Leaving Venice

On the day that I was leaving, I enjoyed so much walking around the outskirt area of Venice.  Venetians mixed their living in such a vibrant colour.  I also see part of the living of my Grand parents. So pleasant and so scenic...

Water Taxi, Venice, Italy

To save the hassle from carrying the luggage from the train station of Venice to the hotel, the best way is to take a water taxi (or public ferry) from Marco Polo Airport (about 5-7km north east of Venice).  If you don't want to share the water taxi with others (normally 6 passengers in this kind of shared boat service), simply get a private one at Euros 110.  The shared water taxi costs about Euros 25 for one person though.

C'a d' Oro, Gelateria, Venice, Italy

I can find more ice cream shops than convenience store in Venice.  Though the weather is still very cold, most shops are having a very good business.  The Gelato of this shop looks a bit less fat to me.  Turned out it's not bad and not so sweet that I expected.

Snack Bar Nostro, Venice, Italy

This is another nice restaurant I had.  Fresh veggie on the salad, aromatic pizza with a nice crust and a sweet asparagus risotto.  The meal is just Euros 27 without any hidden charge.  That made me feel like giving more tipping, especially to the efficient and courteous waitress in this restaurant. 

The Grand Canal, Venice, Italy

An excursion trip to Mestre, Venice, Italy

Got curious to take a 10 minute train ride to a nearby town called Mestre.  It's in such a contrast to Venice.  This town is so quiet and almost like an abandoned town.  Simply told the fact of the economy.

Trattoria, Al Gazebo, Venice, Italy

Often think that in a trip there would be a half and half chance for trying some lousy restaurants but there are times we can get some nice restaurants.  This place is the latter one, especially they didn't have such funny hidden charges.  The food is nice too - al dente pasta in a nice tomato sauce, juicy tender grilled pork chop and fresh squid in deep fried.  This kind of 2 course set lunch is just Euros 13.

Trattoria All Aquila, Venice, Italy

It's hard not to avoid some tricky places in such a touristic place as Venice.  The first encounter was with this place.  When we were outside the restaurant and asked about the menu (set dinner special) and were replied that they had good food...etc., but then after we sat down, we were told that the dinner special wasn't available for dinner, and got told to their seafood this or seafood that.  I don't mind trying it if those are "fresh".  So as I ordered the below 2 dishes (seafood salad and pasta carbonara) as below, all along the service is only for the price of these 2 dishes only.  As for the food, the pasta is very so so, and the salad is average.

San Marco, Venice, Italy

Another tourist stop.  *remarks: one of the below photos shows a tower tilted...