Venice – the importance of being a traveler instead of a tourist
“It’s interesting that through those long years of traveling I have never visited Venice”, – I thought to myself while looking at the map. Venice was just four hours away from the place I lived now. I usually avoid very touristy places but Venice is kind of classics and early spring is not as very touristy season there, so I decided that I need to do it.
Things to consider
I have looked through Airbnb and Booking options for one night stay and to my disappointment the prices seemed pretty high even in the low season. Especially having in mind that Italians tend to proudly call a “hotel” simple hostel options and exaggerate a lot on the pictures they provide in booking pages. So much that the bed you find might even shock you… So, that was the dark side on the trip.
But I never focus on the bad things 🙂 Venice itself is really beautiful and worth visiting. The first thing we did was eat at some small family held restaurant – the food exceeded the expectations and this is one of the best things that usually happens in Italy. Every single meal tends to positively surprise you.
Gondola rides
Those legendary gondola rides…well to say the truth I thought they were an overwhelmingly touristy thing to do. Looking by the faces of the people who were riding those things, rarely anyone was enjoying it. It looked like another one “check” to make in your trip. It’s just me, but when traveling I always look for the places (to eat and to spend time) where the locals gather. First of all, they always know better. Second of all why else travel if not to experience local vibes. So we took “the bus” ship. And to say the truth, figuring out how it works, looking through the faces of local people who were riding it and listening to their talks gave me a lot of “that feeling” what it feels like to be local in Venice. And these people were all tired of tourists.
Interesting thing to say, right? But places like this, which is full of strange people all year long tend to have very tight local communities and distinguish a lot between people who come and go, and those who stay. So if you really want to experience warm welcome don’t just expect locals to serve you because well…you spend your money, but treat them right – smile, thank them (in their language), apologise and be very polite and considerate.
Be a traveler – explore
The second day we spent in Venice, we decided to go to the area that was little bit further away from the main attractions. This decision made my trip. We found a very local area with signs of real life – washed clothes hanging out above our heads, tiny cafes to have breakfast which were not overpriced and sincere local people.
Thus, thank you Venice for showing us both sides of the story. And to everyone who is reading this – be smart about your traveling! 🙂 Don’t ever let a touristy attitude spoil your trip.
#wigotrips
