Venice - also the Floating City. City of over 200 islands built on wooden piles in a glassy lagoon. It is standing with it’s ‘feet’ in the muds. Swaying on the high tide, there is an eerie aura to this magical city. Swaying, like a fishing pier. Something that could make you see-sick. Imagine landing in Venice on a dark and misty night and the moment you set foot on ground, the first you feel is this swaying movement and the creaking, screeching sounds coming from deep under and from the old, peeling buildings. Scary. Very scary. But magical.
From Rome you have to travel North, across the Apennine Mountains, also called the Spine of Italy, then over the River Po to reach this magical city of Venice.
This Sinking City withstood wars, but cannot withstand the rising water level caused by die ever melting icebergs of the Poles, North and South, thus caused by Earthwarming.
The city is entered by it’s ‘aorta’ the Canal Grande. From this canal the whole of the city, or island, can be reached. From the Canal Grande small canals then flow crisscross through the city. Over these canals you will find bridges, for humans only. You have to climb a few steps to these bridges and then cross to the other side where you will find another pair of stairs. So, if you plan to visit Venice, be fit. Loading and offloading stock or passangers to shops or hotels, is a nightmare. Everything needs to be carried up, over and down these bridges. So, walking is the only way. There is no other form of transport.
There are no roads either. The city is built such that you could never loose your way. There is always a canal just around the corner and a water-taxi at hand to take you where you need or want to be. It is also on these gondola’s on these canals that lovers so often take a romantic trip while a violist plays romantic tunes to them.
The most popular tourist attraction is canalling to the Heart of Venice, St. Monk’s Square and The Bridge of Sighs. Doge’s Palace, where the Venetian Rulers once lived is also nearby.
Glass blowing is one of the main attractions and is a major income for citizens performing this ancient art. Just remember that these glass items need to be carried in containers to be loaded onto river-busses to be exported. No easy task. All services are provided by water or foot. The most beautiful colored glass items can be bought in these factories.
Venice is slow, it is mysterious, silent and sinking of course. It is a city you want to visit and then leave. No you would not for it is dying… slowly. I don’t think you would want to live there. The whole city is peeling, fading and just imagine the dirt that must be accumulating up against the foundations of this fourteenth-century city.
It is rather a safe city. But it doesn’t mean that you can let your purse or expensive camera lie around. Pickpockets will be with us for ever.
Food here is nothing to write home about. It is conservative and sometimes not good at all.
Venice, The Dying City, I call it. A place you want to visit and then leave… for Rome.
In South Africa today security plays a vital part in any business or private home. This book and the volumes to follow, will guide you step by step through the essential precautionary measures to be taken in protecting your family and valuables. From employing security guards, evacuation of your site and security measures to burglar bars and alarms in your private home.
a Book compiled by me from experience gained after 10 years in the security industry as Industrial relations officer with Nosa qualifications, 1st Aid, fire protection and also S.O.B. grade A.
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