We arrived into Venice by train and when we left the train station and look out at this first view, we knew we were in for a real treat!

I found this one of the most hospitable cities I have been too and despite the listening I had for it that it may be over crowded and unfriendly, I found the opposite.

I have always wanted to travel to Venice and I think part of me was thinking would I ever go there.

Then I realised that to go to Venice I had to go to Venice! With that enlightened thought we planned and trip and here we are!

So, back to Venice. You can travel around in a number of different ways, mostly by some form of boat on the many canals. The central waterway in called the Grande Canal and this is where we headed for first. Outside the station we bought a day pass for the water-busses (ferries) and climbed aboard.

The water-bus took us past the most magnificent sites, we just couldn’t believe our eyes and we kept saying to each other, “Wow, can you believe we are in Venice!”

The experience just kept getting better.

Have a look at the photos and you’ll know what I mean!

I felt the atmosphere lingering in the air of the world famous masked festival which is held here in Venice!

The excitement and pulse of this small city is REAL.

I feel like I stepped back in time!

We walked around the narrow streets crossing over canals, walking past gondolas and gondoliers just hanging out and chatting!

Devon drifted off into a restful sleep in his pack and we all ate scrumptious gelati and freshly cooked pizza from the traditional pizzeria on the corner!

So hunger was settling in…pizzas in hand we looked at the map.. we spied some gardens and headed straight there for a picnic

They are right next to the major sites and we think maybe they may be packed…but what a haven!

To be able to relax and eat fresh pizza in the gardens near by the canals was great!

We sat and ate and relaxed with the other travelers who had been fortunate enough to add this garden to their experience of Venice.

We had a magical day in this magical place!

What about THE REST of our photographs?

Surely we didn't just take a handful on that glorious day?

You're right, we took hundreds that day, and you can see them all if you follow the link below.

Enjoy!