New Year in Venice

 

Just after Christmas my Mum hit the big milestone birthday of being 50, I knew I wanted to get her something to remember because you don’t turn 50 everyday (I hope she doesn’t read this or she won’t be best happy me telling everyone how old she is haha). I didn’t want to get any materialistic generic presents that always re-occur every year like necklaces, home ware, you know the drill! So I decided a break away would be perfect! After gaining a job this year and with lots of saving I booked a holiday for my Mum, brother and I to go to Venice for 4 days over New Year as a surprise which is shortly after Mum’s birthday. Although this put a big hole in my bank account it was definitely worth it, we’ve never been to Italy and it’s such a picturesque, artistic place that I knew Mum would love and would be something to remember!

We stayed in Mestre, a nearby village which is just a short bus ride away from Venice itself which worked out perfectly! All of the famous sites like San Marco Square, Cathedral and the Rialto Bridge we made sure we visited and we embarked on a gondola ride which enables you to really see Venice in all its glory from such a unique perspective. Our gondolier was a real character and told us about the historic buildings and buildings that have featured in famous films like Casino Royale. We also went to the Peggy Guggenheim gallery because Mum loves art and textiles as do I (although my brother wasn’t all too happy about this) which I would also recommend as a must-do when in Venice!

It’s so surreal when you leave Venice after spending a whole day there because it’s like a whole different world and you return back to reality at the site of roads and cars instead of the countless bridges, rivers and boats in Venice itself which is slightly disheartening and less beautiful.

I’d love to go back because Venice is such a gorgeous place, I would recommend it to anyone! Although it’s quite costly it’s definitely worth it and I can see myself returning there in the future (especially when there’s less rain!).

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