VENICE OR VENEZIA - “LA SERENISSIMA”

The most serene place indeed, an absolute city that seems floating in the water. There’s no other way to visit the city center except by boat and ferries, so if ever you have sea sickness-better take the tablet ahead of time.

Another perfect destination for lovers and not. Once you arrive in this majestic spot, you may forget your name or not (kidding aside). Seems like just yesterday - when I reminisce how I explored the place, full of people romanticizing the idea of love and all.

Hotel Danieli is a perfect place to stay- for its historical structure (which was built over 200 years ago), artistic architecture, elegance, cozy place, and warm staff. It’s just few steps away from tourist spots like St. Mark’s Square, The Doge’s Palace, The Bridge of Sighs, etc.

I can even stay in our suite while enjoying the breathtaking view from our balcony while sipping an aromatic cup of brewed coffee.

Standing by the window, I can’t help admiring the purple lettuce and cabbage being cultivated on the roof deck of the hotel. Seems the cold weather fits well on this variety of plants, never I saw any signs of froze or withering on its leaves, and it proudly mesmerized me indeed.

The breakfast buffet won’t just fill everyone’s tummy due to sumptuous food, for it also fills our eyes with an astounding sight of those “not so far” distance tourist spots. I forgot to take pictures of the feast, for I dug in my meal right that moment the aroma of food tickles my nostrils. I was already full and done ravishing the food when I realized that I hadn’t got even a single shot of the tasty goodies I had.

After having extravagant food, I felt guilty for exceeding the necessary calories. So, time to take a walk and explore the place. Indulge myself with the luxurious visit to the place some called an ace. I wander in a wonderful land, watching preparation for an upcoming festival—the Carnival of Venice.

They said it was a huge masquerade festival, for this lady in a purple ball gown seemed ecstatic, her excitement contaminated the crowd. Some other people stop, stare, and take pictures with her. after watching her with other people around for brief moment.

I decided to walk further and headed to the famous Piazza San Marco or St. Mark’s Square, then eventually took more steps to ” Palaso Dogal” or The Doge’s Palace. Took some shots of the St. Mark’s Clock Tower and The Doge’s palace exterior.

The crowd overwhelmed me so I decided to find a peaceful spot. as, I finally found this alley where I could have time alone, took my phone, and snapped few images of towers and canals. this foreign guy suddenly came closer and told me- “Seniorita, are you alone? Need a companion?”. He scared me out of my wits and made me take my flight because of fright, I went back straight to our suite and never dared to go alone.

Once I got in our Suite, one of my companions who went out to shop was victimized by a pick pocketer who unexpectedly - a woman who is well-dressed (in Burberry brand). Those experiences let us decide not to go to crowded places alone, especially at night.

Seems it is not safe for us- ladies to go to the mask parade due to the massive number of people gathering that night. We stay in our suite to stay safe, better be safe than sorry.

A lesson had been learned for all of us, so the next morning we roamed around in a group to guard each other safely.

Stayed in Venice for just a few more days, then hopped onto the ferry boat and waited for the rental car in the ferry station.

Eventually went to another tourist destination as planned but being cautious was already in our mind.

Learned that despite being in a place called a “first-world country,” like Italy, isn’t an assurance that there will be no thieves that are lurking and trying to blend and deceive less aware people.

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