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!).
x