Change of Her Heart about Venice

Mike, I have been to Venice twice,, both times for 2 nights. Its ok,, but it still is not my idea of the best place in Europe. Others would totally disagree, tastes are personal. You may have to agree to love Venice, and just persuade wife to humor you with a viist .

My thought is,, that in a marriage both partners compromise,, and if you really want to spend a night or two in Venice then wife should be gracious,, I mean, there are two of you in the marriage right? Then, of course you may find yourself having to give in to one of her wishes,, and it may not be tops on your list. Turnabout is fair play.

You are only asking for a night or two,, so , I guess is the problem that Venice is way out of the way of what she wants to visit?? That could be a problem then.

Mike, at night, and in the off season, it's a lot less crowded. Maybe do some day trips, and come back t other city for the magical evenings.. ;) Take a drive through the alps, capped with a romantic dinner. Take a side trip to the caves in Slovenia (about a 2.5 hour drive, each way), head over to one of the little resort towns on the Adriatic 2hr drive - some Ferries to Piran, OR the Dalmation Coast. Check them out, just google "Venice Ferries" or "Prince of Venice". The beach towns aren't all that great, but are low key/slow paced, with lots of spa options. Could make for a nice relaxing day. Back in Venice in time for a nice dinner.

Hope that helps!

PS - If all else fails, cheat, and mention the great shopping once you get to the side streets! ;)

Chris,
LOL

No fair ~to play unfair about the shopping. Depends on the women.. for me it would WORK! haha

I have not been to Venice, but I can't wait to go...I have always wanted to see it and after I read the City of Falling Angels by John Berendt it made my wish even more so.

Has she read this book? Or any others on Venice, Seeing Rick Steve's dvd on Venice was nice also.. The kids are excited now since they saw that. Maybe seeing it through another's eyes (if yours is not enough) might help

happy travels regardless of where you end up
:) viv

ps) I hear you Pat about compromise.. I hope to shop a lot myself after our last trip to NYC.. (for 6 days!!) Other than sight seeing I spent all my time in ESPN sport zone with my three and NEVER made it to Tiffany's.. or any stores other than the one in the Sport Zone or FAO haha... (seriously.. no joke) payback on this trip.. :o) lol

ps I agree 100% that you can't force a Romantic memory.. you just stumble upon it.

Well one method would be to stay away from the major sites until evening. During the day see some of the lesser known museums like CA’ REZZONICO, PEGGY GUGGENHEIM and Scoula San Rocco. I personally love love love Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari. Titian's Assumption is beautiful. San Girrgio Maggiore is beautiful too. It is the church across the big canal from St. Mark's Square. It was built by Pillado and is still a monstary. A monk even runs the elevator up to the bell tower (which is a must). I also really like the neighborhood around the Scoula San Rocco. It is near the college and has a nice vibe. In general I avoid the area between Rialto Bridge and San Marco. It is just a tourist trap.
As for finding the romance...I think you just have to happen upon romance not plot it. My most romantic moment was sitting at a restraunt on a canal. My daughter was a year old and making me crazy, so my husband took her to chase birds and I was able to sit in the afternoon sun, finish my beer and watch the world go by. It was lovely.

I like to get up and out early (7 am) in most cities. I find my "breakfast" at some local bar in Italy and have cappuccino with brioche. So I have the city mostly to myself for a while; when the cruise ships appear (in Venice) I am already half-way thru my day and I can find my way to the more out-of-the-way places that the cruise folks don't bother with. If I get to a museum when it opens I have the place to myself. Piazza San Marco is best enjoyed in the evening IMHO. The pigeon situation should be better now; I understand that the sellers of pigeon food have been banished. True? It never hurts to wear a hat, just in case. I've never sought romance in Venice, but there are numerous piazzas scattered throughout the town. Some have trees and benches. I think you will find the biggest crowds in the piazza San Marco and between that piazza and the Rialto bridge. Find other places to wander in the daytime. Some people just don't like Venice, no matter what. If she is insistent about this, it won't be romantic of you to "drag" her there. Italy is full of great cities and towns. Find one, or let her choose.

I agree with Swan. I don't like crowds either so I plan my days to not be where the crowds are whenever I can avoid it. I also travel shoulder season to get away from the worst of it. September should be a little better than the height of summer but it's still high season in Venice.

We were in Venice a couple of years ago in September. There were still cruise ships. But many if not most of the typical tourists rarely venture far from Piazza San Marco. It is most crowded midday and is quieter in the morning and evening.

Take in the other lovely spots then. Stroll along the Zattere, go to Santa MAria Formosa, San Gorgio Maggiore or the Frari.