Walking is the most frequent "sport" in Venice. In this unique city you almost
have no choice (roller skates, skate-boards or bicycles are forbidden).
Public transport helps you reach your destination but if you want to see most
of the historic centre you need your feet (and your brains).
So, if you want to walk along the calli and callette, be prepared: comfortable
shoes and suitable clothing.
Of course you also need a good map of the city.
If, by chance, you don't know "where you are going to get to where you want
to go" you can also ask other passers-by, but first make sure that they, too,
are not "foresti" (that is, people from other parts of the world): Venetians are
used to giving tourists directions and are well aware of the problems facing those
who get lost in this "serenissimo" labyrinth.
One more thing: the way some of the people react may be interpreted as bad manners
but here are the explanations:
- if they stop to think before replying : they are only deciding which is not
only the shortest but also the easiest way to explain;
- if they say "cross the bridge, turn right, then go straight on, then turn left,
then ask again": it is not because they can't be bothered to go on, but the
list of directions would be impossibly long and you wouldn't be able to remember
it any way;
- if you ask a couple and when they reply they give you two different sets of
directions that seem completely contradictory, they are not making fun of you,
it just means that different streets take you to the same destination;
- if they "study" you before telling you how long it will take you to
reach your destination, they are only trying to evaluate how quickly/slowly you
walk: Venetians walk much faster than tourists!
Have a nice walk!
translated by C.Cawthra
|
