Our last day in Venice took us further than we had been before. Taking the vaporetto all the way to Residenza Cannaregio, a supposedly more traditionally area of Venice.
However when we got there we were faced with just as many tourists as anywhere else, discovering more traditional Venetian mask shops that boasted porcelain horse masks and intricate gold masks that I couldn't help but try on.
We indulged in these rather amazing pastries too. A crispy croissant type treat filled with hazelnut flavoured chocolate.
After wondering through the streets and following the crowds, we decided to take some time out, indulging in some cocktails and Venice's signature drink, a Spritz. An alcoholic aperitif, you can make this yourself by using prosecco wine, a splash of something bitter like Campari, Aperol or Cynar and topping it all off with sparkling water. It's one of the cheapest drinks in Venice and you'll spot the Italians sitting outside smoking with one of these to accompany them. So when in Rome Venice...
This soon got us in the mood for some food and I ordered my first pasta dish, with Elliot going for his favourite, spaghetti carbonara.
When you're in Venice you find yourself just aimlessly walking around the streets, wandering into shops and eating ice cream at the many gelato stands that turn up on every corner. I recommend you get a taste of a 'full milk and cream' ice cream cone, it's like a Mini Milk but taken to the next level. After exploring and taking little breaks sitting next to the canal, we headed back and got ready for our last night.
As it was our last night in Venice, I pulled out a dress I bought a year ago and haven't worn before. This 'vintage' Topshop dress teamed with ASOS heels took us out to the Zattere stretch.
That was, until we saw the lightning, heard the thunder and predicted the impending storm that was about to fall upon Venice. Not one for running around in such horrible weather, we sat ourselves down in the restaurant directly next to our hotel. Ordered my last pizza, while Elliot went for steak with buttered potatoes.
I really did love Venice and hope to visit again. You really can't fit everything in because there is so much going on. from my visit here are a few things I've learned that you first timers might Benefit from.
Our hotel was a 2 star hotel right in the heart of everything, rather than opting for a cheaper 4 star hotel outside of the city, keep it quaint and make sure that you can get yourself out of your room without a train into Venice.
Buy vaporetto tickets in advance, you can get them from 7 up to 48 hours depending on when you plan on using them.
The map looks daunting, but you can walk to entire length of the city within a day. You end up covering more ground than you think so exploring is never an issue. You won't be getting lost any time soon.
I can't thank Elliot enough for this wonderful surprise getaway. Needless to say he deserves it after a rough few months, it was lovely to get out of the country and get some proper one on one time with him. My first ever holiday with a boyfriend went more perfect than I could have ever imagined and I can't wait to make our mark on other countries around the world.
<3
Day two in Venice started with a visit to the Venetian markets in Rialto.We jumped onto the vaporetto bus and made our way. With a collection of fresh fruit and fish we munched on blueberries and took in the sights of buyers and sellers.
We made our way to the stone Rialto Bridge, the first dry crossing of the Grand Canal, bringing both sides of the canal to the markets. Joining the many tourists getting their 'selfies' over the canal we got our pictures and made our way to Accademia.
The Ponte dell'Accademia bridge contrasts to the Rialto Bridge beautifully. Constructed of wood and steel, this bridge has become more than just a crossing for tourists and Venetian residents. Lovers lock their padlocks onto the metal rails (much like they do in Paris), sealing their fate forever.
We got our hands on a lock of our own and picked a spot right in the middle facing towards where our hotel is and promised to visit it in 20 years time together.
Elliot was keen to see the Glassware gallery situated near Stefano square, once inside we were treated to an array of awe inspiring, controversial and amusing artwork created entirely from glass.
Feeling peckish we chose from the many restaurants within the square and indulged in yet another delicious Italian meal. A margherita pizza for me and spaghetti bolognese for Elliot.
After lunch, we made our way to one of the biggest tourist spots in Venice, Piazza San Marco. St Mark's Square is the central square in Venice and brings with it a mixture of luxury and culture with as many pigeons as there are people. With it being midday, tourists flocked to this area and filled it with bustle.
St Mark's Basilica and the Clock Tower came with huge queues that we just weren't willing to take on in the lunchtime heat. So we headed back through toward Giglio and got on board our very first Gondola ride.
By the end of the day we were both worn out, heading in for a brief siesta and then back out for some more Italian cuisine. I was even too tired to bring my camera out with me.
At the beginning of last week Elliot told me to take Friday off. Without hesitation I got it booked off and expected a lovely long weekend with my boyfriend.
He picked me up from work on Thursday and on the journey home told me the most exciting news I've had this year. We were off to Venice.
He'd planned the entire thing all weekend and in the early hours of Friday morning we were to encounter our first experience with Italy.
A hop, skip and vaporetto later we were on the Grand Canal, taking in all of the beautiful buildings, boats and greenery that make Venice a truly stunning city to visit.
We were soon on dry land and quickly found our hotel, the Hotel Salut, dropped off our bags and eagerly began exploring.
Not before experiencing our first taste of Italian Gelato.
We walked through the little alley ways and streets, walking into galleries and Venetian mask shops as we went along.
The 3 sides of Elliot :P
We then came across this random little shop dedicated to Andy Warhol and the clothes he wore. Filled with velvet blazers, neon fixtures and some rather racy artwork.
We then entered an Azerbaijan themed gallery with a room created entirely with this bright and intricate pattern. Even the books were covered (and a rather exciting discover was made once opened)
I decided to get mine and Elliot's visit down in history with a little message in one of the shops.
We then found ourselves at a Richard Mosse gallery that consisted of a dark, blacked out room with large projectors playing different scenes from an African scouting mission. A rather dark content matter, we decided to promptly leave and continued strolling through the intertwining streets.
Popping into another gallery called Supernatural that featured a more modern and rather strange collection of pieces.
By the end of a very long day, we decided to take advantage of the line of restaurants with piers along the Great Canal. Sitting and chatting, drinking Bellinis, beer and Prosecco until we gained a sufficient appetite.
We took a short walk to the next restaurant, got seated and ordered our first Italian pizza. Elliot opted for a pepperoni and pepper pizza with me enjoying a Quattro Formaggi pizza.
By the end of dinner we headed back to the hotel and quickly found ourselves snoozing off. What an amazing start to our first time in Venice!
