A Month In Venice

As you are probably aware I have not been updating this site as often as I should and want. The reason is that I have been expanding my blogging influence by starting up some other Italy related blogs. Some might still be aware that the whole purpose of this site was to help pay for me to spend a month in Venice Italy in order to learn the Italian language. Since I am fully aware now that I cannot do this with just one site I have chosen to expand to a multiple blog strategy. The goal with each site is to give valuable information for the budget traveler or student traveler that wants to spsnd some quality time in Italy.

My site on Naples, Italy for instance has only begun but it still gets some traffic even though it has a measly one post. I do plan on expanding the information on that site to cover all of the attractions around the area such as the Island of Capri, the city of Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast and do not forget the volcano Vesuvius. it should be a great resource for those interested in spending time in that area whether they are on honeymoon or just vacationing there.

I have another site on the city of Rome called Viva Rome. Now this site I have been expanding on and have included some of the foundation articles that I hope to later expand on. If you need to know the top ten sights to see in Rome then I have you covered. Right now I am doing a series on those sites so please read my blog if you want to know the nitty gritty about the city.

One final site I have just started on Florence, Italy also is turning out pretty well. I have already got some traffic on that site and again I hope to start a series on some of the top sights to see in Florence.

So yes I am sorry I have been neglecting this website but I have expanded to many other cities in Italy so hopefully you will still be able to find out useful nuggets of information regardless of which site you choose to visit.  And yes I do plan on updating this site as well. Sometime this week I should have some good insights on the surrounding areas of the Dolomites and the various activities you can do when you are there.

Jack from Eyeflare.com did a great post on resources to plan a Venice trip and I want to continue on what he has done with a post of my own. There are thousands upon thousands of webpages dedicated to the city of venice so how does one decide which one is better then the next? Well that is more up to personal opinion then anything else but there are some factors to consider such as how often a website is updated and how accurate it is.

For instance I have found that the Venice City Guide from Time Out Travel to be one of the best resources online that you can find. Not only is the site comprehensive but it is also accurate and timely to boot.

The website of world 66 is also a great site if you plan on visiting Venice or any other city they may cover. The information covers all the bases to eating out to the history to day trips to and from Venice. Definitely worth a look.

Lastly I would recommend a website i recently just came across called Living Venice where it is from two people who actually live in Venice right now. You will not find a more up to date blog then this one. Well perhaps mine can come in a close second place.

The island of Burano is not really in Venice but it is in the Venetian lagoon. Like Murano this island has its specialty craft, in this case hand made lace. Burano is not just a single island but a network of islands or an archipelago. Many have equated Burano to be the Lego land version of Venice. This is mostly because all of the buildings are much smaller and the place is much more brightly painted then the main city of Venice giving it a almost toy like feel to the place.

The origins of this island are still in doubt and the name of the city has two very distinct stories as well. Some believe the island of Burano came from people who settled from an other island called Buranello which is five miles south of the city. Others however believe that this island was settled by members of the Buriana family. The island did not gain any prominence until the 16th century when the craft of lace making was refined here. A school was later built to teach the craft and much of the work of the island was exported to all parts of Europe who were eager to buy the lace.

So what is there to do on the island of Burano? Well unlike Venice this island is not swamped with as many tourists and hence it is much easier to get around. If you wanted to know what Venice felt like earlier this century then visit this island as it is like stepping back in time. The island is very popular with artists who prefer the brightly colored homes over the contrasted stark nature of the buildings in the city of Venice. There are a few attractions to see on this island such as the Church of San Martino and the Museum and School of Lacemaking.

I certainly would not consider this island to be hub of a bustling young nightlife as it is truly an Italian city which is pretty laid back as most people just enjoy a night out with friends and family. However if you should get the time to see this island I am sure that most will enjoy it.

I think I did a pretty good job covering budget hotels in Venice. However now is time for a different perspective on things. Say for instance that you have the money to spare to really treat yourself to a spectacular stay in this very expensive city. Where do you go? Well the most luxurious hotels that this city has to offer of course. This is saying much because this city is very opulent with wealth and seems to cater to the wealthy and well to do.

Here is just a short listing of some of the more notable places to stay if you are so inclined to truly pamper yourself. Who is to say that you need to spend an entire week in one of these hotels? Most people spend at most one or two days in Venice anyways and since you are here, go wild!

Hotel Cipriani
Giudecca 10, Fondamenta San Giovanni
041-520-7744
http://www.orientexpresshotels.com
This hotel has been serving guests since 1993 and has been one of the most luxious places to stay ever since then. Since this hotel is on the island of Giudecca it is very isolated from the rest of the city and has some unique features such as lush garden that you can visit and let your problems drift away. Also since this hotel has an Olympic sized swimming pool and other great amenities you will not be bored if you choose to just sit and relax and soak up what this hotel has to offer.

Hotel Danieli
Castello 4196, Riva degli Schiavoni
041-522-6480
http://www.luxurycollection.com
One of the most famous hotels in the whole of Venice. This hotel has been featured on several travel shows and been a home to many of the travel celebrities such as Samantha Brown. This hotel is just right next to the Palazzo Ducale which is home of the Doge of Venice and is just in the center of the St. Mark’s Square. You certainly will not be too far from all the action if you choose to stay here.

Hotel Des Bains
Lido Lungamare Marconi 17
041-526-5921
http://www.sheraton.com
This is the hotel that the famous writer Thomas Mann stayed in when he was in Venice. Having a salt water pool you need not fret about swimming if you are allergic to chlorine besides this hotel has access to a private beach which is sure different than many other hotels and villas in the area. You can count on having your every whim satisfied while you stay in this hotel as this place prides itself on impeccable service.

Hotel Kette
San Marco 2053
041-520-7766
http://www.hotelkette.com
A fairly large hotel with 63 rooms this is not your average place to rest  your head. You are surrounded in an opulent and luxurious setting that makes you feel like you are one of the elite residents of Venice. This hotel certainly will remind you of “old Venice” as it is decorated just like an old Venetian palace.

Staying in Venice for most is usually a one or two night affair. For some these hotels will be far out of reach because you will most likely have to give up an entire month’s salary just to stay for a night. However if you really want to just live a little then by all means look these hotels up and see if you can afford to take a night at one of these destinations.

The Venetian culture scene is dying by all accounts. Swamped with tourists this city caters only to the middle class patrons who can only stay for a week or so and in that short time period have little time to take in all that Venice has to offer. But this was not always the case. Venice was once the center for baroque music and this is where Vivaldi had clear reign over much of the music scene.

If you were to catch a play or any other type of musical performance it would be at La Fenice on Tronchetto island which is more of a mere tent placed outside on the island. The original structure where these performances occurred burned down in 1996 and I guess the mayor Venice did not think it worth his time to build a more permanent structure.

In order to get to La Fenice on Tronchetto you would need to take a Vaparetto from St. Mark’s square. You can find this Vaparetto because it is marked as La Fenice so it should be pretty easy to spot. A typical ticket to see a performance would cost you around 15.50 Euros per person and can be purchased two hours before the show begins.

I think part of the reason that Venice is no longer the hub of music and theatre that it once was is because many of the great performances occur in Verona and Padua. These two cities it seems overshadow the once grandiose nature of Venice in its heyday. Now while both of these cities are certainly worth a look I believe that in order to preserve the city of Venice you should take in some of its culture by going to the local performances.

So then how do I go about find about the local performances? Glad you asked. I came across a great website called A Guest in Venice that lists all of the major cultural events that this city offers. From University lectures to shows of all types this website has it all. Certainly well worth a look before you plan your trip to see what you can take in while you are staying in Venice.