Venturing to Venice had long been a dream of ours, a dream delayed by unforeseen circumstances. Back in 2020, just as we were set to embark on our journey, the world took an unexpected turn, and we found ourselves grounded by a global lockdown. Fast forward to now, with anticipation running high, we finally set out to explore the enchanting city of Venice.
Our journey began with the usual expenses of travel: an Uber ride to Victoria coach station (£10.93), followed by a coach trip to London Stansted airport (£35.35 return), and affordable return flights with Ryanair (£39.40 per person). The flight, lasting two hours, provided us with a welcomed rest, though the sight of water as we descended towards the runway certainly added an unexpected thrill to our journey.
Exiting the airport, we made a beeline for the information desk, where we purchased our bus tickets for €18 each for a return trip. I was taken aback by the lack of discounts for my 8-year-old, especially since I was informed that children under 6 travel for free. While we initially considered taking the water taxi, the prospect of a 1 hour and 30-minute journey into Venice seemed impractical compared to the 20-minute bus ride, despite the water taxi’s scenic appeal. Additionally, the water taxi fare of €25 per person, with no discounts for children, seemed steep.
The rain, which we had anticipated and tried to equip ourselves against with ponchos and latex shoe covers, quickly escalated from a mere drizzle to a torrential downpour. As we stepped off the plane and into Venice, the city greeted us with soggy streets and rising floodwaters.
Venice, with its labyrinth of narrow alleyways and sprawling canals, offers little shelter from the elements. Unlike in other cities where one can seek refuge in shopping centers, Venice leaves its visitors exposed to the mercy of the weather. The chill of the rain soaked through our clothes, chilling us to the bone, and the once vibrant streets felt desolate and dreary.
On this trip I decided to forgo any pre-made plans. Sometimes, the joy lies in simply escaping the routine and surrendering to the flow of exploration. Dining at Al Gabbiano, we found the food to be satisfactory and reasonably priced, though it failed to leave a lasting impression. However, our stop at Gelato Di Natura proved to be a highlight, with its perfect location offering a glimpse of the idyllic summer scene—sitting on steps, indulging in gelato.
Regrettably, the relentless rain put a damper on our experience, leaving us with little else to recommend. Despite our best efforts to make the most of our time in Venice, the inclement weather ultimately overshadowed our getaway, leaving us longing for sunnier days.
In hindsight, I can’t help but wonder if we should have heeded the warning signs and canceled our trip upon seeing the forecast. Perhaps we would have been better off postponing our visit until the skies cleared. It’s a lesson learned: sometimes, it’s worth sacrificing the excitement of a trip to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
Ironically, as we trudged through the rain-soaked streets of Venice, we couldn’t help but notice that the sun had made an appearance the day before our arrival and was forecasted to shine brightly the day after our departure. Such is the unpredictability of life, where the weather can play tricks on even the most well-laid plans.
Our trip to Venice may not have unfolded as we had hoped, but amidst the rain and disappointment, we found moments of resilience and humor. And while we may not have the fondest memories of our time in Venice, we’ll always cherish the lessons learned and the shared experience of weathering the storm together.
