping, we rushed to make it back to meet the group for our gondola ride - struggling through packed narrow alleyways that all looked the same. If you don't know where you're going in San Marco, it can be like a maze of buildings. A bit of anxiety started to kick in - my heart raced as a tried to keep up with Lei (who's about a foot taller than I am). After asking for directions several times, we spot out group walking through a Piazza and practically run towards them. We blend in with the outskirts of the group like we were always there. No one notices. Phew!

The way these types of tours work (and it was explained to us at the beginning) is that no matter what, the show must go on. This basically means that if you're late meeting the group for whatever reason, you'll be left behind. In case this happened, we were given a contact phone number where we would get instructions on how we could catch up with the group. I was okay with this. I mean, you're literally spending thousands of dollars on the vacation of your lifetime. It's not fair for one person to ruin that for you.

Made it to the gondola ride. It was amazing! Started out on the busy, choppy, Grand Canal then snaked our way through the calm, smaller waterways of San Marco. I kept looking around in awe wanting to pinch myself. "Am I really here?!"

What you should really know: Gondola rides are not private. It is a very "touristy" attraction so there will be a lot of them out on the water. A lot of times they bump into each other on the canals because there are so many of them. The Gondoliers do not sing unless it's part of their service, so do not ask them. Some of them still wear the striped costume. Also, a gondola ride for two can be quite pricey. Pay less by going in a group so you can split the cost. And yes, the water does smell; but come on, you're in Venice! Who cares?!

After our gondola ride we had some free time to get some gelato and shop around for souvenirs before our Venetian Dinner.

I love everything about the way Italians eat. I love carbs, loads of courses, wine, sweets and a coffee at the end to wash it all down. I love how there's no urgency. You can just sit down, take your time and enjoy the company you're with. We did just that.

I don't remember the name of the place we ate at, but I do remember it was charming and tucked away in a dark alley. When we sat down immediately noticed a man in costume walking around the restaurant playing an accordion. The table was set; bottles of white and red wine on the table.

We started with bread, then antipasti.