Europe 102: A Surprise Detour

… A side note: It's been a long while since I wrote something about my Europe trip. Too many things have passed by... the school year have passed by... beloved ones have passed away... Lenten season has ended and Easter has been celebrated... labor day... etc... etc... so now, we move on to where we have left off ;)..

Planning a trip is not a one-time task... you check for flight & train schedules, accommodations, and of course what to do and where to go. Planning also helps you maximize the time you spent in a place so that the experience will compensate with your expenses both time and money. My trip partner told me that he can't just make up the plan alone because he had to ask me where I want to go and what I want to do... hence, I created my checklist.

You could imagine that this trip was a result of regular consultations and queries. After the “final” schedule has been made, I told him that it would be hard for him to create a surprise “something” for his special someone (whoever that might be). And maybe now you can guess that it was a weak conclusion and yes, I was mistaken. Somehow, he was able to slip “this” particular trip in within the schedule.

A Confused Me

The left part of my brain says "A surprise Venice get-away" 

and the right part said "Nope. Not in the plan.". I guess, my

left is right. Or vice versa whichever is which. :) 

After a few days in Switzerland, we plan to head off south on our first destination, Italy... but not the Italian city that was previously planned.. definitely not “this” one. So, when he told me that we were leaving Wednesday (we're supposed to leave on the next day), I was already beginning to wonder but dismissed it right away as probably just a change in the flight schedule. Maybe I was a bit hazy from all the snow that when I was looking at our e-tickets, I didn't recognize the name of our destination: Venezia. I wondered. But no reaction. I was thinking, maybe it's the name of the airport of the city (I know, it sounds dumb :S).

So, we checked in on my very first inter-European flight. The staff at the counter mentioned some destination that we're going: Venice. I again wondered. But no reaction. I guess I was so caught up with this first-inter-European-flight thought that the we-are-going-to-Venice thought did not sinked in yet. Then, we took our boarding passes, and I look at it: Venice. I wondered again thinking “Ahm.. this doesn't sound right.”. But again, no reaction. I was more caught up in getting into the line through the gate.

After getting pass through the airport scanner before getting into the gate, we looked at the screen showing the scheduled flights and their gate number... when I looked at the different cities, that's when it finally(!) dawned on me... that we are NOT going to the place where we originally plan to go... that we are going to a place called Venice (in Italian, Venezia)... AND that “this” place is THE Venice...! I wish I could see the grin on my face and make a caricature of myself (if only I can draw)... somehow, the man pull out a surprise for me and it took me THAT LONG to realize what it is... for a moment, I felt stupid... it was a surreal feeling, not the stupidity but the idea of being there.

Moving on... Since this one is not on the original plan, I haven't done any initial research. No download iPod app (although, he has one on his tablet).. So, what do I know about Venice? Gondolas, cobblestone streets, romance, and luxury.. yes, the idea of just going there sounds super luxurious... and I don't know why it is described as a romantic place... so in summary, I have no idea. I, therefore, concede that an ordinary girl like me knew nothing of what Venice is. Also, it's too late to google search. Good thing I have a trip partner, who at least gave me a bit of introductions.

Benvenuti a Venezia!

A different look at the Victor Emmanuel monument ;)

One thing amazing that I discovered about Venice that you should know (if you haven't google it yet): it's a man-made city.... Cool, right? That underneath this beautiful city are century old tree trunks mixed with sand. So, one thing I'm more curious about other than its architecture is how it feels like to be walking through it's cobblestone streets... my boots is all set and ready.

Since the Philippines is a bunch of islands, traveling through ferry boats is quite normal... and going to Venice through a boat, I feel more at home... except that people around you looks different... and that you wear too many clothes. Anyways, the feeling of excitement is building up. And when we arrived, it feels like I'm stepping out in a Renaissance age movie... well, everything feels like I'm in a movie in Europe, except when I'm inside.

We graze into the city despite the drizzle and cloudy weather. When we stepped out of the boat (through S. Zaccaria station), the monument of Victor Emmanuel II welcomes us to Venice. Of course, I can't pass this up without making any fun pictures of this. And so are other status, monuments, streets, signs, etc. But before anything else, our first mission is to find our hotel room. We checked on our offline Google map and turned on our GPS location. One thing I discovered about myself, I'm poor at navigation... maybe it takes some more practice.. :D So, I walked on for the first time into tiny cobblestone streets, looking into windows of gift shops, and passing through small bridges. One thing is clear: Venetians definitely love their masks.

After we get settled, we decided to roam around the city... come to think of it, I don't think I have ever seen a car around. With the size of their streets and alleys, I don't think any car would fit into it... maybe one tiny car. Anyways, we roam around town... with the drizzle... in winter(!). Did I care? At that time, not at all. I was just in awe of everything never minding the cold. I was just so excited to look around and get wherever and explore.

I realized that it's quite easy to get lost around town since most of the alleys are similar... the structures are similar... and there are bridges everywhere! In fact, the entrance door of our hotel is literally at the end of the bridge. There were even some instances when we tried going to a certain way over the bridge then ends up facing a door of a house. But it was fun and exciting... our first target location is the Pizza San Marco (or St. Mark's Square).

Before getting into the square, we passed by a little cafeteria to have some snacks. We have to feed this Filipina stomach. I think it was the first time that I've been inside a cafeteria or restaurant. While waiting for the food, I caught up the sight of a woman from another table looking at me... in wonder. My guess is that its her first time to see an Asian girl up close. I think she tries to think where I came from if the Asians she met are the likes of Japanese or Koreans. And I just realized that its probably the same look we give to the foreigners in our country or city. I just gave her my simple smile. She gave me her little smile too but still her eyes still in wonder. I have to admit that my exotic beauty would make an awesome sight to all-exclusive tall & fair-looking crowd. :D

Sights of Venice

Piazza San Marco, aka St Mark's Square

Moving on... I think any first time visitors of Venice should never missed St. Mark's Square. At the square, you'll never missed the sight of St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and pigeons.. yes, pigeons! And one thing I've learned from getting close to pigeons is to never accept any seeds (or something) that will feed the birds. Why? First, it comes with a penny (I guess, nothing is for free). And second, you don't want a bunch of pigeons attacking your hand. For me, it's quite funny but maybe some would probably get scared. And lastly, I just read from some trip guide that its illegal to feed them. Good thing, nobody fined me or worst put me into jail with feeding pigeons on my hand. On other instances, some men would also try to give you flowers.. you would think it's the Italian way of being romantic, but nope.. they'll ask you or the man your with for a Euro. It doesn't sound romantic at all. I already learned from feeding the birds that nothing comes for free... not on the get-go... especially from strangers.

A view from the Rialto bridge for some romantic vibes ;)

We were able to visit St. Mark's Basilica and went at the top of the Dome. You can see the square from the top, the water, and some adjacent islands. You will also get to see up close the replica of Horses of St. Mark's, four huge bronze status of horses. We also decided to get out of the rain and get into the Palazzo Ducale (or Doge's Palace). It is now a museum but it previously hold the seat of government of Venice. You will get to learn a few history not just of the place but of Venice, the arts, and the Venetian Gothic architecture. We get to see some of their secret rooms and prisons including the one where Casanova was imprisoned... and a little funny back story from our tourist guide of how he escaped from there. We did not also missed the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners have their last look of outside world... and they only get to sigh about it... guide said it in a more interesting way than I do. And what's more interesting is that she looked like Elena/Katherine, from the Vampire Diaries... so, when she talks you can really smell history and the mystic of the place. Another sight to see is the Rialto bridge. From there you can see ships going through the canal and the district of San Marco and San Polo on the sides. Since, we went there at night, I must admit that it is quite... ahm, romantic... the lights on the streets, its reflection on the water, the ships passing by... or maybe I just picked the vibes out from the couples around.. :D plus the locks on the bridge, I get to see that a LOT around Europe.

Music for Me

Paolo Ciociola and the rest of Interpreti Veneziani

I think the highlight of this trip, aside from my first taste of Italian pizza, was not something that we planned. During the night, while walking around, we were trying to look for a good pizzeria and maybe something else to do. We found a very interesting event: a classical concert by Interpreti Veneziani. I know little of Venice before I arrived here, so I know nothing about this group. What I do know is that it is a classical concert... and they are holding violins! I have never been in a classical concert... I've heard of Beethoven and Bach, but I can't recognize one of which if I ever heard one... so, this would be the first! Aanndd, aside from its sound, I love to watch musicians play violins... it is something that I wish I could have learned to play. I beg the musician at my cousin's wedding to play Butterfly Kisses with the violin. It made my day. That's just a single violin... what about a whole band?!? I was super excited! I bet I would have said no to my first taste of Italian pizza if it's going to start pronto... but we had about an hour and a half... so, we took the closest pizzeria before we get into the show. 

They played Bach and Vivaldi's Four Seasons... and, my God, it was AMAZING! They don't use amplifiers and other sound enhancements. And there were just about 20-30 audience in an old church. So, it was like a private gathering with an entire band playing exclusively for these important people. I feel like I was transported back to a grand ball with a fancy corset or Renaissance gown or something. Did I just said it was amazing? IT WAS SUPER AMAZING! At that time, I was saying to myself, “THIS! Is how I imagined Europe feels like!” Maybe it was my affinity to music but it made all the arts and architecture that I saw and the history that I've heard more alive. As if I'm transported back in time centuries ago... it gave me goosebumps. All I can do is give a deep sigh and a round of applause at the end. So, every time I get into the grandest rooms in museums, I can hear the background music playing.

My first Italian pizza... I can't rmember the name...
it's something with 4 different cheeses and salami. :)

On a side note: the man at the grand piano had his dinner at the pizzeria where we just had our dinner... so, it must be a good place to dine.. by the way, my first pizza tasted great but maybe too many cheese for me. :D

I went back to my list and realized that I did not include 'classical concert' there. I just never thought that it could be possible. Maybe we were lucky that we were able to come across a mini concert like this that's not so expensive. By not so expensive, I mean it's almost the same price I payed for when I watched BSB concert, upper box at the Araneta Coliseum. (Yeah, yeah... I love the BSB... and I love music, in general.) So, since it's not on the list, I'm adding it as #17 Watch a classical concert.

Going around Venice, from its streets.. to its bridges.. to its architecture.. to its arts.. to its music.. old period movies get into my mind. I feel like my modern day clothes does not fit into the place. Everything looks at least about two centuries old or more like I'm going to meet the Count of Monte Carlo on the street. They may not have the snow but the sights and history gave me a sneak peek of the heart of Europe.

A view from the top with the horses.

I did mention that I'm curious about how it feels like to walk on a floating city. Well, if the city can hold a basilica, palace, and some other big architectures, it can definitely hold you. Hence, it feels like any walking on any other city. However, don't look down at the little sewage holes on the streets, there you can see the water rise and fall from underneath... in that instance, it feels like you're on a boat... a very big boat... a very bog city boat... so, instead of looking down, just look up and be amazed on the grandeur of the city... the creativity and the genius of the people who built it... centuries ago.

We didn't get into the Gondola ride, as one might have expected when visiting Venice. I would have loved that but the weather is too cold and wet for a ride. I guess, its a good reason to go back to Venice, right? ;)

Ciao! Ciao! Next stop, Firenze! :)