It is everyone's dream to go for a wander round Italia. Fortunate we were to have it come true as we found ourselves amidst its history and romanticism.
Saudia does operate a flight to Milan. I went to Milan already in September last year, which I have yet to blog about it though. It was a beautiful city, no wonder! And for the second time, I was blessed to have had a layover in this city again. I actually was even more blessed because it's almost a 3-day layover. So, I needed to make the most out of it. Since I saw Milan before, this is a great chance to go beyond and see the other wonderful parts of Italy.
My flying partner for the month of April happened to be a batchmate, too. Crisselle and I schemed our itinerary only a day before our flight. I advise you to search information and prepare all necessities ahead of time, the transportation for instance, because if not, you would end up with no more available seat or paying pricier one.
Italy has a train network that connects every major city. Moreover, there are buses that hop from city to city.
We arrived in Milan on April 6, in the morning. We checked in to our hotel and immediately changed clothes and dolled up. That's usually how cabin crew roll on every layover. No rest, go on a tour directly! Haha!
First stop, Venice. We booked a rail pass through TrenItalia. Actually, our hotel concierge told us that we booked the wrong railway station which was Venezia Mestre. Since we wanted to be in Grand Canal, it should be Venezia Santa Lucia instead. The trip took 2 and a half hours. Thanks to the spectacular view seen through our window as it lessened the boredom. The ample space of the train and its mini store and toilet room give comfort to the passengers. After the train, we got on board of a bus. It is a 20-minute ride from Venezia Mestre to Venezia Sta. Lucia. We were so excited to wander as we stepped out of the vehicle. You cannot imagine how big our smiles were! Venice is like a city on a sea. The Grand Canal is surrounded by many antiquated buildings and bridges. There are water taxis, water buses, and the iconic gondolas.
What is Venice without the ride on a gondola? So, we blithely hopped aboard the genteel, black and red, hand-built wooden boat. Our gondolier slash tourist guide was Mr. Adamo. He rowed us around the lagoon. He even told us stories about some buildings along the canal. Like he pointed to the apartments of Marco Polo and the Cassanova family. He showed us the first and smallest church built in the place. It was entertaining!
You would perceive in your eyes the oldness of the place. Well, that is the touch of history. The only thing I dislike is the green moss that covers the wharf, bridges, and lower part of the buildings. You could smell it, too.
How we ended our trip? We stuffed our tummies with tasty Italian pizza and gelato.
It is definitely a once in a life time experience in the most romantic city. You would feel kilig even without a lover beside you!
(Wait for the 2nd part!)
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