September 7, 2006: Venice Cafe

September 7, 2006: Venice Cafe
Originally uploaded by davethetemp.

Venice is 29 Celsius in the shade. We have been sweating since the trip began and I've chosen a business casual travel wardrobe in a forlorn attempt to "fit in." Even so I feel pity for the local business men walking past me in suits.



Venice really is as lovely as all the postcards. Once the richest city in the wold, palaces lined the grand canal in a riot of colours and gilt. 500 years later, the colours are now pastel and the buildings in elegant decay. Shutters on every window are distressed wood with peeling paint. Plastered walls have lost some fascia, revealing the brick inside. It's like a very, very wealthy Havana.

We've been walking since 11:00 this morning, wandering the streets except for a brief and absolutely steaming ride on the the water buses. The boats are highly recommended in all the guides for a low cost grand canal tour. I imagine they weren't riding them in the stifling heat like we were. It was like a free tour and sauna, all in one.