Monday 15 February 2016

Memories of Venice


I've been lucky to have travelled a lot in my life; in childhood on many family holidays, visiting relatives abroad, as part of my degree, travelling with jobs, backpacking, island hopping, visiting exotic locations and living in two foreign countries. I've experienced so much, lived amongst different cultures & religions and have seen many breathtaking views. Having a child and wanting to show my son the world has made that desire to travel even stronger. 

One of my favourite summer holiday memories is our trip to Venice, one of the most stunning cities in the world. I've been three times and its beauty and charm will never fail to impress me. I am in love with the city and every time I return I discover something new. It was wonderful to take my little boy there when he was just eleven months old. 

The anticipation and excitement of reaching a new location, especially when arriving by boat, and seeing the sun's rays glistening in the water, the terracotta roofs of Venice shining from above, church spires popping up over the low-rise skyline, gondolas sailing along the Grand Canal with stunning architecture in every direction, is something else entirely! 


There are so many memories I have of the trip. Strolling around looking at the beauty of Venice with baby in his carrier, walking over the canals, admiring the famous sights including the Bridge of Sighs, appreciating the flashes of vibrant colours in the buildings and being in complete awe of our surroundings. I recall walking through the St Mark's Square and having that surreal dream-like feeling of being in an oil painting. 

I remember the hustle and bustle and the excitement of being amongst the tourists in such a mesmerizing city, with breathtaking art all around. I appreciated going away from the crowds, exploring down narrow side streets, not knowing where we'd end up only to discover a gem of a square, with a church and old fountain in the middle and realising we were the only people there. I remember welcoming that solitude and finding even more beauty when I didn't think it was possible. 


I remember walking up the steps of St Mark's campanile, getting into the lift and feeling that we had been in there for ages as it transported us high above the ground. The view from the top, overlooking houses, churches, the surrounding islands and miles out to sea was breathtaking.  I remember a group of Japanese tourists coming up to us and taking it in turns to take their photos next to baby because he was so smiley and cute! 

As soon as baby was asleep, I remember sitting down beside the canal, having an aperitif and watching the world go back. And the food, oh the food! The delicious pasta and pizza. I remember exploring different cafes and restaurants, tasting delicious pasta and pizza then finishing with real Italian ice-cream and feeling like we were in a movie set. I also recall thinking if I lived in Venice I'd get very fat!


I remember our beautiful boat trip to the beach at the Lido, baby's legs dipped into the Mediterranean for the first time and the shock on his little face when they were. I remember relaxing in the sand and baby attempting to eat it! I remember welcoming the calm of being at the seaside with the heat of the Mediterranean sun shinning brightly on our faces! 


And most of all I remember my little boy's face on the boat trip back into central Venice. We sat at the front of the boat, the waves splashing beneath us, the magnificent skyline of Venice in front of us. My little boy leaning over the edge and being in awe of his surroundings. And as the sun went down and the sky changed colour his little face reflected the pink shades of an amazing sunset. I'll never forget those moments and the photo above captures that moment perfectly, his expression saying it all. 

Living by the seaside in Brighton we are fortunate to spend many days by the coast but you can't compare it to the beauty of the Mediterranean beaches. My son will be three this summer and he's at the age where any trip is a big adventure. I would like to take him back to the Mediterranean to experience those beautiful sunsets, have a proper swim in a warm sea, build sand castles and enjoy the sand between our toes (since there isn't any in Brighton). 

The last year hasn't been the best and I haven't been on a proper holiday in nearly two years and really do need it. I would love to stay in a Mediterranean villa in either Mallorca, Menorca or Cyprus, all destinations I haven't visited. For me, somewhere near to the sea, with lots of sun, delicious food and relaxation would make the perfect holiday. 

This is my entry into the James Villas Summer Love Photography & Writing Competition.

Linking up with #citytripping#Brilliantblogposts, Welcome to the Weekend, #thelist, Country Kids, Photo Friday

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41 comments

  1. I love Venice but I only visited once and that was before I had kids. Oh wait, actually I had a kid inside me when I was there. So technically, my older boy has been to Venice before. But I know what you mean about your baby's face being the most memorable thing about the trip. #citytripping

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    1. It's a beautiful city isn't it. I love my son's little baby face :) Thanks very much for the comment.

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  2. Venice really is incredible, and I can't wait to return! Beautiful post and storytelling - great to find your blog via #citytripping! It would be wonderful to also have your post on the #TravelTuesday link-up, if you have the time! It's all on my most recent post on Berlin. Thanks!

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    1. Thanks very much for the comment Christy, I can't wait to return either. Aww, thank you, don't think a post of mine has ever been described as storytelling, that's a compliment :-) Thanks for the invitation, I will link up on Tuesday x

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  3. I have been to Venice twice. Both times I visited during the high season. I think the experience would be different during the low or shoulder seasons. I am looking forward to another trip to the city.

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    1. Ah I can imagine the crowds. The times I've visited I've stayed away from the main hub so got to experience some of the quieter areas too. Same here, I can't wait to return one day. Thanks very much for the comment :)

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  4. I love Venice too, it's a gorgeous city.

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  5. Travel memories are my life blood too. Thanks for the tour of Venice. And your blog visit!

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    1. You're welcome. Thanks for visiting & the comment! Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts too :)

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  6. Venice is so wonderful - I stayed on the Lido for our last visit and absolutely loved it there, would be perfect with kids I think. And now my daughter is (probably) old enough not to fall into a canal, I'd love to go back with her. Thanks for joining up with #citytripping

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    1. Yes, it would be ideal. Now my little boy is a bit older it would be lovely to return with him. Let me know if you go on another trip. Lovely to join in with #citytripping

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    2. And lovely to join in #myfavouritetrip. Hopefully I can link up Venice before too long!

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  7. Aw great entry :) #brilliantblogposts

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  8. Beautiful! Id love to go one day! #MyFavouriteTrip

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    1. You should, such a wonderful city :) Thanks for the comment x

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  9. Ah Venice, it is absolutely gorgeous! I've been there once, just for a day, but I loved it and would be amazing to go back there some day :) Thanks for hosting #myfavouritetrip :)

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    1. Thanks very much Sanna, it's a wonderful place to visit, almost like a dream! Hope you get to go back one day :)

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  10. Love this, makes me want to go back with my little lady! fab entry - good luck xx

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    1. Thanks very much! Hope you get to go back with your daughter. Good luck to you too, fingers crossed :-)

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  11. I loved this post - it brings back so many amazing memories of our honeymoon in Venice (although we didn't have the chance to visit the beach that time)...but we are hoping to make it an annual trip (with the baby in tow!) #FabFridayPost

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    1. Thanks very much for your comment. What a lovely destination for a honeymoon and a great place for babies too :-)

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  12. Such lovely photos! Bet the food and weather were glorious! #brillblogposts

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    1. Thanks very much, it's such a lovely place to visit, lots of great food & sunshine :)

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  13. Being someone who hasn't travelled much, I always love hearing the memories of those who are more seasoned travellers than I. From all we've ever spoken about, I feel like you have some great memories from trips taken and life experiences, so I love hearing more about them here.

    It sounds like your trip to Venice was wonderful, packed with lots of fun, and yummy food (always essential). The pictures you've shared are really beautiful and ones you'll treasure for many years to come I'm sure.

    Although I haven't travelled much myself, we're keen to travel plenty together as a family, and posts such as these are great inspiration.

    Sharing snapshots at Captured By Jade

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    1. Thanks very much for your lovely comments Jade, much appreciated. Glad I bring some inspiration :-) Looking forward to hearing all about your future adventures! xx

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  14. Venice is such a beautiful place. I went there a few years ago for the carnival and it was magical. Beautiful pics. Good luck with the competition #CountryKids

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    1. Ooo, I've always wondered what it would be like during the carnival! Have you written about it? Thanks very much for your comment, fingers crossed :)

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  15. It is years since I've been to Venice, I think you are very brave to have done it with a baby, my last visit was pre kids. It is clearly somewhere special to you. I thought of you this week as we strolled along Brighton beach, the kids throwing stones into the sea. Thank you for joining in with #CountryKids

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    1. Ah, now having a toddler I can see how adaptable small babies are. Just pop them in the sling & off you go :) I've just seen some of your photos from Brighton, looks like you had a lovely time and so nice you thought of me. We will have to meet up one time :-) Thanks for hosting #countrykids

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  16. It looks beautiful here! I have never been but it is on my list of places I want to visit! One day hopefully :)

    Thanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop..

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    1. It really is such a stunning place, one of my favourite cities in the world. I hope you get to visit one day. Thanks very much for the comment :-)

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  17. Wonderful, special memories! I remember being bowled over by Venice's beauty and uniqueness. Good luck for the competition. Thanks for sharing on #citytripping

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    1. It really is surreal isn't it. Thanks very much for the comment & lovely to join in with #citytripping. Thanks for hosting :-)

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  18. This is beautifully written. Full of colourful memories delights. I would love to visit Italy with my family one day too. I really want to know what real pizza and pasta taste like and ice cream too! Yummy! Thank you for linking up with us on #FabFridayPost

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    1. Thanks so much Su. You should do it, it's such a beautiful city to visit. Ooo, the food is something else! :-) Thanks for hosting #FabFridayPost!

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  19. Gorgeous post, I would love to visit Venice one day, it looks just magical!

    Lyndsay | Fizzy Peaches Travel & Lifestyle Blog

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    1. Thanks very much for your comment! You definitely should, it really is magical :)

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  20. What wonderful memories and your photos are gorgeous. Best of luck in the competition. I really hop you get that holiday you're longing for in a villa by the sea! #countrykids

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    1. Thanks so much Claire! Fingers crossed for the competition. A villa by the sea is just what I need :-)

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