Spending 2 Dreamlike Days in the City of Water | Italy 🇮🇹 Couple's Trip Part 3: Venice Edition

Hello, I'm Tenmame.

An Italian couple's trip for our 25th wedding anniversary.

Starting in Rome, and having our hearts filled with art and city walks in Florence, we are spending every day having a much richer time than we ever imagined.

This time, it's the third installment of our travel report.

Finally, it's the Venice, City of Water edition.

The Rome edition is here.

The Florence edition is here.

The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio.

Even up to this point, it was more than wonderful enough, but our trip to Italy is not over yet.

The morning we leave Florence.

We decided to take one last look at that city from the heights.

The morning we leave Florence. To Piazzale Michelangelo

The next morning.

It is the day we depart from Florence.

We went to bed around 9:00 PM the night before and woke up at 5:00 AM to my wife's alarm.

We slept well.

When you walk this much while traveling, you fall asleep quickly too.

We took a shower, got ready, and left our accommodation around 5:45 to 5:50 AM.

Our destination is Piazzale Michelangelo.

It is a hill from which you can overlook the entire city of Florence.

Actually, there was a plan to go the afternoon of the previous day.

But I decided it would be better to go in the morning rather than in the summer-like heat.

I made that judgment and chose early this morning.

This turned out to be a great decision.

Right after leaving our accommodation, we were lucky enough to catch a taxi.

From there, it took about 12 or 13 minutes to reach Piazzale Michelangelo.

The morning air was cool, and there weren't many people yet.

And then, the city of Florence spread out before our eyes.

It was truly wonderful.

The red dome of the Duomo.

The tower of the Palazzo Vecchio.

The Arno River.

The Ponte Vecchio.

The rooftops of the city.

The distant hills.

Everything in Florence was bathed in the morning light.

I'm glad we came in the morning.

I felt that from the bottom of my heart.

If it had been during the day, I think there would have been both the heat and the crowds.

But in the morning, the air is clear and the light is gentle.

I was able to look down over Florence in a silence that felt as if the city hadn't fully awakened yet.

What's more, there were hot air balloons floating in the sky.

It was just like a scene from a movie.

To be able to see a view like this on the morning we leave Florence.

I felt as if the god of travel had given us one last little gift.

In the square, there was a couple taking wedding photos.

Taking photos amidst this scenery.

I thought that would certainly be a memory of a lifetime.

We, too, were able to come here on our 25th wedding anniversary trip.

No flashy words are needed.

Just the fact that I could see this view together with my wife.

That made me happier than anything else.

Returning to the city on foot instead of by taxi

I thought about calling a taxi for the return trip.

But since it didn't seem like I could call one easily with the app, we decided to walk back.

Looking at Google Maps, it was about a 45-minute walk to our accommodation.

It looks like we'll make it in time for our train to Venice.

So, we decided to walk.

As it turned out, this was also a great decision.

We walked down the hill from Piazzale Michelangelo toward the Arno River.

In the cool morning air, we walked as if to bid farewell to Florence.

It was different from the city we saw the previous evening.

There were few people.

The light was soft.

The breeze along the river felt pleasant.

Walking slowly, we returned to the area near the Uffizi Gallery, where we had been yesterday.

On the way, we crossed the Ponte alle Grazie.

The sound of the name is somehow nice.

Grazie.

Thank you.

It felt as if we were crossing the bridge while saying "thank you" to Florence.

And finally, we headed to a morning cafe.

Our last morning cafe. To Alex Bistro del Chianti

On our way back toward the station, we found a lovely cafe.

Alex Bistro del Chianti.

This was our final morning cafe in Florence.

The shop was lined with bread and baked goods.

Italian cafes are truly strong in the morning.

In any city, when you step into a cafe in the morning, you feel like you're being allowed to blend into the daily life of that city a little bit.

I had an iced cafe latte.

My wife had a hot latte.

And we bought a fruit danish and a bread filled with salami and cheese.

We ate a little of the fruit danish on the spot, and shared the other bread between the two of us after returning to our accommodation.

Right up until the last morning, Florence was delicious.

Seeing the morning scenery, walking along the river, and buying drinks and bread at a cafe.

It was a morning where the highlights of sightseeing and the small happiness of daily life were beautifully mixed.

Checking out of Relais Tiffany and heading to Venice

We returned to our accommodation and did our final packing.

The Relais Tiffany where we stayed this time had an atmosphere closer to a B&B than a hotel.

It wasn't flashy.

But it was warm, calm, and very nice for our stay in Florence.

For checkout, we just left the key at the front desk and walked out.

I thought this aspect was also nice and typical of a B&B.

We head to Firenze Santa Maria Novella station with our suitcases.

From the station, we take the high-speed Italo train to Venice.

It's a different train from the one we took to get from Rome to Florence.

We depart Florence around 8:50 AM.

It is about a two-hour train journey to Venice.

On the train, I finished writing the article about our time in Florence up to the previous day.

Writing travel articles while traveling.

It is a bit challenging.

But I feel that by putting my thoughts into words while the excitement of the day is still fresh, I can capture a warmth that photos alone cannot convey.

Looking out the window, refining my writing, and fighting off a bit of sleepiness, the train heads northeast.

From the stone city of Florence to the water city of Venice.

The scenery of our trip changed little by little.

Our accommodation is on the Venice Mestre side. Hotel Roberta.

The hotel my wife booked for us this time is Hotel Roberta.

It is a hotel located on the mainland side in Venice Mestre, not on the main island of Venice.

This time, we decided to stay on the quieter Mestre side and take the train to the main island of Venice.

It is about a five-minute walk from the station to the hotel.

It is very convenient.

We arrived at the hotel just after 11:00 AM.

They said the room wasn't ready yet, but after waiting in the lobby for a little while, we were able to check in after about 15 to 20 minutes.

I am grateful.

The room was simple but had a relaxing atmosphere.

Rather than luxurious, it felt like a place where we could comfortably rest our bodies during our travels.

We organized our luggage, rested a bit, and successfully posted the article about our Florence trip from here.

And then, just past 1:00.

Finally, we headed toward the main island of Venice.

It was a walk from the hotel to Venezia Mestre station.

From there, it was about a 10-minute train ride.

We were heading to Venezia Santa Lucia station.

The moment I stepped out of Santa Lucia station, the City of Water was right before my eyes.

We arrived at Venezia Santa Lucia station.

And, the moment we stepped out of the station.

I almost let out a gasp.

Because the City of Water was suddenly spread out right before my eyes.

The Grand Canal spreading out in front of the station.

Water buses.

Water taxis.

Buildings along the canal.

And the Santa Maria di Nazareth Church with its beautiful round green roof.

This is a church near Santa Lucia Station, also known as the Scalzi Church.

It is completely different from Rome or Florence.

From a city of stone to a city of water.

I really felt like we had arrived.

Venice is a place I have seen many times in photos and movies.

But the moment I actually stepped out of the station and that scenery spread out before my eyes, it was truly special.

"Step out of the station, and you're suddenly in Venice."

This is quite a powerful experience.

I gazed at the scenery for a while.

While saying "Wow" with my wife.

It's just a simple phrase, but there are moments during a trip where "Wow" is all you can say.

Our first day in Venice began exactly like that.

Having the best seafood pasta at the canal-side restaurant MIRA

First, lunch.

When you come to Venice, you definitely want to eat seafood.

My wife and I were in complete agreement on that.

We looked for a restaurant on Google Maps and found one called MIRA.

Luckily, we were able to get a terrace seat along the canal without a reservation.

This was truly, absolutely wonderful.

The canal was right in front of us.

Water buses and boats passed by, and a breeze blew through.

A white tablecloth.

A blue boat.

The sparkling water surface.

We were able to have lunch amidst scenery that was the very definition of Venice.

The first appetizer that came out was a dish like shellfish baked with herb breadcrumbs.

The small shellfish were packed with flavor, and it was delicious.

And for the main course, seafood pasta.

Mussels, shrimp, squid, and tomato sauce.

Just looking at it, it was already a winner.

After one bite, I thought to myself.

This is among the best pasta I've eaten on this trip to Italy.

It might even be the best.

Of course, the carbonara in Rome and the pasta in Florence were also delicious.

However, the pasta that day was perfect, not just in taste, but also because of the view.

Rushing around to see tourist attractions is one way to travel.

But the time spent in a restaurant we just happened to walk into, looking at the view in front of us and saying to my wife, 'This is delicious,' is special.

These are the moments we might remember the most later on.

Walking through the alleys of Venice without setting too many goals

After lunch, we decided to wander around for a while.

In Venice, I want to walk without setting too many goals.

My wife also said she wanted to casually pop into shops and alleys that caught her eye.

I thought that was a wonderful idea.

Rome is a city where you are overwhelmed by the scale of the ruins.

Florence is a city enveloped in the density of art and architecture.

Venice is a city where you feel like you've stepped into a story just by walking around.

That's the feeling I got.

The colors of the buildings are all so cute.

Red, pink, orange, and pale cream.

Flowers by the windows.

At the end of a narrow alley, there is a small canal.

Every time we cross a bridge, a different view appears.

Although it was Sunday, it didn't feel as crowded as the centers of Rome or Florence; it had a somewhat simple and gentle atmosphere.

Of course, if you go near St. Mark's Square, it's packed with tourists, but this area is still a bit more relaxed.

The breeze feels good, too.

You can smell the water.

It feels like getting lost, yet you are truly traveling.

Strolling through Venice had such a strange sense of comfort.

To the Scuola Grande di San Rocco. Enveloped in the world of Tintoretto.

While walking, I arrived around San Rocco.

The place I visited here was the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

In Italian, it is Scuola Grande di San Rocco.

When you hear 'scuola,' it sounds like a school, but in this context, it means a confraternity or guild.

San Rocco has been worshipped as a saint who protects people from the plague.

And this building is known for the collection of works by Tintoretto, one of Venice's representative painters.

To be honest, I didn't enter with a perfect understanding of this place from the start.

But I realized it as soon as I stepped inside.

This is not just a tourist spot.

The space itself was a place enveloped in paintings.

Next door is the Church of San Rocco.

The interior of the Church of San Rocco was also very impressive.

A complete change from the brightness outside, the interior holds a sense of quiet and solemnity.

Large paintings on the walls.

High ceilings.

Red curtains.

Old wooden chairs.

The contrast between light and shadow.

Churches in Venice have not just luxury, but a certain humid depth to them.

It felt as if the tranquility of the City of Water was flowing right into the church.

This place was beyond my imagination.

Huge paintings on the ceiling and the walls.

Works by Tintoretto fill the entire space.

Rather than looking at paintings one by one in a museum, it feels like stepping inside the paintings themselves.

Venice has overwhelmingly famous places like St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.

But I felt that encountering such deep, unexpected beauty in a slightly tucked-away place like this is also part of Venice's charm.

Not Venice as a tourist destination, but Venice as a city where faith and art have accumulated over a long period of time.

I felt like I was able to touch a small part of it.

And then, we headed toward the Accademia Bridge area.

As we crossed the large wooden bridge, another picturesque scene spread out before our eyes.

In the distance, you can see the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute.

With its beautiful round dome, it is one of the iconic views that represents Venice.

There is a city on the water, a church within the city, and the sky beyond the church.

Even though I had seen it in photos, seeing it in person really moved me.

The red dome of the Duomo that I saw on the morning we left Florence.

And that afternoon, the white dome of the Salute Church that I saw in Venice.

Even though it is the same Italy, there is such a different kind of beauty.

Rome, Florence, Venice.

In each city, the flow of time, the color of the light, and the presence of the people are all different.

When you are traveling, those differences sink into your body.

Bathing in the Venetian breeze on a water bus

From here, we traveled by water bus.

The water bus in Venice is not just a means of transportation.

Of course, it is a vehicle for getting around the city, but once you actually ride it, it becomes a wonderful sightseeing experience in itself.

The boat slowly begins to move.

The water's surface sparkles.

The buildings drift by at a different angle than when viewed from land.

And the breeze feels truly wonderful.

The weather was nice that day, and with the sky and water so bright, just being on the boat lifted my spirits.

In Rome, we walked on stone paths, and in Florence, we walked through art and architecture.

But in Venice, it feels as if the city itself is moving over the water.

It was as if we were gliding through a painting.

Along the way, a beautiful, large white church came into view.

It was the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, which we had seen from a distance earlier at the Accademia Bridge.

Built to pray for the end of the plague that raged in the 17th century, it is one of the representative churches of Venetian Baroque.

Its large, round dome is impressive, and it stands out with a unique presence even among the scenery along the Grand Canal.

We only viewed it from the outside that day.

But seeing its beautiful form made me want to go inside the next day.

Venice is not just about following a planned itinerary; it's a place where your heart is moved by what you see, and that determines where you go the next day.

I think it is that kind of city.

Gondolas, water buses, and water taxis were all coming and going on the canal.

A city where boats, not cars, are the daily means of transportation.

Even though I knew that, seeing it in person is still truly surreal.

And it is irresistibly beautiful.

Life exists on the water, tourism exists on the water, and history exists on the water.

The city of Venice was truly special.

Heading to St. Mark's Square. The feeling of stepping into the center of the world.

As we headed toward St. Mark's Square by water bus, the number of people gradually increased.

The atmosphere is different from the area around the station.

"This is the center of tourism in Venice."

I understood that immediately.

We planned to visit St. Mark's Square properly the next day.

We also have a reservation for St. Mark's Basilica for the next day.

However, even at this point, I could tell the air changed just by getting close to the square.

The scale of the buildings.

The number of people.

The music.

The light.

Everywhere you look is picturesque.

However, we had been moving quite a bit since the morning at this point.

Starting from Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, morning cafe, train travel, hotel check-in, Venice stroll, seafood pasta, church, and water bus.

It was already a very intense day.

We were starting to feel a little tired.

However, it was at that very moment that that place appeared before my wife and me.

To Caffè Florian: A Gem of a Time Encountered in Venice

Caffè Florian, located in St. Mark's Square.

It is a famous establishment known as one of the oldest cafes in the world, founded in 1720.

I knew the name.

But to be honest, I hadn't decided that I absolutely had to go there that day.

In fact, we were starting to get a little tired and were losing sight of where to go next.

It was then that,

"Caffè Florian is nearby"

I realized.

We had to go in.

Even the entrance had such an atmosphere.

Old wooden doors.

A classic sign.

Staff in proper uniforms.

It felt less like a tourist cafe and more like a place that has continued to welcome people throughout its long history.

Once inside, the interior was truly beautiful.

The walls, the ceiling, the lighting, the chairs—the entire space was like an art museum.

And what was even more wonderful was the live music.

It is luxurious enough to hear music coming from the square, but being able to see the performance from our seats was even better.

A piano.

A clarinet.

A double bass.

The musicians in white shirts and black bow ties.

At this moment, I thought to myself.

Ah, I'm so glad we came.

Truly, I'm so glad we came.

This place was not just for having drinks or desserts.

It was a place to savor the very essence of Venice while being enveloped in music.

I chose the dark chocolate tartufo.

It was a cold chocolate dessert that was rich but not too heavy, and it was delicious.

And the Frozen Florian.

A cold coffee cream topped with whipped cream, a drink that truly represents this cafe.

My wife chose a strawberry ice cream-based dessert.

Eating something sweet while listening to music.

Outside the window, St. Mark's Square.

The air inside the shop was wrapped in a long history.

I could feel my tired body slowly beginning to unwind.

When traveling, how many famous sights you see is important.

But even more than that,

whether you can find a place where you think,

"I'm glad I could rest here."

I think that is also very important.

Caffè Florian became exactly that kind of place for us.

It was quite a major highlight of our first day in Venice.

Returning to the hotel in Mestre while holding onto the lingering memories of the City of Water

By the time we left Caffè Florian, the air had completely turned into that of the evening.

We walked a little more after this as well.

While heading toward the Accademia Bridge, we gazed at the alleys and canals of Venice.

Unlike the route we took by water bus, we decided to walk a bit on our way back toward the station.

However, we had been moving since the morning, after all.

It was a day that started early in the morning in Florence.

Physically, we were getting quite close to our limit.

But strangely, it wasn't an unpleasant kind of fatigue.

"We really walked a lot today."

“That was truly a wonderful day.”

It was the kind of exhaustion that made me feel that way.

We decided to keep our dinner light.

We had been quite satisfied with both the seafood pasta at lunch and the dessert at Caffè Florian that day.

So, we decided to buy some pizza near the station and eat it after returning to our hotel in Mestre.

We took the train from Venezia Santa Lucia Station to Mestre Station.

From there, we walked back to Hotel Roberta.

After taking a shower, we finally caught our breath.

And the pizza we bought at the supermarket was surprisingly delicious, too.

Whether it was a high-end restaurant, a historic café, or supermarket pizza.

Italy is properly delicious until the very end.

That was something I thought many times during this trip as well.

My heart was stolen from the very first day in Venice

And so, the first day in Venice came to an end.

The breathtaking view we saw at Piazzale Michelangelo on the morning we left Florence.

Our final morning coffee.

The journey on the high-speed train.

The hotel in Mestre.

The scenery of the City of Water that spread out the moment we stepped out of Santa Lucia Station.

The seafood pasta by the canal.

The narrow alleys of Venice.

The Scuola Grande di San Rocco and its church.

My first time on a water bus.

The beautiful dome of the Salute Church.

And, the music and dessert at Caffè Florian.

How much can one pack into a single day?

It was such an intense day that I wondered just that.

Yet, strangely, it didn't feel like I was pushing myself.

If anything, it felt as though I was being naturally guided by the city of Venice itself.

Rome is a city where you are overwhelmed by history.

Florence is a city wrapped in beauty.

And Venice is a city that steals your heart with its water, light, and music.

Just from the first day, I had already fallen completely in love with it.

But the real Venice was only just beginning.

The next day, we headed to Murano Island.

And to St. Mark's Basilica.

It would be a day of delving even deeper into the profound nature of the City of Water.

Venice Day 2: The morning heading to Murano Island

The next morning.

It is the second day in Venice.

The day before, we had a very full day: starting with a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo before leaving Florence, traveling by train, and then, after arriving in Venice, having lunch, walking around, taking a water bus, and visiting Caffè Florian.

I think the fatigue must have really built up.

On this day, I slept almost without waking until the alarm went off at 6:00 AM.

I think I managed to sleep for over eight hours straight.

By the fifth day of a trip, while it's fun, fatigue also definitely accumulates in your body.

But that, too, is the reality of travel.

I woke up, took a shower, and got ready.

Our destination for the morning was Murano Island.

It is an island famous for Venetian glass.

It was a place my wife especially wanted to go, and I was really looking forward to it too.

From the Mestre side where our hotel was, we first headed to the main island of Venice.

And from there, we took a water bus to Murano Island.

Heading to Murano Island by water bus. The morning breeze feels great.

The water bus ride was truly pleasant again that day.

We were lucky enough to get seats.

In a seat near the outside of the boat, we moved over the water while feeling the breeze.

While riding the water bus, I felt once again how mysterious the city of Venice is.

There are waterways instead of roads.

There are boats instead of buses.

The train station, the bus stops, the scenery while traveling—everything is on the water.

Coming from a life in Japan, that alone feels like another world.

On the way, an island surrounded by greenery and a white church came into view.

It was San Michele Island.

Known as Venice's cemetery island, it had a unique sense of tranquility even when viewed from the water bus.

It is a place where the atmosphere suddenly changes amidst the bustling tourism of Venice.

Although I only viewed it from the boat this time, I think encountering scenery like this is one of the charms of traveling by water bus.

Before long, we approached Murano Island.

The water bus stop came into view, and we were finally arriving.

Morning cafe on Murano Island. Time flowing slowly.

After arriving on Murano Island, our first stop was a morning cafe.

The air here felt a little different from Rome, Florence, and the main island of Venice we had visited until the day before.

It is a tourist destination, yet it feels somewhat relaxed.

Even though there are people, there is little sense of rush.

The morning light, the canal water, and the colors of the town all feel a bit softer.

We went into a cafe we found and had breakfast.

A croissant.

A panini with salami.

An iced cafe latte.

A cappuccino.

It's simple, but it's more than enough happiness for a morning while traveling.

Morning cafes in Italy are just wonderful.

It's not a luxurious breakfast.

But it feels like being allowed to blend into the daily life of the city for a little while.

I love the time spent visiting famous spots as a tourist, but I love this time spent just sitting, drinking, and eating bread just as much.

Surprisingly, it's these casual mornings that stay in my travel memories.

The glass island, where just walking is healing

After finishing our morning cafe, we walked around Murano Island.

Murano Island isn't that big of an island.

But as you walk, there are canals everywhere, small bridges, and rows of cute, colorful buildings.

The overwhelming power of history like in Rome.

The density like an art museum like in Florence.

The splendor as a tourist destination like on the main island of Venice.

Murano Island had a charm that was different from any of them.

It was simpler and more laid-back.

Yet, it was still truly beautiful.

My wife really loved this island.

"I want to come back here again."

That is what she said.

I felt the same way.

I am happy when I can encounter places like this during a trip.

It is a different kind of emotion than the thrill of seeing famous tourist spots.

It is a feeling where your mind and body just suddenly relax.

Into the World of Venetian Glass

When you think of Murano Island, you think of Venetian glass.

There are glass craft shops all over the island.

Just looking at the shop windows is fun.

Vases, accessories, animal figurines, chandeliers, and ornaments.

The colors and shapes are truly rich, and I was surprised that the material of glass could have so many expressions.

When you enter the shop, there are beautiful chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.

The shelves are filled with colorful glass works.

Every time the light hits them, the expression of the pieces changes.

It is said that glassmaking in Murano developed on this island after glass artisans were moved here from the main island of Venice at the end of the 13th century.

It is believed that this was done both to keep workshops that use fire away from the main island and to protect the techniques.

When I think of it that way, the beautiful glass pieces lined up before my eyes are more than just souvenirs.

I felt that they are an extension of the history of artisans that has continued for hundreds of years.

We also looked for gifts for our families.

For my mother and sister.

For my wife's mother.

And a little something for ourselves, too.

I fell in love at first sight with a horse figurine that had rainbow-like colors inside the transparent glass.

Even though it is a small piece, just looking at it makes me feel cheerful.

"I want to take this home with me."

That is what I thought.

My wife chose a green necklace as a memento for herself.

It was a beautiful color that reminds me of the color of the water we saw on this trip and the gentle atmosphere of the island.

Peeking into a glass artisan's workshop

As we walked further, we also came across a place that looked like a glass workshop.

Inside, an artisan was actually working with glass.

A high-temperature furnace.

Glass glowing with red heat.

A craftsman spinning it at the end of a rod, shaping it as he goes.

In a photo, it is a frozen moment, but in reality, there is heat and movement there.

Glass is something hard and cold.

That is the impression I have.

But inside the workshop, it was different.

Glass takes on heat, becoming soft and changing shape as if it were flowing.

Guided by human hands, it becomes a work of art.

I felt that the beauty of Murano glass lies not just in the finished product, but in this very process itself.

Relaxing your heart on Murano Island

Time on Murano Island was truly comfortable.

Just walking around is fun.

Just peeking into the shops is fun.

Just looking along the canals calms the spirit.

Rome, Florence, and the main island of Venice.

Every city was wonderful.

However, here on Murano Island, I felt a different kind of happiness.

Instead of being overwhelmed by something, my heart slowly began to unwind.

Instead of packing my schedule, I stopped to look at whatever caught my eye.

It was a place that reminded me once again of the beauty of such a trip.

I was also happy that my wife liked it here.

Being able to walk through such a small island together on our 25th wedding anniversary trip.

Being able to find a memento for ourselves while choosing gifts for our family.

That time itself became a treasure.

From Murano Island to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

We left Murano Island before noon.

We boarded the water bus again, this time heading to the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

I never get tired of seeing Venice from the water bus, no matter how many times I see it.

The color of the water surface.

The rocking of the boat.

The row of buildings.

And the large white dome visible in the distance.

A place I saw from the water bus the day before and decided I wanted to go inside the next day.

That was the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute.

This church was built in the 17th century with the hope of ending the plague that struck Venice.

The name 'Salute' means health or salvation.

In other words, it is a church that embodies the prayers of the city's people.

When you look at it with that in mind, it feels not just beautiful, but somehow poignant.

The exterior was truly magnificent.

White marble.

A large dome.

The front steps.

Standing with the canal behind it.

It is a building that leaves a particularly strong impression among the sights of Venice.

And when I stepped inside, a quiet atmosphere spread out, different from the brightness outside.

When you stand in the center, the space expands upward and upward.

A round dome.

A high ceiling.

The rhythm of the columns.

The patterns on the floor.

Everything is elegant, calm, yet possesses a definite sense of power.

It is different from the overwhelming golden presence of St. Mark's Basilica.

Here, there was a beauty like a white prayer.

A place built with prayers by a city that had endured the great suffering of the plague.

Perhaps that is why it possesses not just splendor, but also tranquility.

When traveling, you encounter many beautiful things.

But when you learn even a little about the pain and prayers behind them, the way you see them changes.

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute was truly such a place.

My heart relaxed on Murano Island, and I found quiet composure in this church.

The morning of our second day in Venice flowed in a very beautiful way.

After this, we headed back toward St. Mark's Square for lunch.

And in the afternoon, we would finally visit St. Mark's Basilica.

We would go on to experience the depth of Venice even more profoundly.

Having a Venetian-style lunch near St. Mark's Square

After leaving the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, we returned toward St. Mark's Square and decided to have lunch after walking a little further.

My wife's Google Map research was a huge help again today.

The restaurant we found was Ristorante Al Mercante.

The exterior had the atmosphere of a restaurant typically found on a street corner in Venice.

There were outdoor seats, but since it was a bit hot that day, we went inside.

Once inside, despite being in the heart of a tourist area, a calm atmosphere flowed through the space.

Wine bottles were lined up, paintings decorated the walls, and the lighting was soft.

Having walked around Murano Island since the morning and visited the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, I was happy to be able to sit down and relax here for a while.

What we ordered here was spaghetti coated in the rich flavor of crab, fried seafood, and penne with tomato sauce.

Everything was truly delicious.

The first thing that left an impression was the crab spaghetti.

Just having the shell served with it made me excited from the moment I saw it.

It wasn't just visually appealing; the crab's umami was thoroughly infused into the pasta, and with every bite, I felt glad that we had come to Venice.

And then, the fried seafood.

The shrimp, squid, and other items were fried to a crisp, and squeezing lemon over them made them instantly refreshing.

It wasn't too heavy, yet it was satisfying.

Eating seafood in the City of Water really lifts your spirits.

The Amatriciana penne was also simple yet thoroughly delicious.

I've thought this many times since coming to Italy, but it's amazing how even a casual tomato sauce pasta like this is so properly delicious.

For lunch the previous day, we ate seafood pasta at a terrace seat along the canal.

On this day, we had crab spaghetti and fried seafood in a calm restaurant near St. Mark's Square.

Both had their own completely different charms.

Venice is not just about the scenery.

It is a city that turns even the time you spend eating into a proper travel memory.

To the Rialto Bridge. Walking through the heart of Venice

After lunch, we headed toward the Rialto Bridge.

The Rialto Bridge is one of the famous bridges spanning the Grand Canal in Venice.

A large arch made of white stone.

Shops line the bridge, and many people gather in the surrounding area.

Until yesterday, I was moved by viewing Venice from a water bus, but now it was time to look down at the Grand Canal from atop the bridge.

Seeing it up close, it has a much more solid presence than I imagined.

It wasn't just a bridge for looking at the scenery; it had a weight to it, as if it were carrying the history of the city itself.

As we climbed the steps of the bridge, we were surprised by the number of people.

Tourists.

Locals.

People taking photos.

People browsing the shops.

Even though it is a city on the water, there was a distinct urban energy here.

And, the Grand Canal as seen from the bridge.

This, too, was wonderful.

Historic buildings lined up on both banks.

A water bus.

A small boat.

A gondola.

A restaurant with red awnings.

The scenery of Venice that I had imagined in my head was unfolding right before my eyes.

Every corner of this city is picturesque.

But the view from the Rialto Bridge was special even among them.

Seeing it from above, I could truly realize once again that Venice is a city that lives on water.

There are canals instead of roads, and boats coming and going instead of cars.

That simple fact flows as a daily routine here.

To us travelers, it looked fresh and beautiful the whole time.

The joy of visiting a supermarket while traveling

After enjoying the Rialto Bridge, we also stopped by a COOP that my wife was interested in.

The sound of "Co-op," which is familiar even in Japan.

It felt somewhat strange to find it in the middle of Venice.

I quite like going into supermarkets when I'm traveling.

Because it gives you a glimpse into the life of the city, which is different from the tourist attractions.

What kind of drinks are sold there?

What kind of bread and cheese are lined up?

What is on the shelves for sweets and deli items?

Even if it's just for a few minutes, it feels like I've touched upon the daily life of that country.

On this trip as well, supermarkets were a huge help to us when we wanted to have a light dinner.

Travel isn't just about restaurants.

Nights spent eating things bought at the supermarket back at the hotel are also a proper part of the journey.

Finally heading to St. Mark's Basilica

And so, our big destination for this afternoon.

We headed to St. Mark's Basilica.

Since we came to St. Mark's Square the day before, we were already overwhelmed by the power of its exterior.

However, today we had a reservation to go inside.

Standing in the square, it really is amazing.

There are so many people.

The building is also magnificent.

And the facade of St. Mark's Basilica felt less like a church and more like the entrance to a giant jewelry box.

We have seen many churches in Rome and Florence as well.

But St. Mark's Basilica is something completely different again.

Rather than a typical Italian church, it has a somewhat Eastern flair.

It is a beauty unique to Venice, influenced by the Byzantine style.

Just looking at the exterior, the amount of detail is incredible.

Arches.

Columns.

Mosaics.

Sculptures.

Gold.

White stone.

The more I look, the more my eyes struggle to keep up.

Yet strangely, it doesn't feel overwhelming.

Rather, I felt that everything accumulated over such a long time has become a single form of prayer.

As you approach the entrance, you can see the golden mosaics.

Entering from here felt like stepping into another world entirely.

Enveloped in golden mosaics

The moment I stepped inside St. Mark's Basilica, I caught my breath.

Darkness and gold.

Silence and the presence of people.

Solemnity and brilliance.

Everything about it rushes in all at once.

The first thing that catches your eye is the golden mosaic spreading across the ceiling and walls.

This is different from a painting.

It feels as if light itself is dwelling within the walls and ceiling.

When you look closely, you see tiny tiles gathered together to depict biblical scenes and figures.

But when you step back a little, it becomes a vast golden world.

Even though it was made by human hands, it feels like you are looking at something that transcends them.

In Rome, I was overwhelmed by the sheer scale of antiquity.

In Florence, my heart was captured by the intellect and beauty of the Renaissance.

And here at St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, I was enveloped in a unique mystery that seems to blend Eastern and Western cultures.

Even within the same Italy, it is so different from city to city.

The more I travel, the more interesting those differences become.

St. Mark's Basilica is not just merely ornate.

Even though it is golden, it does not feel light.

Even though it is luxurious, it does not feel frivolous.

Rather, it carries the weight of deep prayer.

Centuries of time.

The pride of Venice, the Republic of the Sea.

Faith.

Memories of trade.

Connections to the East.

It felt as if such things were glowing quietly inside the domes.

An emotion completely different from any church I've visited before.

As I moved further inside, I was overwhelmed by the scale of the space.

Columns stood in rows, an altar lay in the distance, and looking up, golden domes continued on.

I have entered many churches in Rome and Florence until now.

Each one was wonderful in its own way.

But St. Mark's Basilica was a different kind of moving experience.

The word 'impressive' is not enough.

The word 'beautiful' is also not enough.

It felt somewhat exotic, fantastical, and sacred to the point of being a little frightening.

There is light, yet at the same time, there are deep shadows.

That was very impressive.

My neck hurt just from looking up the whole time.

But I couldn't help but look up.

There is a story in every dome, and a prayer in every wall.

When I think about the fact that people built all of this, it is truly amazing.

When traveling, I find myself saying "amazing" over and over again.

But the "amazing" I felt at this moment was a little different.

It was the kind of "amazing" that remains when words can no longer keep up.

Inside St. Mark's Basilica, we looked up at that golden world for a while.

And after this, we went even higher.

We climbed the stairs and headed toward the upper part of the basilica.

The view of St. Mark's Square and Venice from there would also become something unforgettable.

Climbing the stairs to the top of St. Mark's Basilica

After walking while looking up at the interior of St. Mark's Basilica, we headed even higher.

We slowly climbed the narrow stairs.

In Rome and Florence, we climbed stairs many times.

The dome of the Duomo.

The church stairs.

The station stairs.

And here in Venice, it was stairs again.

But strangely, the stairs you climb while traveling always have a reward waiting at the end.

This time too, while catching my breath a little,

I thought, "A different kind of view is surely waiting for us ahead."

With that feeling, I climbed up.

After passing through the stairs, we emerged in a spot where we could look down over St. Mark's Basilica.

The impression is completely different from when we were looking at it from below.

The golden mosaics feel much closer.

The stories depicted on the walls and ceilings are visible in greater detail.

And by seeing the people below looking so small, I felt the scale of this space all over again.

St. Mark's Basilica is overwhelming just by walking inside and looking up.

But looking at it from above revealed yet another side of it.

It felt as if time and prayer were imbued in every single mosaic.

The closer you look at the mosaics, the more you can feel the traces of human hands.

Small pieces of stone and glass come together one by one to form expressions on faces, the folds of robes, and golden light.

From a distance, it is a sacred world.

Up close, it is the incredible handiwork of humans.

I was moved by the fact that both exist at the same time.

Venice is the city of water.

But when you are inside St. Mark's Basilica, you momentarily forget that it is a city floating on water.

The flow of time is different here.

Outside, tourists come and go, water buses run, and sunlight pours down on the square.

But inside the basilica, under the golden ceiling, it felt as if centuries of prayers were quietly accumulating.

My eyes stop.

My feet come to a stop.

And words become scarce.

"It's amazing."

"It really is amazing."

We walked along the upper walkway, saying that over and over again.

Another St. Mark's Basilica encountered in the museum area

Upstairs, there were also exhibits conveying the history of the basilica.

Works like tapestries and old books.

Things that were once cherished in this place are lined up quietly.

St. Mark's Basilica is not just a beautiful building.

How much time the city of Venice has spent cherishing this place.

That weight comes across as you walk through the exhibition rooms.

And what was very impressive were the Horses of Saint Mark.

The horses visible on the exterior are replicas, and the originals are displayed here for preservation.

Seeing them up close, they have more presence than I imagined.

They were not just beautiful; they had the intensity that only things that have passed through history possess.

The expression of the horses.

The angle of their necks.

The movement of the legs as if trying to step forward.

Even though they are still, they look as if they are about to start moving at any moment.

In Rome and Florence, I was moved by sculptures and paintings time and time again.

However, these horses possessed a different kind of power.

They had a presence as if they had been watching over this city for a long time, carrying the pride of Venice on their backs.

St. Mark's Basilica, looking down from above. I stared at the space enveloped in golden domes for a while.

The emotion I felt when looking up from below.

The emotion I felt when seeing the mosaics up close.

And the emotion I felt when looking over the whole thing from above.

Even within the same St. Mark's Basilica, a different emotion is born every time the angle changes.

It was truly an amazing place.

St. Mark's Square, looking down from the terrace

And finally, I stepped out onto the outdoor terrace.

What spread out before my eyes was St. Mark's Square.

I will truly never forget this view.

The white square spreading out below.

The flagpoles standing straight.

To the left, the bell tower.

Straight ahead, the beautiful buildings surrounding the square.

All of them were shining quietly in the sunlight.

When you are on the ground, you are overwhelmed by the number of people.

But when you look down from above, even the flow of people becomes part of the scenery.

People walking.

People taking photos.

People stopping to look.

People spending time at cafes.

I felt that the city of Venice is truly alive in this very moment.

The Doge's Palace also takes on a different expression when viewed from above.

Rows of white columns, patterns on the walls catching the light, opening up toward the sea.

The place that was once the heart of the Republic of Venice.

Thinking that I was looking down at that stage of history from atop St. Mark's Basilica made it such a luxurious moment.

I could also see the Clock Tower.

The blue dial and the golden decorations.

Venice is a city that is truly beautiful down to the smallest detail.

It is not just one specific place that is a landmark; it is the corners of buildings, the windows, the roofs, the columns, and the patterns.

Each and every one of them creates the beauty of the city.

At this moment, my wife was looking up at the bell tower from the terrace.

Seeing her like that, my heart felt a little touched.

We came to Italy for our 25th wedding anniversary.

We started in Rome, walked through Florence, and made it all the way to Venice.

We walked a lot, ate a lot, were moved a lot, and got very tired every day.

But, being here and seeing this view together with my wife,

I felt that this alone was more than enough to make it a happy trip.

Still beautiful even when we stepped outside

After leaving St. Mark's Basilica, we walked around the area for a while.

When we stepped outside, beautiful decorations continued along the side of the basilica.

Beyond the square, the places we had just been walking stretched out before us.

The flow of people.

The white buildings.

Shadows and light.

The scenery of Venice changes its expression little by little depending on the time of day.

Even if you are in the same place, it never looks exactly the same as it did a moment ago.

That is why I found myself looking back again and again.

As we passed by the Doge's Palace, I was once again captivated by its beauty.

We didn't make time to go inside this time, but the exterior alone was more than impressive enough.

There are just too many places to see in Venice.

Perhaps that is exactly why I feel like I want to come back again.

Unlike the splendor of the front, St. Mark's Basilica had a slightly more serene atmosphere when viewed from the side.

Even though it is right next to the square bustling with tourists, just by changing the angle, it suddenly reveals a quiet expression.

This city truly has so much depth.

And at the cafes in the square, music was playing once again.

I remembered the time we spent at Caffè Florian the day before.

Those red chairs.

The beautiful ceiling.

The strawberry dessert and chocolate tartufo lined up on the table.

And the live music echoing through the square.

That was not just time spent in a cafe.

It was like a gift given to us by the city of Venice.

Enjoying Venice once more by water bus

After fully enjoying St. Mark's Basilica, we decided to take the water bus back toward the station.

We rode the water bus many times over these two days.

At first, we rode it just as a means of transportation.

But gradually, we began to understand.

In Venice, the water bus itself is a sightseeing experience.

As we moved over the water, the churches and buildings slowly drifted away.

The wind blows.

The waves sway.

Boats pass each other.

Just sitting there feels wonderful the whole time.

Before we left, I thought that since we were going to Venice, we should ride a gondola as a couple.

Of course, a gondola is a quintessential Venetian experience.

But after actually spending two days there, we felt completely satisfied with just the water bus.

The morning breeze heading toward Murano Island.

The afternoon light returning from St. Mark's Square toward the station side.

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute viewed from the boat.

St. Mark's Square fading into the distance.

Buildings reflected on the water's surface.

All of it was more than enough Venice for us.

That is why we decided to skip the gondola this time.

There is no need to force everything in.

We can just leave it as something to look forward to when we come back.

I think the reason we could feel that way is because this trip was just that fulfilling.

Quietly bidding farewell to Venice

By the time we returned to the station side by water bus, I felt that the end of our trip was gradually approaching.

The Grand Canal spreading out in front of the station.

On the other side, a church with an impressive green dome.

Boats coming and going, people walking, and tourists pulling their luggage.

Even though I had seen this view when we arrived, it looked a little different when seeing it before leaving.

Perhaps it is because it is no longer the 'place we arrived at,' but the 'place we are about to leave.'

Venice was a mysterious city from beginning to end.

Waterways instead of roads.

Boats instead of cars.

From the moment we stepped out of the station, I felt as if I had entered a world slightly different from reality.

But after spending two days there, that mystery gradually became our daily life.

Riding the water bus.

Crossing the bridges.

Walking through the narrow alleys.

Dining along the canal.

Listening to music in the square.

Choosing souvenirs with my wife on the island of glass crafts.

Each and every one of those moments became our Venice.

For our final night, we decided to head back to the hotel and have a light meal.

That day, we had gone to Murano Island in the morning, visited the Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, had lunch, walked across the Rialto Bridge, and enjoyed St. Mark's Basilica.

Our hearts and stomachs were already more than full.

So, we didn't feel the need to force ourselves to go to a restaurant for dinner.

We would just have a simple meal with things we bought at the supermarket.

That, too, was a fitting way for us to end our trip.

The deepening of our journey felt in Venice

Rome was overwhelming.

Ancient ruins.

The Colosseum.

The Roman Forum.

The weight of history accumulated throughout the entire city.

Florence was beautiful.

The Duomo.

The Uffizi Gallery.

Piazzale Michelangelo.

The intellect and art of the Renaissance breathed in every corner of the city.

And Venice was like a dream.

A city on the water.

A daily life where you travel by boat.

The music in St. Mark's Square.

The elegant time spent at Caffè Florian.

The glass of Murano Island.

The golden mosaics of St. Mark's Basilica.

The Grand Canal as seen from the Rialto Bridge.

Every city was completely different.

Even though it is the same Italy, it is so different.

And more than anything, I was happy to be able to feel those differences together with my wife.

Our 25th wedding anniversary.

If you look only at the numbers, it might just be a milestone.

But as we actually traveled like this, I felt the weight of those 25 years many times over.

Being able to walk together.

Being able to see the same scenery.

Being able to tell each other we are tired.

Being able to laugh and say it is delicious.

Being able to talk about where we want to go next.

Things I took for granted when I was young now feel like such a blessing.

I think travel is not just about seeing the scenery.

It is also about looking back once more at the time we have lived together.

During this trip to Italy, I felt that way many times.

Back to Rome. And then, to the Vatican.

I am writing this now on a high-speed train heading to Rome.

Leaving Venice and returning to Rome once again.

As I watch the scenery flow by outside the window, I am finishing up this Venice edition.

The end of our trip is slowly drawing near.

I feel a bit of sadness, too.

But even more than that,

I feel a great sense of gratitude,

thinking, 'I'm so glad we were able to make it this far.'

Starting in Rome, going to Florence, walking through Venice, and returning to Rome again.

And after this, we are finally heading to the Vatican.

The trip is now in its final stages.

But it is not over yet.

I want to enjoy it to the very last moment with my wife.

Venice.

A dreamlike city floating on the water.

It has become a place I definitely want to return to.

Next time we come, I want to walk around Murano Island more slowly.

I also want to try riding a gondola.

And I want to go inside the Doge's Palace.

And once again, I want to spend a relaxing cafe time with my wife while listening to music in St. Mark's Square.

Every trip has an end.

But a good trip always leaves you with the feeling of wanting to come back.

Venice was exactly that kind of city.

Next, we head back to Rome.

And then, to the Vatican.

Our 25th wedding anniversary trip to Italy is finally heading into its final chapter.

Tenmame

Click here for the Rome/Vatican return edition ↓ Please check out the final chapter.