Unmasking the city of Venice

        “Venice has been the most intriguing city yet!” Middle-aged couple from New Jersey declared while sitting on the side of the canal. I couldn’t agree more with their energy toward Venice. This study abroad experience in Italy has been rewarding, and Venice tops the list. The history, people, culture and food are certainly the reasons.

        Venice was built on wooden poles shoved deep down into the marshy land. The wooden planks were placed on top followed by the several layers of impermeable marble. Essentially, the city is sinking. Almost three inches a year, the tide raises against the buildings. There is something exhilarating about living in a sinking city, another reason to love Venice.

        The guided tours with Giovanna, our tour guide, certainly required most of my energy, especially since I fell down a flight of stairs the first day. Limping around the city, though, is a pleasure.

        Like in Austin, everyone in Venice is “weird.” It brought familiar feelings to see homosexuals open with their relationship and talented street performers performing around every corner. The artistic locals sell their work in small shops for a high price, and the local restaurants are packed with hungry tourists and residents. The transportation – walking - is healthy exercise, and the absence of cars allows for pollution-free air. In Venice you travel by boat or foot. The gondolas are always a tourist attraction and rightly so.

        I could adapt to the way the Venetians live because it is an appealing lifestyle. For the short time I experienced Venice, the locals seemed happy and carefree. Everyone appeared as if they wanted to help others, and even a few gondola owners joked around with me as friends would. The Venetians have strong relationships and firm opinions. The people I met were warm and friendly.

        Two ladies named Bianca and Stephana who worked at a coffee shop down the street from the hotel stood out. They chatted with me like we were old friends, while customers were ordering pastries and coffee. “Here is different than other cities. Children is safer than other cities.” Although her English was a bit broken, her outlook on her city was clear to me. She explained to me that her parents are from Austria, but she was born and raised in Venice and absolutely loves it. “All knows all, even the good and the bad.” The small community allows the people to become a big family. When I asked what dish to try, they both recommended trying the risotto because it is a classic Venetian dish.

        Venetians do know how to eat. Even though my leg was bruised and sore the first night, I forced myself to walk to dinner, not regretting that decision at all. The fish was fresh and perfectly cooked. Shellfish, octopus, fillets of different fish, crab, shrimp, mussels and clams were all prepared deliciously. On the second night, we dined at a more modern place and enjoyed a wonderful meal of pesto pasta and lemon chicken.

         We visited a series of islands, including Murano and Torcello. Murano is famous for the glass and everyone was able to experience a glass-blowing demonstration. Afterward, many of us purchased unique products the “master” created. “Masters” are always blood related and the glass-making business is passed down through generations.

        Torcello is the best kept secret of Venice. Torcello is a small city but worth the visit. There are only a few dozen locals, all of whom are pleasant and helpful. The buildings are bright and the landscape is overwhelmingly occupied by plants and gardens.

        The short visit to Venice our study abroad group experienced opened our eyes to a unique city. I highly suggest traveling there to experience a unique way of life. The history and sinking of the city creates an exhilarating feeling, the culture and people are friendly and personal, and the food is outstanding. I intend on returning to this intriguing city soon.