Summary

The author recounts a unique and memorable water-centric vacation in Venice with their partner, who is usually averse to travel but loves boats and water.

Abstract

The author and their partner embarked on a special trip to Venice, a destination chosen to cater to the partner's love for water and boats. Despite initial reluctance due to being a homebody and introvert, the partner was enticed by the idea of a city navigable by watercraft. They stayed in a local Airbnb, immersing themselves in the Venetian lifestyle, exploring by Vaporetto, and indulging in local cuisine. The couple enjoyed the city's serene residential areas, bustling canals, and the convenience of boat transportation, making the trip an unforgettable water adventure.

Opinions

The author believes that this trip to Venice will be a one-of-a-kind adventure for them and their partner.
The partner, initially hesitant about traveling, was excited by the prospect of a city traversed by boats.
The author values authentic experiences, choosing an Airbnb in a less touristy area to better engage with the local culture.
They were captivated by Venice, appreciating the Vaporetto pass, the local food, and the opportunity to explore the city's hidden passageways and landmarks.
The author expresses a particular fondness for the everyday scenes of Venice, such as laundry hanging out to dry and the bustling boat traffic that somehow avoids collisions.
The trip was considered a success in terms of enjoyment and the unique experience it offered, with the author emphasizing it as a water holiday they will never forget.

A Water Adventure in Venice

Unforgettable

Venice: Photo credit: Catherine Dunn-Gilbert

So once upon a time, a few years ago, my partner and I took what will probably end up being the only adventure of its kind we will ever take.

I figured we could take one trip for sure before we totally retired. Aside from the money aspect and the environmental impacts there was getting my partner to travel. That was a challenge. He’s a stay-at-home guy, happy to never leave. He’s also an introvert.

Many aspects of the isolation of covid were easy for him to handle. Stay home? Great idea. Not go to pot-lucks and functions with random people you don’t know? Awesome.

So when I proposed (pre-covid of course) that we join up with our oldest daughter and her family on a trip to Italy he looked at me with horror.

There were a few things I found to entice him with. One of them was Venice.

Because another factoid about my partner is that he loves boats and water. Water in oceans, lakes, and rivers. So visiting a place where they get around without cars but on vessels you step onto like you would a subway? I had found a winner.

I showed him pictures, I had the carrot. My research told me that you need to stay in Venice, not just visit for the day. I purposely found an Airbnb in a part of Venice far away from where most tourists would be. You entered a little street and down the road to the left, would find the door to our apartment. It contained an L-shaped room with a very comfortable bed, couch, table and chairs, a renovated bathroom, and a tiny galley kitchen. It was perfect for our four-day stay.

The entrance to our street. Photo Credit: Catherine Dunn-Gilbert

We both fell in love with Venice. Bought a pass for the Vaporetto. Walked and bussed all around. Had tiny espresso coffees standing at the counter. Had to control ourselves not to make too many awed noises while staring at morning pastry offerings, or the sandwiches and pizzas that appeared later.

We wandered as many as 10 km in a day, through passageways that lead nowhere, over bridges, into a park, a church, and a museum. Stopped for coffee or wine when we wanted, and one night ate at a tiny restaurant where they told us they would make us a meal just like the Venetians would eat.

A boat arrived selling fresh fruit and vegetables. We bought some mouth-watering peaches and ate them at the park while the cicadas serenaded us.

The fruit and vegetable boat arrived. Photo credit: Catherine Dunn-Gilbert

In the quiet residential streets, laundry hung down, drying quickly in the heat.

My partner got to enjoy looking at boats all day, every day. The canals are full to the brim with them. Going this way and that, somehow never colliding in spite of how busy and crowded it looked.

The scenery everywhere was breathtaking. Whether wandered along a canal, looking at the buildings, or admiring the workmanship from days long gone past.

A water holiday we will never forget.