I found myself guessing my way around Venice; getting lost is a really fun way to travel. Every corner brought a new discovery, and the sense of navigation by intuition rather than plan created genuine adventure. I do wonder what that water tastes like though.
A reformer's nightmare — a dockyard full of boats. This was a magical sight. The sheer density of vessels, the intricate system of moorings, and the organised chaos of it all created an unforgettable image of Venetian life.
I stayed in a hotel near Piazza San Marco. I did not encounter much flooding during my visit, which was fortunate.
After finishing one of the rare showings of The Four Seasons, I snapped a picture that looks rather spooky to me — the lighting and atmosphere created an almost eerie quality that lingered after the performance.
St Mark's Basilica was an absolutely stunning church. The architecture, the mosaics and the devotional art created a profoundly moving experience. Seeing some wartime graffiti elsewhere in the city was a tangible reminder of Venice's complex past during the World Wars.
Venice was amazing. I wish I had spent more time there.
The Italian railway works really well, which is interesting given that they operate Avanti West Coast services in the UK. I got the train to Rome, and it only cost 25 euros. The efficiency and affordability made it an excellent way to travel between cities.
I visited the Colosseum. It was okay. The pricing structure was a bit poor, and I overheard some kids describe it as "a bit shit" — fair assessment, perhaps. While historically significant, the modern tourist experience felt somewhat commercialised.
The Roman Forums were amazing to visit. I spent several hours wandering through the ancient streets and standing among structures that witnessed millennia of human history. Totally worth the visit.
Bologna was chill. I wish I spent more time there. I had an authentic pizza from the local Chinese takeaway, which was… a unique experience. The city had a relaxed, lived-in quality that felt refreshing after the tourist intensity of Venice and Rome.
The Italian trip was amazing. I would go again — my next visit will be more rural focused. Italy revealed itself as a country of remarkable depth: from the watery romance of Venice to the ancient grandeur of Rome to the everyday charm of Bologna.