Venice was quite literally amazing. Matt has a friend who lives there, so we had the distinct advantages of free accommodation in the middle of town and a native guide who showed us around all the less touristic places. We had expected it to be pretty, but museum-like and full to bursting with tourists. Instead, it was a real, lived-in town, which made it all the more beautiful. It is impossible to list all the things we saw and did, but a few highlights included visiting St Marc’s square and the mosaics in the cathedral (of course), a boat ride to Burano and Torcello, taking one of the public ferries up the grand canal, nibbles and drinks on an old boat, the high water bookshop... but mostly just wandering around the town taking in the atmosphere. It was interesting seeing not only the very famous sites, but also the parks and even some industrial areas on the outskirts. According to our bike parking ticket, we stayed exactly 45 hours and they were filled to the brim with new impressions and experiences. We would both definitely love to come back some day and explore some more of the inside of Venice’s buildings and museums, but we are also aware that after this kind of precedent any subsequent trips might inevitably disappoint.... For now, it was perfect exactly as it was and for sure a highlight of our trip.

*Listen to this song if you want to be infected with a brain-meltingly bad earworm. I still suffer from it four days later after having heard a gondoliere sing it. You’re welcome.