In a word, Venice in late June was foreigners. It's what most stood out to me: feeling like I was in Disney World because of the overwhelming crowds of tourists coming to see the same too-good-to-be-true scenery. So yeah, Venice is beautiful but it's hard to take in when you're busy dodging souvenir and selfie stick street vendors. The only Venetians I encountered were workers, and even a lot of those are either immigrants or commute into Venice because living there must be just too much to bear!I don't mean to say Venice isn't great. It really is lovely, and every little bridge over the canals merits a brief stop to just take a deep breath and think, "how nice." It's a great city to meander and get lost. Or sit and people watch for hours. As far as main attractions, there is not much to see outside of the main Piazza San Marco which houses the Belltower, Basilica, and Palace. Oh, fun times, I was denied entrance to the Basilica. I was only really irritated because I had specifically put on a long-sleeved shirt to be "decent," but my knee-revealing shorts were just too scandalous! (Lesson learned for the Vatican later on)
And of course there's Venice's famous gondolas. For a mere 80 euros, you too can enjoy a 30 minute ride! Or if you're on a budget like me, watching them and hearing "Volare" drift up to your bedroom window is enough.
Ok, enough cultural complaints. Let's talk food! We had plenty of good pizza and pasta there. Just as I hoped! And because my cousin is a vegetarian, I ate more vegetables in those few days than I probably had in the 3 weeks prior haha. Also became a fan of Prosecco, sparkling white wine. And I tried Limoncello (digestive) for the first time. Whoa, it's like drinking Pledge! But when in Rome--er Venice!
