THE TIMES AUSTRALIA
Vol. 3 No. 6
速
August 2015
WHAT’S INSIDE BurninG MAN
26
36
breath On one
Surprise Guilt free Travel travel 8
46
HOW TO USE THIS VECTOR?
If you are going to repost or publish this graphic resource in your site you MUST take into account the following:
52
Venice
This vector graphic has been designed and brought to you by VectorOpenStock.com. This work is given away for free, in exchange we ask some simple rules to be respected. First, the design is Under Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License which allows you to use this even commercially as long as you credit us for the creation. More instructions can be red here: www.vectoropenstock.com/terms-and-conditions/
-Keep our brand stripe in the jpg preview (never place your logo over our design, that would be considered copyright infringement) -You should place a link in your post to the vector in our site (you can easily find it in http://www.vectoropenstock.com/our-vectors) -We should be credited as authors with a backlink and you should clearly state that we are the authors -Don't copy our description or keywords, came up with your own text. Copying description and tags would be considered copyright infringement. If you ever find a site infringing our copyrights or violating any of the above stated conditions we will be thankful with you to be informed at http://www.vectoropenstock.com/contact Enjoy vector and life! Peace and LOVE!
Vector Open Stock Team
Fo r B e g i n n e r s
THE TIMES AUSTRALIA
ÂŽ
TRAVEL
EDITOR’S
Note
Welcome back fellow travellers!
We have a packed issue in store this month. Laura Barry starts us off by introducing a new trend in travel that is just taking flight in Australia, and later provides an extensive guide for firsttimers visiting Venice. Luke Buesnel
THE TIMES AUSTRALIA
TRAVEL Surprise travel ..........................................8 Tick box travel hell ............................... 12 Take a punt on the Pilbara ................16 Burning Man ..........................................26 On one breath ......................................36
recounts a less-than-enjoyable trip with a
Guilt-free travel .....................................46
“tick box traveller”, which is sure to evoke
Venice for beginners............................ 52
plenty of laughs- and cringes. Over in WA, Kaylee Price spends a day at the races in Australia’s hottest town, and later provides us with plenty of tips on staying green when travelling abroad. In the Phillipines, Ashleigh Mills gives a first hand account of learning to freedive, and, finally, Lauriane Wolfe covers Burning Man, with a great report on the iconic festival. Along with detailed descriptions, our writers bring this month’s destinations to life through some powerful photography. Even if a trip away isn’t on your agenda, TAT Travel is sure to provide you with an escape. Happy travelling!
Rebecca Nadge
®
Contributors Laura Barry Luke Buesnel Kaylee Prince Lauriane Wolfe Ashleigh Mills
Cover Image James Mills
Welcome Why are some of us bitten by the travel bug, and others are completely immune?
The TAT Travel Magazine is for the infected, travel-bug-bitten and passionate nomads. TAT Travel aim to inform, entertain, teach and celebrate all things travel in Australia and abroad. With real people and real experiences, come explore the world with us. Should you wish to contribute to TAT Travel, contact kelly.sargent@tat.org.au
We aim to inform, entertain, teach, encourage, educate and support the community at large by facilitating communication between all Australians. By providing the opportunity for all opinions to be shared on a single website.
Surprise Travel By Laura Barry
Over the last fifteen years international travel has become more accessible for the average Australian. Schools and universities run student exchange programs, companies such as Student Flights and STA offer super cheap holiday deals and it has become almost a rite of passage for young adults to take a gap year specifically to travel. The abundance of travel and lifestyle bloggers, youtubers and instagrammers filling social media feeds with exotic destinations and suggested itineraries fuels our wanderlust and the World Wide Web has made booking your own holiday easier than ever before. So what’s next in the world of travel? 8
Independent Media
Surprise Travel is a trend that has taken off predominantly in USA and The United Kingdom, hosted by companies such as Magical Mystery Tours and AFAR respectively. Surprise travel removes the most important responsibility from your to-do list - planning. Websites such as AFAR do this by getting spontaneous travellers to fill out a personality questionnaire detailing your budget, interests and ideal locations, then delivering it to a travel agent who will then organise your trip. This set up is a generic feature of the surprise travel package and more often than not,
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
travellers do not know the details of their trip or the destinations until 24 hours before lift-off. While slow to take off in Australia, the surprise travel trend news is being picked up across the globe by Harpers Bazaar UK, The Washington Post, Travel and leisure. com and being promoted as the next big thing in revolutionising hands-on, culturerich vacation experiences. However, companies such as mysteryflights.com.au and Virgin Australia offer similar, domestic travel experiences within Australia. The set-up is different: Mystery Flights use a
Independent Media
booking page where you select a mystery flight or mystery package, then specify the airport you want to leave from, date and how many are travelling. Virgin Australia use a similar setup, although they only offer mystery packages ranging from one night to four. While surprise travel is currently limited to domestic adventures in Australia, it looks like the trend is certainly catching. Surprise travel is perfect for people who simply love travelling, anywhere, anytime, or as a gift for the person who has everything.
Inspiring Minds
9
JUST DO
Sho
ShoutFor
O-NATE.
out.
rGood.com
Tick box
travel hell
with a mate By Luke Buesnel
He was an odious man. Rotund and rude. Before I muse (lament) on an overseas holiday wasted, let’s rewind a little. We met in Airb&b accommodation in Europe. I was revisiting a place I once lived and he was there for the first time. From this moment it was love…or the love that I get “touring” new mates around my former city. This was the catalyst for two more meet-ups in other countries, but we’d never actually travelled together and therein lay the problem. Turns out this bloke was like Miley Cyrus – he came in like a wrecking ball (thank God he didn’t do all sorts with a large foamhand).
12
Independent Media
His irksomeness started at the breakfast buffet. We were due to visit a mountain later that day but I thought, why bother? It’s sitting in front of us on his plate. Bread, rice, an omelette, five sausages, baked beans, meats, veggies began the colossus, sharply followed by a sweet-pastry, a coffee (with a few sugars), all washed down with lashings of putridly sweet processed fruit juice. I know he enjoyed it. I site the chomping, slurping and gulping as evidence, all while talking of his desire to shed some kilos #gofigure.
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Turns out this bloke was like Miley Cyrus – he came in like a wrecking ball
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
13
His plan was this: use a taxi (he’d hired) over three days to race to all side of the city to “experience”, a mountain, a temple, an historic garden, taste local cuisine, and enjoy nightlife and shopping. It seemed more tick-box than fun. From here, we remained in the taxi the entire time - six hours one day, eight hours the next and nine hours the following day. This is not the best way to travel: listening to local English radio while being stuck in congestion (and yes, it does make Marron 5 even more annoying). Oh, and he snored too. I admit we saw most but “experience” we certainly didn’t. The young taxi driver did his best but often didn’t know the way. Truth be told, I felt sorry for our driver as my
mate ordered him around. He demanded the driver pull over and ordered him to go and buy what my mate wanted, while he waited in the taxi. On the rare occasion my mate did get out of (and in) the taxi, he waiting for the driver to open the door for him #firstworldproblems.This is the height of rudeness and from here my demeanour changed. Our final dinner was something to behold. We sat in silence, him with his head down and me turning red (not because of sunburn as I’d barley ventured outside). The food was crap, the company on-par. We made it to the nightclub, for a brief moment. I danced for three songs, he texted for three songs. Then, pointing to his watch, signalled it was time to move on. But, he’d been there, done that and posted it on social media. On our return to the hotel I gave the driver a huge tip hoping it would be enough for him to not suffer through this again. I don’t think my mate tipped at all. We said goodbye to each other, despite the humidity, the air between us was frosty.I realised some people travel as a “I’ve been there” not for enjoyment or a new experience. It’s simply to note down that they have seen it - It’s about the showoff photo and not much more. We correspond occasionally and I genuinely wish him well but it was lesson learnt and holiday ruined.
14
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
Take a Punt o
16
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
on the Pilbara Text and Images by Kaylee Prince
A dusty track in the Shire of East Pilbara
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
17
The answer may lie in Western Australia’s northwest region, where many towns host carnivals mid-year to take advantage of the cooler weather. In one, Marble Bar, races are just one good excuse to visit. Marble Bar is located 200km south-east of Port Hedland and is officially the hottest town in Australia. It holds the record with 160 consecutive days above 37.8°C set in 1924. The best time to visit is when the summer storms clear, the humidity vanishes and punters come from miles around to the race course just outside of town. The Marble Bar Cup is held in July and local residents, miners, station owners and holiday makers all head to the area to celebrate this annual event. The course itself is worth a look – freshly cut
18
Independent Media
green grass and glowing white barriers are nowhere to be seen; instead the red dirt, dusty track and noticeable absence of high heels are the signature of this track. One thing that is not absent is a good old country pub. Corrugated iron panels, old leather bar stools and the kind of artwork one is used to seeing in their grandfather’s lounge room adorn the Ironclad Hotel. Come on a Sunday when the locals are out in force and don’t be surprised by a hand thrust in the face, followed by an introduction and enquiry about one’s life. Lunch closes at 2pm – however the backpacker-come-bartender will occasionally request the chef prepare just one more meal. A chicken parma will set the wallet back $27 and leave the patron
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL wishing they’d worn their stretchy pants. When ready to walk off those extra calories, take a short stroll across to the Government Buildings to check out the newly opened Marble Bar Museum. The museum is open every day from 10am, except Tuesdays in the low season (summer), and is also the spot for a caffeine hit. Enter via the immaculately clean café, place an order (soy milk drinkers need not attend) and use the time to browse the museum shelves. For the more hands on tourist, the gravel Hillside-Woodstock road leads to a mineral deposit which gave the town its name. In 1887 prospectors, searching for gold in the area mistakenly identified the mineral jasper as marble and Marble Bar was born. This area draws many east coast fossickers
Independent Media
The icon of the Pilbara, Sturt’s Desert Pea
Inspiring Minds
19
20
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Racing on the red dirt
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
21
Eager racegoers line the fence
22
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
whose sole purpose for a visit is to wander the dry creek beds looking for red jasper and marble bar jade. A splash of water from a drink bottle or not yet dried out pool brings the colours of the rocks alive. Further colour is added to the desert once the heavy rains from the summer wet season have passed. Vibrant yellows, oranges, reds and even purples bloom from Independent Media
a myriad of native plants. Sunrises and sunsets bathe the vast Pilbara landscape in a golden glow. There is no need to venture far from town for killer views; the Tank Lookout above the caravan park provides a great vantage point. Marble Bar has something for everyone and whether prospecting or punting, with a bit of luck one may just strike it rich. Inspiring Minds
23
G n i n r u B MAN Text and Images by Lauriane Wolfe
A rotating interactive art monument attracts attention on the playa at sunset
26
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Burning Man is not for the faint-hearted. You need to drive several hours into Nevada’s Black Rock desert with enough water and food to last you 7 days. Along with that you need camping equipment, fabulous outfits and a ton of sun cream and baby wipes. Nothing can be purchased or sold there. Most important of all, you must be prepared to forgo showering for a week, a true record for me (despite being French).
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
27
Burners observe the illusion of jumping monkeys on a spinning metallic tree
28
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
70,000 people travel from the four corners of the Earth to attend this frenzied festival, bringing with them their creativity, uniqueness and freak personas to unwind and let loose in the desert. This is a place where anything goes. High school teachers transform into drag queens, salesmen and women turn into mythical creatures, and bankers become nudists. My first day was ethereal. I found myself surrounded by a plethora of multi-coloured tutus dancing and kicking up the dust to blaring music. As I gawked around, hundreds of nude people bearing bizarre tan lines raced past on fur-clad bicycles. Little did I know that this was the infamous annual naked pub crawl. It was an adult version playground, and I was feeling a child-like tizzy. Burning man, also known as Black Rock City, is temporarily erected each year since 1998. A carpet of tents creates a half-moon shape that surrounds the art installations and the Man, a 40ft wooden structure to be burned at the end of the event. This festival advocates a culture of radical selfexpression, inclusion, participation, and gifting. Everyone is welcome, and no-one is a stranger. Mutual appreciation and love seem to cling to the dust particles that hover and come to rest on our skin, infecting every one of our pores.
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
29
The ‘bijou’ cinema showing old time movies from the 50’s
30
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Light and geometry art monument on the playa
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
31
This is truly the city that never sleeps. Activities and parties take place at all hours of the day throughout the 7 day reverie, all of which are both ludicrous and wonderful. Do not be surprised if a unicorn stampede charges past you as you stroll next to the ‘talk to God’ phone booth on elbow appreciation day. After a light sabre battle with the Jedi appreciation club, you can experience some quality teachings at the twerkshop or get involved in some naked twister. Yoga and meditation sessions take place at sunrise, or there’s beer yoga for the debauchee. After attending the world robotic spankathon, you can go practice improv comedy or you can train to tango and then partake in some night dodgeball. If you think this is already getting weird, you obviously haven’t heard of the clown shoes worship group, nor the armpit farting symphony. On socially appropriate nose-picking day, after a heavy night of air guitar, you might find yourself amidst a sea of floppy white ears and rubber carrots. This will be the billion bunny march to protest humanity and promote global bunnification. Ogle-worthy art monuments are dappled out across the desert’s expanse, in all shapes and sizes. Many of the individuals that help to design, fund, and build these works of art are volunteers, organised
32
Independent Media
by the Black Rock Arts Foundation. A lot of time and effort is invested in these creations for burners to enjoy and interact with. At night, the scenery transforms into a superfluous blur of neon lights, thumping beats, lasers, flame throwers and poi acrobats. Art cars bounce by as burners commence their twilight revelry on the unworldly playa. Shrieks and whoops reverberate from the Mad Max inspired Thunderdome, where burners expel vengeful angry feelings by challenging one another to a foam bat fight. People come to Burning Man for myriad reasons. Some seek spirituality and inner reflection, others come for sex, drugs and techno, while the rest just want to see what the fuss is about and explore the art. For many, it is a release of pain and suffering, a place of closure and forgiveness, a catalyst for new beginnings.
Burning Man is more than an art festival, it evokes a sense of community. For one week, people let down their barriers, and embrace life with a carefree ecstasy, drunk on happiness (pun not intended). One thing’s for sure, your long-awaited shower at the end of this dusty rollercoaster will be the best of your life.
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Also known as an art car, this mutant vehicle shines bright through the night
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
33
breath On one Text by Ashleigh Mills and Images by James Mills
36
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
A hidden beach in Bacuit Bay
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
37
Florent Bevalot - Palawan Divers freedive instructor
“You are getting good at this!” Florent Bevalot, my instructor declares as soon as I hit the surface. After two days instruction, I have descended to 18 meters under water without air, somewhere around the back of Entalula Island in Bacuit Bay. I am a long way from anywhere should something go wrong, yet I feel surprisingly safe in Florent’s hands. Freediving is gaining worldwide popularity among people from all walks. This form of diving relies on the person’s ability to hold their breath underwater instead of using air tanks. It’s also one of the least intrusive and most sustainable ways to explore marine life, which is much needed in Bacuit Bay.
38
Independent Media
Accessible from El Nido, Bacuit Bay is a UNESCO protected marine reserve at the northern point of Palawan Island in the Philippines. As tourism rapidly expands, the bay, an area of over 460 square kilometers, faces huge challenges to protect the 800 species of fish and hundreds of unique corals found beneath its waters. Palawan Divers have ignited local action to clean up the reef and recently added freediving to their suite of activities. I’ll admit that this would not usually be my first choice of activity. I never felt at ease during my brief fling with scuba. I find the whole thing rather uncomfortable. I suck the air down and flail around like a drowning dugong trying to balance and swim.
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL After two days instruction, I have descended to 18 meters under water without air, somewhere around the back of Entalula Island in Bacuit Bay.
Into the blue with Florent keeping a close eye.
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
39
But if I were going to freedive anywhere in the world, it would be in Bacuit Bay. On a good day the visibility can be 30 meters down. You also have a high chance of running into a turtle.
Chilling at the bottom of the sea around the back of Entalula Island
40
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Prayanama breathing on deck to relax before entering the water.
But if I were going to freedive anywhere in the world, it would be in Bacuit Bay. On a good day the visibility can be 30 meters down. You also have a high chance of running into a turtle. This all sounds appealing, and after a long conversation with Jerome Pesnel, Palawan Divers manager, I am convinced. We start day one by practicing pranayama breathing. This technique is used by freedivers to control their breath by inhaling and exhaling in equal efforts. This brings the body and mind to a relaxed state. It’s no surprise that yoga and freediving are often taught hand in hand. I tell Florent I feel more like going to sleep at
Independent Media
the end of this, rather than descending to the bottom of the sea. Florent assures me that this is the feeling I should experience before freediving, to slow my heart rate and relax. We practice ‘breathing up’ on the surface, to again relax once in the water and expel stale air from the lungs. After making a dive plan with Florent, I take one last breath and descend down the rope headfirst, with the assistance of weights around my hips. Immediately my ears hurt. I panic, and with large fins I kick quickly to the surface in a fluster. Florent calmly reminds me that I have to equalise.
Inspiring Minds
41
Once I shut my mind off I learn to enjoy the silence. The eeriness of descending into the cold dark water with nothing but a rope feels (surprisingly) natural. 42
Florent has things covered - all the way to the sunshine.
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Bigger fins help to preserve energy and be efficient under water
“Go down slowly” he advises, adding that I should “chill out for a bit” when my ears hurt. (I’m not convinced about ‘chilling’ under the sea with no air, but Florent asks me so nicely that I am willing to give it a try.) My ears start to ease over the next two days and before I know it, I’ve made it to five then 10, then 18 meters, surprising myself with each dive. Once I shut my mind off I learn to enjoy the silence. The eeriness of descending into the cold dark water with nothing but a rope feels (surprisingly) natural. I have a long way to go to reach the world record of 128 meters but one thing is certain - I am hooked. On return from El Nido I find myself longing to return to the depths of the sea. No air. No tanks. Just me. Independent Media
It takes a bit of planning to reach Bacuit Bay. Here are some things you should consider: • Air Asia X has flights from Manila to Puerto Princesa in Palawan • Palawan daytripper has transfers to El Nido town
daily
• Palawan Divers offers freediving, sailing and scuba courses in Bacuit Bay to suit all abilities, under qualified instructors • You don’t have to be a daredevil to learn to freedive, just bring an open mind and the willingness to learn • As with starting any new sport, check before travelling with your doctor if freediving is safe for you. Inspiring Minds
43
Guilt free travel Text and Images by Kaylee Prince
46
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
The message is coming through loud and clear, and nowadays most of us are on board with doing the right thing. Now is the time to be environmentally friendly, green and eco-conscious. Most houses have recycling bins, energy efficient light bulbs and water wise shower heads. Consumers can recognize the labels for “organic”, “recyclable” and “RSPCA approved”. Integrating sustainable options into our everyday lives is becoming easier and easier. So how about when travelling? Flights that guzzle fuel by the tanker load. Resorts and hotels that reward guests with clean towels and sheets every day and who can forget that (albeit heavenly) waterfall shower head? And that’s not to mention all the fun holiday activities that may exploit the natural environment or aid in its destruction. So what can be done? Is it possible to be green whilst on the road?
Here are 5 easy-to-do tips to stay green while exploring the world.
1
Carbon offset. This is just a fancy way of saying the carbon burnt while flying or staying in a hotel is balanced by supporting an initiative that removes carbon from our atmosphere – the end result is a carbon neutral holiday. There are a number of ways to do this that are actually very simple. Some airlines ask for a small fee when booking and then donate the money to an organization who plants trees or to a wind farm. The calculations are done automatically so no need to determine the amount of carbon released, simply check the box when booking. A number of travel companies (eg Intrepid Travel and Dragoman) run their trips carbon neutral, automatically offsetting each booking, so travelling with them ensures a guilt free trip from the get go! Alternatively, check out non-for-profit carbon offset providers such as Green Fleet (www.greenfleet.com.au).
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
47
2
Choose local produce. How many people really need the encouragement to try local foods while they are away? Aside from being delicious, choosing produce from within the region helps support local communities and farmers. It ensures foods suited to the local climates and environments are grown, which helps prevent the need for fertilizers, excess water and energy demands. As the produce is not flown, shipped or trucked there are less carbon emissions compared to foreign foods. So feel free to indulge in that delicious street food!
3
Take public transport. Using public buses and trains not only reduces carbon emissions and the amount of harmful toxins released into the air, but encourages an up-close and personal experience with locals. The experience alone is worth it; chickens on laps, children staring at the crazy foreigner and multi-lingual conversations interspersed with internationally understood miming actions. Or better yet, travel how the locals do – rickshaws, canoes, camels!
48
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Use the reusable. It takes a lot of energy to produce a disposable plastic water bottle. Where possible, take a reusable water bottle and refill from the tap (when safe to do so). In countries where the water is not safe to drink, the use of water purification tablets can help. Worst case; if water must be bought, buy it in bulk and refill a reusable bottle. This will reduce the amount of bottles thrown out and also the amount of money spent! It is also worthwhile to carry re-sealable plastic bags. These come in handy for almost anything and can be rinsed out and reused – great for snacks, water proofing money or storing laundry detergent. Reusable carry bags are also invaluable when visiting markets, shopping or lugging around laundry.
5
4
Reduce the impact. Remember the old saying “take only photos, leave only footprints”? Try to collect any rubbish and dispose of it in a bin rather than leaving it strewn about, even if the locals don’t. When snorkeling, avoid stepping on the coral or taking a souvenir from the shore. Say no to plastic bags whilst shopping and instead use a carry bag. Join a (free!!!) walking tour of the city or town; it’s a great way to exercise, save money and meet other tourists. Any small attempt to stay green whilst on the road will ensure a guilt-free holiday, one that future generations may also be able to enjoy!
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
49
eni V
Fo r B e g i n Text and Images by Laura Barry
View of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge
52
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
ice
TRAVEL
Venice is one of those cities everyone plans to visit. Entirely unique in its geographical structure, the city is built upon a floating web of 118 submerged islands and wooden platforms in the Northern end of the Adriatic Sea. Welcoming approximately 21.9 million visitors a year, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a tourism mecca. Piazza San Marco is packed to the brim with camera-toting tourists on a daily basis, stopping here and there to snap a photo of St Marks Basilica or Doges Palace. The congestion spreads right to the edge of the city until the water is lapping mere centimetres from your feet, and simply turning your head to decline an offer of gelato from a street vendor may result in a none-too-dry topple into the ocean.
n n e rs
Venice is a romantic and confusing place with narrow streets and towering buildings, a maze-like city that’s magic to get lost in. Take a wrong turn and you have an equal chance of ending up in cosmetic giant Sephora as you do stumbling into an outdoor confectionary market selling traditional Italian sweets. The open air Rialto Market is full to the brim with fresh produce, seafood and local stall-holders selling everything from handmade knick-knacks and souvenirs to Murano Glass, and Venetian masks. Souvenir shops seem to stretch endlessly in every direction, however if you look closely, stuffed between the cheap leather
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
53
Panorama from Piazza San Marco
handbags, Murano glass and key rings are genuinely unique boutiques selling handmade toys, beautifully crafted Italian leather boots and hidden away around Piazza San Marco you will find the likes of Prada, Valentino and La Perla. However, when travelling to Venice it’s important to remember a few key facts, such as the entire island is surrounded by and built upon water. As such, there is no direct access to the Venezia by anything on wheels, so be sure to invest in a detailed map of the city and mark the route to your hotel from the closest point of vehicular access, Piazzale Roma. Piazzale Roma is a square at the entrance to Venice and is the closest point to the city accessible by ground vehicles; it acts as the main bus station where links to both Treviso and Marco Polo airports run all day until late. Tickets for buses can be purchased from the stalls in the square, while the main train station, Santa Lucia, is also nearby. Piazzale Roma is linked to the island of Venezia by the
54
Independent Media
large, unmissably modern Ponte Della Constituzione footbridge which runs over the western end of the Grand Canal - the huge identifiable S-shaped waterway you’ll be using to navigate the city. Home to 400 footbridges and over 150 canals entwined among painfully thin alleys, random piazzettas, shops, restaurants and street vendors, another thing to remember is comfortable footwear appropriate for walking, as this will be your only form of transport during your stay. The first place to get your fill of sights is Piazza San Marco, here you will find the hypnotic Italo-Byzantine facade of St. Marks Basilica - Venice’s best known church, Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs all while taking in the architectural beauty of the square itself and the dreamlike scenery of the ocean lapping at a city’s edge, Gondolas lined up in front of cafes, hotels and gelato stands, looking over aqua blue water to the other islands. Venice is reasonably well signed, so when making your way through the rabbit-warren of
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Spritz in Venice on the Grand Canal waterfront
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
55
56
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
Gondolas
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
57
Streets of Venice
58
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
TRAVEL
streets, pay attention to the signs attached to the corners of buildings and follow the pointers in the direction of your desired destination. The second location you can expect to fill your quota of tourist hot-spots is the Rialto Bridge. The oldest structure spanning the Grand Canal and originally the marker between the districts of San Marco and San Polo, the Rialto Bridge is home to the famous market and bustling boutiques located on the actual bridge. Should you visit the bridge on a less busy day, it has the perfect vantage point for amazing photos of the Grand Canal, framed by gondolas and restaurants, bright and colourful. To get amongst this bustle yourself, take a walk down either side of the Grand Canal from the foot of the bridge. Here you can enjoy lunch on the water front, and watch locals pass by on their boats along the waterways. Finally, if you missed it on your way into the city, sitting at the entrance of the Grand Canal is the baroque Santa Maria Della Salute, a church built in response to Venice being hit by the plague and dedicated to Our Lady of Health.
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds
59
60
Independent Media
Inspiring Minds