Venice (3 nights)

On Nov 5, we entered the watery world of Venice on the train - entering across a causeway that connects Venice to the mainland. Imagine a small, compact city where the main streets are water and the rest are small winding alleys where you are sure to get lost. In fact getting lost is half the fun. It is strangely quiet since there are no cars and no bicycles, only water taxis and water buses. But once you have taken the water bus from one end to the other, the best way to explore Venice is on foot. Every couple of blocks there is either a church or a grand palace to admire.

As a city, Venice began in the 9th century and became a major seafaring and trading centre from then until the fall of Constantinople in 1453. Wealthy merchants built grand palaces and fabulous churches that are still standing today.

The great wealth and prominence of Venice is obvious. Holders of this wealth included merchants, noblemen, and clergy. They built grand palaces and churches that remain to this day including the fantastic St Marco's rebuilt in the 11th century. Although some of buildings are falling into disrepair, it is still easy to imagine what it would have been like during the time of Marco Polo or the intriguing characters from the Merchant of Venice.

Today, the fate of Venice is focused on rising waters not rising wealth, sinking buildings and a shrinking population. The latter may be the most serious issue in the near term. Today the population is 60,000 while only ten years ago it was 80,000. If the "real" people leave Venice, it will become a theme park with tourist trinket shops rather than a thriving little city with a wide variety of services. If this period of history and architecture is of interest, plan a visit sooner rather than later!