Wanderlust: Brittney's Adventures Abroad: Venice =)

Simply put, Venice was amazing. Such a unique and interesting city.

I stayed with two hosts in Venice; both sent me invitations to couch surf with them.

Giovanni was my first host; he lived outside of Venice in Mestre, just a fifteen minute bus ride into Venice City. Giovanni was a nice guy; there was a language barrier so it was hard to talk about anything interesting. This was annoying at times. For instance, he asked me to help him with his English but anytime I would, he would think that I am asking him a question in a way- it’s hard to describe. His place was nice but cold and he smoked- a lot, but at least it was outside. Bleh. He made dinner for me both nights I stayed, which was very nice- Pasta both times. Lol Giovanni was very nice, suggested things to do, and made sure I could get to and from the bus stop and Venice. I was his first surfer from the states and he wanted me to tell him anything about the US, but anytime I tried to- he didn’t understand or wasn’t interested.

On my first night in Venice, I joined Giovanni and met up with other couch surfers (about 8). Everyone was very nice, got to try a Spritz- a Venice classic. It was so sour and bitter, I didn’t care for it. But the other couch surfers were really cool. I got to meet a Couch surfing legend! His name is Mastro and he wrestles (Juno) surfers in order for them to stay at his place! He was an awesome guy and had such pride in Italy, told me why it is so unique and that it has anything anyone would want. I really enjoyed talking with him. I also met another girl Chole, the only other girl in the group! She was really sweet, she is working for someone through HelpX and couch surfs too. She is very well traveled and met a lot of people, yet I was the only American girl that she has ever met traveling alone!

Christian was my other host. He was probably the worst host I have had. He had a very heavy Italian accent and spoke very fast, so I could only understand a quarter of what he said. I asked him to either slow down or speak clearer a couple times, but he never did. His place was disgusting, very smelly, cold, and dirty. I did have a room and bed to myself, but it had no door, only a curtain. Christian was not very talkative, never asked me anything about myself etc. It was so awkward. But at least he made me dinner the two nights I stayed. He claimed to of had a boat on his couch surfing page, he didn’t. He was part of a rowing club (I think).

I also met my personality twin- Joellen! You can search for other surfers in your destination to hang out with; I found her and sent her a message. She is an American, dancer, dog sitter, and traveling alone too! It was really weird and interesting to find someone basically just like me. We meet up for an afternoon, and it was so easy to get along- like didn’t even have to try. She had her host’s terrier, Nana, with her (lucky!). So the three of us explored for a little and got pizza.

Tourism aspects

-It was all bloody tourists in Venice. They all were just very inconsiderate and oblivious. It got pretty annoying. Yes I realize I am a tourist too, but I’m a better one! ;)

-Judging from the different places I was at in Venice, they were all rather rude. They don’t need to be nice because Venice will always attract visitors- no matter how poor the hospitality.

-Venice especially sinks at night. During high tide, parts of the city’s sidewalks become water.

-There shops everywhere, all seemingly selling the same thing. Also, illegal street vendors- specifically ones who were trying to sell these gel toy things. When you throw them at the ground they splat then ooze back into its original shape. So anytime you would walk by, they would throw those down trying to get your attention.

-The Ritalo, the famous bridge, is covered in graffiti. The graffiti is small, but it takes away the beauty of it. It looked like it was there for a while too, with no attempt to remove it. There are also two rows of shops on the bridge.

-Venice is a cruise ship port too. Took my breath away when I saw a massive cruise ship passing by Piazza San Marco- it was so huge, especially against the small island in the background.