Venice - It's Not About the Canals

You think, Venice; you think, canals. The canals certainly lend the city its uniqueness and overall character. The canals also restrict (eliminate) typical means of transportation, e.g. Cars, trucks, buses, and bicycles. This also adds to the city's character.

But the real soul of the city is found in the vast network of narrow passages created by the close proximity of adjacent buildings. Within the the narrow passages are excellent restaurants, shops, and occasional open spaces with churches or museums. The delight is that there seems to be no rhyme nor reason to the way the city is laid out. So as you navigate the passages, generally aimlessly, you are frequently surprised by interesting restaurants and shops.

It's even more fun at night. There are plenty of people walking around, so you won't feel alone. Just when you think you may have walked into a dead end, you will encounter others coming the other way, out from some dimly lit passage; likely as lost as you. The good news is that Venice can be viewed as an island, the length of which can be traversed in about 60 to 80 minutes. You can get lost; but not hopelessly so.