Maps and Gondolas

Maps.  Oh how great you are when one is in possesion of a good one. When, however, one is in possesion of a bad map, maps are very frustrating.  I had a couple actually,  and they were both terrible.  Streetwise Venice might have been good had I thought to buy one before I left, but alas, that was not the case.  Now having a bad map of Venice may not be an issue if you are there for a week. Strolling along and getting lost here and there might actually lead you to some great and unexpected places.   But, when you only have 3 days and you want to see a lot, a great map is essential.  We ended up using google maps so often it was crazy.  Thank god Skye has a iphone!!  We would be standing looking at a map, (or both maps) trying to find the street we were on.  Either the street didn't exist or where it should have been on the map, was instead, an entirely different street.

Google maps can be costly on your phone in an international location.  I guess this is another good reason to get an international phone before you go on your trip.  Having that GPS for walking is almost essential for the short stay in Venice.  If you don't have one, prepared to get a little lost even with your map in hand.

Gondolas.  Oh how exciting it is to think about going on a gondola.  You think about being sung to, you think about having a romantic ride down the canals, relaxing while someone rows you past all the beautiful views of Venice, but you don't actually think that it will cost you 100 Euros for 40 minutes.  That kind of put a damper on that.  100 Euro for 40 minutes just seemed a bit much.  I probably would have broken down had I been there longer and done 20 minutes for 40 Euro, but then why not just do the 40 minutes and get the whole experience.  So here is the skinny:  they are super expensive.  There is no way around it.  They get you because they know you want to do it, and most people probably do break down.  Venice's main source of income is tourism and let's face it, tourists are easy targets for that stuff.  My advice: if you do go on one, try to do it at sunset because sunset is a great time for amazing photo opportunities.  Try to get a gondola from an area where the skyline is packed with great sights.  Like Piazza San Marco.  If you are going to have 40 minutes you may as well have the chance to take pictures of some of the most beautiful sights in Venice.

Gondolas are available all along the canal.  Many of them are located close to the water taxi stops.  They will even stop you in the street to see if you would like to take a trip.  The opportunity to get on one will be there whenever you want it, so be choosy.  So, all this said, if you are willing to pay the price, make sure that you know what you would like to see on your ride and when.  It will make the price a slightly less bitter pill to swallow.