Getting lost in the labyrinth of streets
by cheapskate
Just walking aimlessly around the backlanes and taking random right or left turns. I wish i had more time to make those aimless strolls.. but truth of the matter is.. i did not. But i did one hour everyday passing ppl's home.. tiny bakeries and cafes.. And it was really nice..
When i was walking alone around the residential areas in the morning, i saw people getting ready to leave their homes.. opening up their wooden windows.. and elderly ladies tidying their potted plant in their little hanging gardens.. and i thought to myself.. 'OMG.. it's just like the movies'
I really like old stuff.. so i was really thrilled when i was walking all the old fashion Venetian homes and was so charmed by them.
Burano
by draguza
Burano is a small island in the northern reaches of the Venetian lagoon, a forty-five-minute ride from Venice by vaporetto (water-bus). Known for its brightly colored houses & for its lace, Burano is a treat for the senses. Vibrant color is everywhere, Italian pizza wafts through the air, small family-owned cafes offer delectable meals, lacey linens feel cool & soft to the touch. But, best of all, the sounds of Burano offer a quiet playfulness compared to the crowded bustling of Venice.
Venice Tip
by Pierangelo
Venice is the canals, the islands, and the bridges that form it. The city is actually built upon 118 islands linked together by more than 150 canals. The most famous of all internal waterways, the Canal Grande, or Grand Canal, is a magical boat ride through Venice. In a city where water borne transportation is the only way to travel, the Grand Canal is main street and highway. The buildings along the Grand Canal are magnificent, elegant, and often crumbling.
"Short Dictionary of Toponyms" (I&V)
by Zvrlj
There are some Venetian words and symbols that are recurrent in the toponyms of the city, such as Rio, Rio Tera, Calle, Salizzada, Ramo, Ruga, Fondamenta, Lista, Piscina… The most of this very useful "Short Dictionary of Toponyms" is taken from "The Secret Venice of Corto Maltese" by Guido Fuga and Lele Vianello.
Calle – a street that is long rather than wide.
Campiello – a tiny square.
Campo – a square.
Corte – a courtyard.
Fondamenta – a street beside a canal and seeing also as the foundation for the buildings on the street. Another name for fondamenta is "riva".
Lista – this name was used to indicate the nearabouts of the palace where a foreign ambassador resided. As in the case of ancient asylums, the area concerned granted immunity to all offenders.
Piscina – these were ponds originally used as bathing premises and later tilled in.
Ponte – a bridge.
Ramo – a little side street branching off from a main street.
Rio – a small canal; some still bear maces of the shutting device chat was used to prevent nocturnal transit.
Rio Tera – a street which results from time filling-in of a canal.
Riva – same as fondamenta: a street beside a canal and seeing also as the foundation for the buildings on the street.
Ruga – a street that is lined on both sides with shops and residences.
Salizzada – this name was used for the wider streets and also for the first paved streets.
Sotoportego – a street passing under a building.
The weather in May is fine. I...
by Pierre_Rouss
The weather in May is fine. I have been in June and it was gorgeous while a bit busier.
July and August are awful not only with the tons of tourists everywhere, but also that with the hot weather the water doesn't smell so good.
The people of Venice tend to use the canal as garbage cans and it feels that way when it's real hot.