One-Way Traffic at Carnivale
by mariocibelli
taken from a BBC news item:
Venice, the city of waterways and canals, is to clamp down on pedestrian traffic during this year's carnival.
The Italian city is introducing a one-way system over bridges and in narrow streets, with stiff fines for revellers who ignore the rules.
On-the-spot fines of 25 euros (£17) could rise to 500 euros (£340) for those who fail to pay up.
More than 500,000 visitors are expected at the carnival, which runs from 7 February until Shrove Tuesday.
The last day of the carnival is expected to be the main attraction when thousands dress up in carnival costumes.
Venice police chief Francesco Vergine said that, in general, tourists were fairly obedient.
"When they are asked to go in one direction, they do as they are told by police, even if grudgingly," he said.
The theme of the festival this year is The Orient Express, Voyage on the Old Silk Road, India, Thailand, China and Japan.
Organisers say landmarks such as the Grand Canal and St Mark's Square will be "invaded by sounds, voices, dances, acrobats, street artists from the East".
These ones are not likely to transport us
by Trekki
Even if I knew or have read all about Venezia’s water transport, I was again and again fascinated about every “special” boat I saw = how La Serenissima “works”.
Yes, of course, mail cannot be transported by car, so DHL (photo 1) has their boats to pick up mail and parcels from their spots in the city and transport them to the mainland.
In case of fire, the fire brigade sets out in boats (photo 2). Luckily I didn’t see any fire while I was there, although I have read that they have approx. 300 operations per year. Next time I’ll go and visit their headquarter to learn in theory how they work. From what I have read, they use canal water to kill the flames. But this water needs to be “clean” at least in some way. I have also read that the big fire which destroyed old La Fenice operahouse, could not be put out as the respective canal was tilted. Since that time, cleaning of the canals became high task, and also another reason for us tourists to consider when we look at the price level of Venezia. Cleaning of the canales does cost quite some money. I already mentioned that I felt extremely safe in Venezia, that’s why I did see the Police only peacefully circling through the canals. But in case of need, the can speed up of course – that’s why Commissario Brunetti always catches the bad fish :-)
Oh, and we also don’t like to use the transport as in photo 4 – the Ambulance boats. Venezia’s main hospital is located in western Castello, and has a large section of a canal reserved as docks for the ambulance boats. I still cannot imagine how it must be to do serious ER action on patients in a boat at high speed. But here again, Venezianos are used to live with and on the water….
This one was in the transport section before, but.. I think it better fits to the general info about Venezia.
The best view to enjoy the...
by naranja
The best view to enjoy the Ponte dei Sospiri is from the Ponte della Paglia (Straw Bridge), made from stone of Istria. The covered Bridge of Sighs is connecting the Palazzo Ducale with the Old Prison. The name of the famous bridge comes, as the legend tells, from the wails of the prisoners about to be led to the inquisitor.
keep up with traffic.....
by mapakettle
stay on your right while walking, and don't stop suddenly to window 'gawk'. Above all, don't stand outside a shop, in the middle of the walk, and expect others to walk around you. Be courteous. Mothers with strollers, don't use that four wheeled weapon to part the crowds, if you fail to succeed, well.....think about it.
Packing List
by newsphotogirl
Good luggage with wheels for the cobblestone. And extra compact bag for bringing home souveniers. Shoes! Good Shoes. There is cobblestone here. Keep in mind that some of the main streets flood and you need to bring shoes that can tolerate the water. Compact umbrella. Fabulous scarf for those chilly nights. Pay attention to how the locals wear them. So chic. Sunscreen, Hat, Bug Spray Good camera batteries and film. So much cheaper and easier to find at home. One guy ahead of me in line tried to buy AA batteries for his camera and they charged him per battery rather than by the pack. Washcloth. The hotels in Italy don't have them. In fact they only have one large bath towel then several hand towels that are made out of the same type of cloth that I would compare to cloth napkins. This was the case for the three hotels where we stayed in Italy. Also, bring a good language guide.
Sign in with Facebook
View of the Venice lagoon from the park
An Eagle- Giardini Pubblici (Biennale)
The Canals Of Venice
Trash Boat
