I wasn’t looking forward to Venice. It is one of the most visited cities in the world, which screams packs of tourists. I know, I’m a tourist, but that doesn’t mean I want to be crowded.

I can safely say that I was right: Venice is crowded. People everywhere. Yet there is something about it that I really like.

Maybe it’s the water. Maybe it is the ease of getting by with no Italian as it seems literally everyone here speaks English. It could be the stark contrast with Catanzaro. Or even the significant drop in temperature, as its only 74.

But I think it’s the intimate feel. Lack of cars and noise of traffic. The poetic beauty of the very old, and the curiosity of the next barely there walkway, street, or passage to another bustling street.

We took the long route this morning leaving our hotel walking toward St Mark’s Cathedral and Square. I couldn’t count the number of twists and turns it took to get there, but Google Maps kept us pretty well oriented. It amazes me that Google knew about these tiny spaces and ways to get around.

On the way we crossed the famous Rialto Bridge and stopped for a couple pictures. The place was a mob scene and with the Hard Rock right at the base of the bridge there was a lot to attract attention.

St Mark’s is a beautiful area. The cathedral is the third largest in the world and it seems that way having seen number one on that list a few days ago. The square was full of people on such a beautiful day.

We waited in line for a trip to the top of St Mark’s Campanile, a large bell tower with views all the way around the city. The breeze at the top was the only thing which rivaled the sights.

After leaving the tower we had to take the obligatory gondola ride. We opted for the historic channel loop at about 45 minutes. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I was happy the gondolier wasnt singing. I’m sure he would’ve had a wonderful voice, but he was talking to us about the city, so the singing would’ve made that difficult.

Along our route he made a well planned stop at an ATM as I wasn’t aware that gondoliers are paid only in cash and at the start of the trip. Apparently I passed his credit check as he offered to take me to get cash. Really it was in his best interest. Awkward moment aside, the ride was great. He was masterful at moving through the canals and avoiding boat and gondola traffic. He even explained to us that the boats are shorter on the right side to allow the paddle on the right without pushing the boat offline. I never knew that, but it was easy to see from inside the boat. Anyone who has paddled s canoe or kayak on only one side gets why reshaping the boat is important.

We took a break after the ride for a snack at a cafe in the square. We made a leisurely walk back to the hotel. After all, we’d already logged 15,000+ steps.

We spent a little time shopping for souvenirs and made our way to dinner. I had mistakenly made a reservation for a restaurant on another island, and had zero interest in a water taxi with two people who get seasick, so I cancelled. Everyone asked to go back to the place we ate last night – so we did.

As we were walking up to the restaurant, the young man who greeted everyone said hi to the girls and Michelle and then looked at me and said “Don’t I know you? Oh you’re Brad, from last night.” I wasnt sure if that was a good thing or not, but apparently some sort of impression had been made.

After we were seated, the waiter from last night came over and said hello by name, picked a bottle of wine for us, and proceeded to quickly move us to a table right on the canal. He and his assistant treated us perfectly. The manager even came over and thanked us for coming back a second night and told us about his two daughters. The meal was fantastic and it felt great to be welcome.

I made plans to come to Venice with very low expectations. But I have to say that I already feel sad about leaving tomorrow. The city really struck me in a way I didn’t expect, and its comfortable and unique in all the right ways. We will definitely be making a trip back to do nothing at all except eat, drink, and enjoy the amazing vibe that exists here.

Its now obvious to me why people say that Venice is their favorite city in Italy. I’m not sure I’ve seen enough yet to pick a favorite, but Venice is certainly in the running.