The few people I was traveling with had never been to Venice, so it’s a curiosity must when you’re so close. It is by no means a romantic destination, let me set the record straight. The first time I went, I stayed at a convent on the cheap. Because you’re on water, you can’t really get lost. Just roam around. Inside the square, it can seem claustrophobic and compact. It’s made up of many tiny narrow passageways and bridges over water leading to other sections. The whole labyrinth is just cramped store fronts, nooks into cubicle sized specialty shops, restaurants, and bars. The rising water issue keeps everything looking dilapidated. And oh hey, if you want to spend $180/hr to ride in a gondola perched on murky muddy water, go ahead and use your money as you see fit. Not romantic in my eyes! Two other things notable about Venice: glass blowing and masquerade mask. There are so many shops selling elaborate costume mask, you gotta wonder how any make money. Aside, one of my all-time fav movies (and the only ‘chick-flick’ I’d consider to be in my list) is called Dangerous Beauty. Set there in the late 17th century. It’s essentially about an intellectual courtesan. Let’s not over-analyze that either. Very emotional plot and intelligent eloquent prose. I won’t confess how many times I’ve seen it. 😉