Study abroad students Danielle Hope Abrom (Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience) and Justin Asaraf (Film) enjoying authentic Italian cuisine in San Marco, Venice, Italy. (Photo Credit: Mohammad Ibrahim)Did you know that Venetians eat their pizzas with a fork and knife?Le Rio Della Fava (“The Canal of Beans”) is almost 600 feet long and separates the sestieres of Castello and San Marco.A 40 Minute Firework show set off from Guidecca over the Non Basilica del Santissimo Redentore (“Church of the Most Holy Redeemer”) during Festa della Rendetore (“Festival of the Redeemer”), celebrating the end of the 16th Century plague; magically reflecting off the waters of the San Marco Waterfront! (Photo Credit: Mohammad Ibrahim).A diagram of our paradisiacal dormitory on Venice International University’s Campus on San Servolo Island! (Photo Credit: http://sanservolo.servizimetropolitani.ve.it/)The clear sunset view from our island’s dock 🙂A 1€ espresso takes 5 seconds to drink but will last you 5 hours (Photo Credit: Mohammad Ibrahim).While studying abroad, internet speed can be very important. This cafe we found before class runs at 35Mb/s!Enjoying an authentic Italian lunch with our class in the 12th century city of Padua.Unique European urinals lend students alternate perspectives on study abroad life!Ryan Hupp (Art History), Mohammad Ibrahim (Producing & Communication Studies/Hebrew), Danielle Hope Abrom (Neuroscience, Acting), Kasey Blair (Speech Pathology) enjoying Italian Americanos at Dersut Caffè near Campo Dei Frari.The beautiful view of a Venetian sunset from the back of the Vaporetto water bus.The sculpture “Lion of Venice” is found here atop the “Column of the Lion” in Piazza (Plaza/Square) San Marco. A primary symbol in Venice, the winged-lion is also the type of trophy awarded at the Venice International Film Festival (Leone d’Argento/d’Oro).Film major Mohammad Ibrahim struggling to define his feelings regarding Damien Hirst’s exhibition “Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable”, at Palazzi Grassi.Way back when, steam (vapore in Italian) was used to propel boats. This is where the term “Vaporetti” (water buses) stems from.When it rains, it pours. (Photo Credit: Mohammad Ibrahim)The Grand Canal is the major Venetian waterway that snakes through the city.With only 12 bathrooms at €1.50 each, and 12 million tourists a year, we have become experts in seeking secret toilet spots around the city. (Photo Credit: comune.venezia.it)Danielle Hope Abrom serving coffee to her fellow students before class at Caffe Las Ramblas (beware, you may be next).The crew drinking smoothies while waiting for the Vaporetto in front the Chiese Di San Zaccaria.The tides are higher than you think.Study all day, party all night…or something like that.Finally get to check “riding a boat to class” off my bucket list.Mohammad knows that you could visit ten thousand times and never run out of new things to discover.Hotel Danieli in San Marco has great bathrooms for the next time you forget to bring €1.50 for Venice’s public restroom. Just walk in the hotel like you live there!An €11 dinner at our dorm on the San Servolo Island gets us a drink, a fruit, 2 vegetable dishes, a main dish (meat/fish), yogurt/pudding, and a piece of bread.Gam Gam, the kosher restaurant located in the Jewish Ghetto of Cannaregio offers delicious traditional Israeli salads.The best (or maybe not) way to dry laundry in Venice!Be sure to maximize your airline rewards by creating a free rewards account (if available) if you choose to fly to Venice (as opposed to taking a cruise)!Tap water in Venice is one of the best of Italy. You can drink without problems on these water fountains (unless there is a sign that says “non potabile”).The Floating City.It’s common for Venetians to spend their relaxed evenings discussing politics with friends.This peculiar neo-Gothic building with the writing ‘Teatro Italia’ on its façade was built in 1915 by the architect Giovanni Sardi. It was first converted into a cinema, then remained closed for many years and finally became the site of the university offices; after a long restoration it has recently been reopened and converted into a supermarket called Despar.The address of the Despar supermarket-theatre hybrid is Campiello De L’Anconeta 1944, 30121 Venezia VE, Italy.The common supermarket chains in Venice are Conad (formerly Billa), Coop Adriatica, and Punto. When buying produce, it’s interesting to notice that Venetians put on disposable plastic glove (available at the supermarket) to fill their plastic bags with fruit and vegetables (to avoid sharing germs). Also, if you have a tote or shopping bag, take it with you to the store because plastic supermarket bags cost €0.10)Artist Michal Meron paints some incredible depictions of Venice.Gondoliers wear strictly regulated clothing. Today, gondoliers can be seen wearing blue and white (or red and white) striped shirts, a sight that has become a familiar part of Venetian culture.You will see many painters all around Venice, capturing the beauty of the scene in creative ways.
For centuries, the gondola was the chief means of transportation and most common watercraft within Venice.The main spots for love locks in Venice are the Rialto bridge.Over the last two decades, the Venetian Lagoon’s feral-cat population has dropped from an estimated 12,000 to about 2,000.Stray cats, like pigeons, used to be a symbol of Venice. Local citizens would put out food for cats because they relied on them to keep the rats under control.
Great pictures and awesome description!! I will follow the tips you have provided in the blog. The culture, the food to eat and the places to visit are very important for first time travelers. Thanks for sharing.
Great pictures and awesome description!! I will follow the tips you have provided in the blog. The culture, the food to eat and the places to visit are very important for first time travelers. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Kathleen Bello! We are glad that you found these tips useful and hope you utilized them with your Italian Chauffer service “benvenutolimos”!