(An automatic physical reaction upon crossing the bridge into the most magical place on earth... that I know of, thus far)
Photo taken by the lovely Giorgia Pallaro. The sweetest lady I've met in Italy so far.
The Most Beautiful Bookshop in the World. So glad to have found this gem! Piles upon piles of stuff. Cats everywhere, old (non-used) condoms for sale in a bowl, postcards, deadstock vintage postcards, already used vintage postcards, books in all the languages I can't understand, free wi-fi!, dusty, musty and lovely paper aromas, a book-case staircase. Sigh. So beautiful.
(Photo by Giorgia Pallaro)
On these weekend trips I've been taking I figure out my sleeping accommodations via couchsurfing.org. It's great because it gives me a way to meet locals who can show me around, where to get good food (almost anywhere) for cheap (not so common), and hopefully have someone around for good company. Not to mention a free place to stay! I've met some really interesting people who I'm excited to continue knowing, but I've also met some others... This was the case in Venezia.
Initally, the guy was really great. He was beyond helpful, picked me up at the train station with a bus ticket, keys, and city map in hand! He prepared dinner and we had a great 1st night with another Brazilian couch-surfer and two Columbian Air BnB'ers. My first day in town I met up with Giorgia for a few hours (actually, 6 - we got along so well), but then wanted to be by myself.
I didn't really "do" much of anything other than walk around, sit, drink, eat, watch people, write, walk in the rain, and enjoy. The next day, my CS host wanted to come with me, bring his camera along for a photoshoot, and explore. Sounded fine to me, but I quickly learned that unwanted company is not fun. I went along with it (but not the photo-taking) for a while, just because he was an interesting person to study (and the fact my backpack was in his house). He kept talking. And talking. And talking. Talking at me. He had some interesting things to say and I'll definitely remember him, he had a very strong personality. Then he started hating on America hardcore (and I felt like, at me!) and then told me he thought women needed to be kept on a leash. Right. Not cool. I think from now on I'll be approaching my accommodations in a different way. Luckily, I think he got the hint and after a lunch we parted ways.
In Florence I saw a few people sleeping on benches and the grass. I think in the right city/situation - I would definitely be down to do that. I've decided not knowing where I'm going to sleep, sleeping outside, or in a train, is much preferred to feeling trapped in the company of un-wanted strangers. Maybe I'll splurge on a hostel or even a hotel, but I think I'm going to cut back on couch-surfing for now.
Even with the unwanted company of a strange stranger, my time in Venezia was perfect. I think every time it will be. I'm looking forward to going back in December and hopefully, one day, with someone very dear to my heart.
(Photo by Giorgia Pallaro)
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