A Month In Venice

The San Croce sesteri is perhaps one of the least known of the districts in Venice. However it should not be overlooked by an astute traveler to Venice. This is because in this district are many fine restaurants and shops that are not as frequented by tourists as in other districts. What does this mean to you? It means a more real Venice experience and a ultimately less expensive one as well. If you want to make each dollar  count then be sure to explore this neighborhood on your stay.

Since this is a district not frequented by many tourists you are probably thinking that there is not much to see here. Well that would be a false assumption as there are many places to see. The Ca Pesaro is off the Grand Canal and is home to the modern art museum. This is by far one of the most important art galleries in the whole of Italy and contains works from many countries and not just Italy. Secondly there is the Fondaco dei Turchi which has one of the most beautiful exteriors in the whole of Venice and was once a trading warehouse. At this moment the building is used to house the natural history museum of Venice.

This district is one of the best for nightlife in the city. If you are young and hip I am sure you will want to check out Baffo’s bar in Campo Sant Agostin. For pizza in the area I would check out Ae Oche as this place makes over 90 varieties of pizza that I am sure is bound to please at least someone in your group. For a more picturesque view while eating I would go down to Trattoria al Ponte which is very near to the bridge and has a few outdoor tables. Finally if you want a unique experience that you will not find anywhere else be sure to check out La Zucca which has a reputation for a innovative use of its vegetables.

It is hard to find a truly unique experience when visiting a tourist trap that is Venice Italy. However this neighborhood is sure to be a highlight to the savvy traveler and not the average tourist. I would however make sure that you are somewhat conversant in the Italian language as I am sure your experience will be enhanced.

Venice’s history is centered on maritime activities. The cities very survival depended upon having a well trained group of maritime sailors who could outwit and outrun all around them.  Such history spawned Venice’s Historical Regatta which is meant to showcase the mastery of the sea and the ships that ride upon her.

The first Sunday of September is when this event takes place. There are many other Regatta’s from the various islands in the Venetian lagoon that are held all throughout the year but the true Regata storica takes place at this time.

This race is very similar in tone and shape to the Palio of Sienna. You see in this race like the Palio the boats are from their respective neighborhoods and each neighborhood turns out to root on their team of rowers who are competing for the honor of winning the race.

What is probably of interest of the tourists that visit at this time is the various processions of boats that proceed down the Grand Canal. First you have the bisonni or the 8 oared gondolas then the balotine which are 6 oared gondolas then following this is the decorative boats from the various rowing clubs. Following this procession of boats is a regatta for the children which is then followed by a race just for the women then a race of two oared gondolas which represent each neighborhood. At the regattas conclusion the whole of Venice comes alive with a city wide celebration that fills each canal and street with merchants and street entertainers.

If you are fortunate to be in Venice during this time I am sure you will not be bored with what is going on at this time. I would say that this festival would even rival the Carnival of Venice, although I may get some heat for saying this but I am willing to take it.

Well after reading Robert Scoble’s blog I found this travel related video that he posted up. This must be one of the worst customer service stories that I have found on the web in recent times. It reminds me of when my uncle flew to America and was held over because of the technical issue that the airline could not get cabin door to shut properly. The brilliant idea from the upper management was quote “Can’t you just tie it shut with a rope?” ofcourse they were not the group who would be flying at over 30,000 feet and at speeds of over 500 mph. In fact that flight that my uncle went through was so bad that they did a segment on the television show 60 minutes about it.

Well here is the video as seen on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R06dAgpmmbg

Enjoy!