There are many places we see on television, film, magazines, social media and the like, which are not what they seem in the flesh. Venice, for me, is the total opposite of that — the "City of Masks" highly exceeded my expectations. I felt like I was in a totally different world with its man-made canals, vast waters, and narrow, enigmatic alleyways. I decided to go on the last weekend of January to experience the world-renowned Carnevale di Venezia (The Carnival of Venice).
Regardless, I did it anyway, and had the best time. I met a group of people taking up their Master's in Turin, but were from all over the world, including Indonesia, Brazil, Madagascar, Bangladesh and France. The hostel even hosted activities such as Karaoke Night and Salsa classes for its guests. It was such a fun place that you can actually just stay in the hostel at night to have fun.
Note: Bring your own towel! It will save you around € 4.
Address: Fondamenta Zitelle, 86
How to get there: When you arrive at the Santa Lucia train
station, you’ll find the Vaporetto stop right outside. Take number 2 or 4.1, and
get off at stop Zitelle. Generator Hostel Venice is 100 meters up on your right.
The Carnival of Venice was the primary ground for my trip since it would definitely be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I don't even know where or how to describe this annual event with embellished masks and ornate costumes. I honestly didn't know how big of a deal a costume and mask would be! If I had only known, I would've brought something for the trip, but regretfully just settled for a 10-euro mask. Nevertheless, I couldn't be more thankful to be part of this festive celebration. I hope to return again with a grandiose ensemble; the Carnival participants legitimately seemed like celebrities, being photographed with every step they took!
Piazza San Marco is Venice's main public square, where most of the Carnival festivities took place. The venue was immensely jam-packed with a lot of people watching the performances on stage. My friend even got to judge the "Best Costume" contest! Around the square are St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and Campanile (Bell Tower), which gives you a breathtaking view of the whole city. Piazza San Marco is also really beautiful at night, I must add.
Venice is my first Italian destination, and of course I won't leave until I get to taste some legit gelato. I actually wanted to try 3 more gelato shops, but I was pressed for time. Maybe you can just try them for me if ever you're in Venice, and let me know how they taste!
- Alaska Gelateria: 1159 Calle Larga dei Bari
- Gelateria Il Doge: 3058/a Dorsoduro, Campo S. Margherita
- La Mela Verde: 1159 Calle Larga dei Bari
Aside from its culture and history, Venice also offers beautiful architecture to marvel at. Venetian buildings have an archaic charm that is heavily influenced by Gothic, Byzantine and Moorish styles. Other notable sights in Venice include the Rialto Bridge, Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and Bridge of Sighs.
I would normally oppose to organized tours when I travel because I like to do things at my own time and pace. However, the water bus service was quite difficult to navigate, so to avoid ending up in a totally different island, I just decided to sign up for the Murano, Burano and Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour at the Alilaguna pier in San Marco, which also served as the departure point. The tour already included transportation and entrance fees to the factory. I got the 11am slot, and headed to Murano as the first stop of the tour. This series of islands is best known for its glass-blowing techniques, producing intricate glass pieces of tableware, statues, vases, and even jewelry.
After Murano, we moved to another island called Burano, known for its lacemaking and colorful houses. This cheerful, small neighborhood is my favorite part of the tour because of its bright living quarters with matching motorboats. Burano also happens to be a true fisherman's island, and was said that the first painted houses were owned by fishermen who wanted to see their homes while they were away.
Expenses:
- Hostel (4 days/3 nights) - € 84,00
- Tours (Murano, Burano & Torcello Half-Day Sightseeing Tour + Venice Gondola Ride & Serenede) - € 58,85
- Venezia Card (ROLLING VENICE City Pass + Transport for 72h) - € 28,00
- Food - € 60,70
- Miscellaneous (SIM card, shopping, alcohol, Carnevale mask, etc.) - € 96,89
Total: €328,44 ~ P 16,920.35
Considering Venice is quite expensive, P 5,640/day isn't so bad, huh? I would've spent less if the shops weren't on sale. Take note that airfare isn't included in my expenses since I just took the train from Innsbruck. From Manila, it's probably going to cost you an additional P 40,000+, but Venice is undoubtedly on top of my "Places-to-visit-again" list.
Cheers,
Michelle
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