The COVID pandemic has been a 24+ months of anguish; Italy without tourists seems incomplete. There is so much art and beauty to share, it is a pity to keep it only for us. The past years were also spent in thinking what can be done better once things get back to normal again. 

Italy is getting ready for a turist filled summer as it was before—new Delta Variant permitting obviously. That worries me a whole lot, but I better not to dramatize over it too much. 

Although in Venice things were never “normal.” Often, it was overcrowded with people making really difficult to sometimes enjoying the major sites. 

In these two years break from the large crowds it became undeniable that some rules for the city must be implemented. And so as a first rule it was no more big cruise ships passing through the San Marco basin and the Giudecca canal, no more pollution from large ships, no more risks of accidents and damage to the architectural heritage. The ships will have to temporarily moor in Marghera, pending the construction of an offshore port, in the open sea, for the mooring of the units (from which passengers can then reach the Serenissima with a transport service).

Walk in Single File Please

For the turist that intends to visit Venice seriously I am proposing two little books. Short and sweet, yet full of very useful information of the city. They both help seeing the city as it came about, and to discover that every little alley (pardon Calle to say in Venetian), has a history, and that some should not be overlooked, something interesting may be there too, along with lovely corners, or a Bacaréto where to sit and have a Cicheto with a Spritz Bianco or Mosso.

If that “seems all Greek to you,” then you should take the book “In Venice Walk in Single File.” It can be found in many libraries in Venice, or order it directly from the author via the link above.

The title says it all, although I would also add: … and keep right. Just like driving, and do not change lanes!

You may not understand Venetians, but they often curse under their breath when it will take them double their time to do the short walk to their daily business because of unruly turists (I’ve been guilty of it myself!)

This book is simple straightforward and funny, has beautiful pictures on every page. It tells you how to get there, how to move, the services available in the city, what to eat and how to do it, where to sleep, how to live the city, what to do to discover the city and its inhabitants. Also a section of the most common Venetian words so that the above is no longer Greek to you, but Venetian!

The Basics of Venice

The other book I am proposing “Venice the Basics,” it tells you the history of Venice in about 80 beautiful pages with drawings. A book to understand how Venice is made, how it works and how it worked is the first step to living it and enjoying it properly. 

Venice is a fantastic city for children: there are no dangers, noises, and no cars! they can roam the Campi freely. Unfortunately, most people that come for a quick visit do not always grasp these privilegies. The city is (was) sometimes difficult, tiring and above all incomprehensible. 

After the first admired wonder, often there are a series of amazements and questions: how do houses and buildings stand in the water? Why is the urban fabric, so dense, interrupted by so many Campi and Campielli? What are those anyway?

And why is there a well-head in every field and court? 

Be ready to your next visit. With these two books you are all set!