venezia, italia (venice). 

i just returned from a week-long vacation to italy with my family. italy was one of those must-see places on my long list in my head of travel spots. our first stop was to venice. 

venice is truly a unique, one-of-a-kind city. it’s composed of the grand canal, mini canals with bridges, and tiny walking streets. as an aquatic person, i always wanted to visit venice and go everywhere by boat. however, as charming as the city is, i was a little disappointed. it’s become super touristy littered with souvenir shops and cheap pizza and gelato stores. i was looking forward to riding in an old gondola but instead found cheesy shiny gondolas akin to horse carriages in central park. 

i know i sound really cynical, but i guess the old, romantic venice i imagined existed a hundred years ago.