Venice Local Custom Tips by msbrandysue

Napoleon I (born Napoleone Buonaparte, later Napoléon Bonaparte; 15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821) was a general during the French Revolution, the ruler of France as First Consul (Premier Consul) of the French Republic, and Emperor of the French. He was also King of Italy, Mediator of the Swiss Confederation and Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine.

That's right...he was born of Italian decent. At birth, his name was Napoleone di Buonaparte. However, neither Napoleone nor his family used the aristocratic particle di. Though the Buonaparte family belonged to minor nobility, they were financially poor and did not regard themselves as aristocrats. However, as it was necessary to belong to a proven noble family to enroll at the military academy at Brienne, in school the child was known as Napoleone de Buonaparte. He gradually adopted a French version of his first name, Napoléon. In 1795, after having become a major French general, he dropped the "u" from his last name, making it Bonaparte.

If you caught my St. Mark's Basilica tip you'll read about the Triumphal Quadriga or Horses of Saint Mark. A quadriga is a four-horse chariot. Itrepresented the usual chariot of gods and heroes on Greek vases and bas-reliefs. The quadriga was adopted in ancient Roman chariot racing. Quadrigas became a natural emblem of triumph, victory or fame. Well, in 1797, Napoleon carried the quadriga off to Paris where they were used in the design of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. From that date Italians have HATED Napoleon. After Napoleon was captured the Venetians went to Paris and brought their horses back home. However, due to the effects of atmospheric pollution, the original quadriga was retired to a museum and replaced with a replica in the 1980s. The Triumphal Quadriga in Venice is the only surviving ancient quadriga. Don't bypass these historical markers.

Do not confess your love of Napoleon in Venice. You may just be dumped in a canal never to be found again...Traitor!

Historical information gathered from Wikipedia

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All around Venice you will find the symbol of a winged lion. This is the symbol of Venice. It was the symbol of the St. Mark which is, of course, the patron saint of Venice.

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Website: http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/winged_lion_of_st_mark.htm

So, when traveling, sometimes you wish to see how people live but it's just not very evident. However, I was excited to see a very traditional, Italian custom from the gondola ride. Throughout Italy you will still see people hanging their laundry from their windows. I've actually never seen this and was really excited to see how other cultures go about their daily lives. It was very neat :)

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While touring Venice on foot, boat, or gondola, don't forget to look up at the Venice that remains authentic. Yes, there is grafitti, laundry, and, more importantly, life. It turns out, not everyone is a tourist (although sometimes that is hard to believe). While riding in a gondola ride I got to capture this photograph that really represents the real Venice to me. The Venice that is full of passion, history, and magic.

There are people who live in Venice, mostly working with goods and services targeted at tourism, but citizens nonetheless. The Italian culture is something I aspire to adapt. The lifestyle to watch the world go by outside your window, while watching from the balcony. Ce La Vie...Oh, how I yearn for my life to be that free of stress.

Also while looking up don't forget to see the Venitian flower baskets. They are somewhat of an icon. Almost all of the flowers I saw were blooming beautifully. It really is a great indication that Venice is everything you dreamt it would be.

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Well, having driven all over Italy I saw a variety of public restrooms. Most of them were acceptable. However, it is completely different from America. There is usually a woman sitting outside of the public restrooms. They are in charge of keeping maintenance of the restrooms, properly stocking them with toiletries, and cleaning up any messes. Therefore, make sure to have some coins with you to tip her. It is customary to tip around 20cents-1euro. Only coins, though, nothing more.

And, in Venice...you even have to put your change into a slot to get into the restroom since there is a bar that will lower when you do. It is one of those bars like when you enter a ride in an amusement park. Just make sure you have some coins at all time!

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So, if you're from the United States you're used to ice filling your cup, then liquid being added. Not the case in Venice...

Ice is rare. And when it's 90 degrees in June-August that can be a problem when looking for some cool refreshments.

However, you can get ice at some places upon request. There was a place on the corner of St. Mark's Basilica that provided up with some ice which was like heaven. Just don't be afraid to ask. If you're in Venice you're going to be paying a pretty penny for liquid so you might as well get what you want.

Just be prepared....

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Around St. Mark's Square you will see many living statues. They are available to pose with, but they will expect a tip of any amount when you want to take a picture with them. No more than a few coins, though.

You will see a variety of men, women, and children posing in all sorts of costumes. Some have masks, some are painted faces. They stand on their own platform and have a change box in front of them.

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All public work is done by boat. Yes, you know this but it's still very strange to see! Here are the garbage men......

Not exactly men hanging on the back of a truck like down here in Texas!

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