[Idyllchat] Walking and "going" in Venice

[Terry Baraldi]

I think we've established that there are thieves are everywhere...so travel accordingly.  

Re Venice bathrooms...Water, water everywhere, and not a pot to...OK, I may be mixing my metaphores, but you get the idea...in Venice, the urge to go is never far away.

Rick Steves actually tells you exactly where to find the public WC's...however, they aren't always open, and many restaurants won't let you pop in just to use the facilities.   I remember a rainy night in the square and absolutely begging until one waiter took pity...so go whenever the opportunity arises or be prepared to order some food and drink for the privilege.  

Just Marvelous Walking Guides is a series by Jeanne Oelerich.  I stumbled on them in a book store, but they can be found on Amazon.  I have the ones for Florence and Rome, and will probably order Venice.  They each give several different walks depending on what you want to see.  They are also full of information about city life and how to navigate it.  The Rome edition includes a fabulous map of the Vatican Museum and especially the Sistene Chapel ceiling.

They are very simple, small and easy to pack and carry, black and white guides...but instead of street names, they use the attractions as points of reference...(sort of "you'll know it when you see it")...So another map with street names might be a useful secondary tool.  

There is also a series called "Streetwise", which I've seen in most bookstores...they are plastic four-folds, so they are easy to open and reclose, and resist crumpling and blowing around...but the print is very tiny.  

Hope this helps.
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Frank 
  To: idyllchat at lists.untours.com 
  Sent: Wednesday, January 16, 2008 5:10 AM
  Subject: [Idyllchat] Thievery in Venice


  Has anyone experienced problems in Venice with thieves?  Other than Piazza San Marco and possibly the vaporettos, I wouldn't think it would be a big problem.  I still will wear my money belt (always just below the level of my belt to make access for thieves and "me" more difficult).  I learned my lesson in Barcelona a few years ago while on the Metro.  We will be in Venice this May and hope to be a bit more relaxed regarding thievery than when we visited major cities and were constantly on the lookout.  

  While walking around  Venice, is it difficult to find WC's? Is the vaporetto the best means of transportation and the cheapest?  Can anyone recommend a good walking map to buy while there or wear to pick up one ahead of time?  I'm told that the streets are a maze and getting lost is part of the experience.

  Thanks for all the warnings and suggestions.  Happy and safe traveling to all.

                                                            Frank



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