Venice

I never thought Venice would be the first city in Italy that I visited. Just a short time before my last exam, I booked the bus tickets from Munich to Venice in early March. Why? Early March is the time for many carnivals in some cities in Europe. The biggest 3 carnivals I know are those in Maastricht (Netherlands), Cologne (Germany), and Venice.

I was thinking about Cologne when suddenly something popped out in my mind: Why not Venice? I've been to Cologne and it's still in Germany and please take me out from Germany haha. So we decided to go to Carnevale di Venezia in Venice (check this out) by bus. And believe me, that was one of the best decisions I've ever made as the scenic view along the way to Northern Italy was really worth every minute.

and it was sunny!

Venice with its charm and beauty has been a dream for many people (including those hopeless-romantic dudes :p) who have faith in love (and gondola rides). Like Paris, I know some people have been dreaming of those places to visit with their beloved. To be honest, Venice is never been top on my list. But why not give it a try?

We strolled around the aisle, spotted some beautiful angles to capture the moment. And it was the time when I realized that those pictures of canals, waterways, and gondolas I've seen on magazines and television are becoming real. 

The view from the main bridge: Ponte di Rialto

Feeling romantic, already?

Love padlocks

Wanna give it a try? :)

Italy means foods to me. So it was absolutely a chance to eat the real deal. Pizza, pasta, tiramisu, and coffees were on the list. I ordered a big portion of pizza and tiramisu and we ended up the night by having coffees and hot choc. Well, I don't know how Italian hot choc looks like but I got an ultra thick and creamy chocolate (?). But overall, the bar was the cherry-on-top of our trip as we talked to some nice strangers (including the two Irish men, my favorite!). 

Tiramisu, a real deal!

Here's the tips:

- Bring the map! Seriously you need the map unless you're God. You can use your GPS on your gadget but it needs a proper signal. Mine was not working as I have German's provider and it costs extra charge so I turned it off.

- Check the local weather. Venice can be tough during the rainy day (it will be flooded). You don't want to end up having a wet trip, do ya?

- Bring the cash. Especially if you want to take the canal rides. Finding an ATM in Venice can be confusing. And also be ready for the extra charge!

- Try local delicacies! No caption needed. Hey it's Italy!

- Keep your feet unstressed :p

Si diverta!