"Venice! How can one resist its charm? " a Venice Travel Page by wen_viaggio

As the vaporetto(ferry) No. 1 took us into the Grand Canal, my heart was beating fast at the sight of the approaching beauty of the city. Gondolas making their way past us....the charming houses right next to the tide, separated from the waters only by the fondamenta(walkway).....the cafes and restaurants with hordes of tourists sipping their cappuccinos and espressos under the shade away from the stifling summer heat, and in the near distance, the unmistakable sight of Ponte Di Rialto(Rialto Bridge) standing handsomely across the banks. It loomed towards us, welcoming us under its arch....I was spellbinded by this almost surreal moment.

It was our stop. We got off and the first thing I did was to take in the sight of the bridge, like a long anticipated arrival of a close kin. My mind harked back to those moments spent pouring over pictures and articles of Venice. This time, it was real. It was palpable. The scents, the waters gleaming under the sunshine, the crowd heading into the shops of Ponte Di Rialto... I am finally here. Here in this beautiful city that has seduced so many with its mystic charm.

I have arrived. And it's just the beginning.

(Above: Gondolas basking in the summer heat)