Pedestrians

Venice is a very interesting, probably unique urban environment.  Because all of the motor vehicles are on the water, there is no conflict between pedestrians and cars.  This makes it an ideal environment for pedestrians.  I do think it would be very difficult, though, for handicapped people.  We see some with canes and/or wheelchairs but I cannot see how they can get around much.  The major bridges have improvised ramps but there are many smaller bridges with nothing.

The pedestrian nature helps to impose a human scale and the scramble of streets and waterways ensures that there is always something interesting to see here and to discover if you walk a little further.  Many places to sit and watch the world go by. 

Our hotel has wireless internet access but only in the lobby.  It is an interesting contrast when we come back in the evening.  Walking around the city, watching people interact (or not) with each other.  Then walking in to the hotel where many seats in the lobby are filled with people interacting with their various screens.  Kind of spooky.  But we do it, too.

Venice wants to avoid becoming only a tourist destination but I cannot imagine them succeeding at that.  I wouldn’t call it a Disneyland for adults but it is definitely a vacation destination aimed at adults. This does not seem to be a city to live in.  It’s a lovely vacation but I cannot imagine doing all of the practical things you need to do to actually live somewhere.  Bill thinks some businesses must have offices here but I see no sign of that.  I don’t even see signs of the ‘normal’ shops that cater to residents instead of tourists.  But, of course, we have seen only a small part of the city as we have walked around and travelled on the Grand Canal.