h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

One thing worth noting about a visit to Venice is that it is in fact sinking. When I was there, I saw planks and saw horses stacked at regular intervals. Later that day, I found out why. When the tide comes in, most of the streets flood. The sawhorses and planks provide a walkway above the flooded streets and allow for dry passage.

I did enjoy Saint Marcs Square. Once you have seen it you understand why it is such a popular subject for fine art painting.

The gondolas were magnificent, polished and spotless, although we did watch on gondolier get his vessel stuck under one of the lower stone bridges. If you are on a budget, I think that a gondola ride is probably out of the question as I understand it is quite expensive.

I enjoyed getting lost in the city at night. All the little warrens and passageways make an interesting adventure. And as you say, there are frequent signs to major landmarks, such as Saint Marcs, so one can always find thier way back.

One of the oddest things was the total lack of cars and that many houses had 'garages' in which a boat could be docked.

Venice is genuinely what many amusement parks aspire to be.