by Muhammad Anwar 
In August 2015, my wife and I planned to visit Europe for recreation, and our last destination was Venice, one of the world’s most romantic cities. We were both excited about the trip, as we had heard so much about the city’s unique culture and architecture. Our experience in Venice was truly unforgettable, and we will cherish the memories we made there forever.
We got a flight from Geneva, and when we landed at Vince Airport, it was so pleasant to see the painting walls and floor of the airport where we were waiting for our luggage on ballets. We were advised that busses run from the airport to the city centre of Piazza San Marco. It was a big terminal for boats and parking plazas at the end of the road, and then the floating city started.
My wife and I packed our big suitcases, and my backpack, where my DSLR, watch mobile charger, and other stuff were. We bought the ticket, sat on the cruise, and were happy to get our Sun Stae station seats. After some minutes, we realised people were enjoying the views at standing, and I asked my wife to stand up and see near the corner of the cruise. I put my backpack on my seat, and it was a beautiful moment to see the city in the water, and I was taking pictures with my mobile. We were still determining our destination station, so I checked with the cruise staff about our Sun Stae station, and he said, hurry up, your station arrived. I immediately asked my wife to come out, and we both took our suitcases when we were out; then, I realised my backpack was still on the cruise but could not convey any message as it already ran on the water.
I called our host caretaker of the guest house where we had to stay for the next two nights, who was waiting for us, and she said don’t worry, just first check-in and later on, we will find out how to get the backpack. My wife and I walked on a narrow street with the email print, where step-by-step directions were mentioned. At one point, we were confused, so get a help of a native Jew, whom we guessed by his beard and dress, who was very helpful and took us to our guest house.
After checking in, we went back to the city centre of Piazza San Marco from where the cruise started and same time lost and found department. The concerned officer told us to submit our complaint, and after the weekend, we could check with them, but I said we had to return on Monday morning, and he responded that he couldn’t do any extraordinary support.
Later, I looked around where our cruise was launched and luckily saw the cruise Captain taking out my backpack. I begged him that it was my bag, and he was happy to hand it over and advised me to take care in future.
We were so happy that we got our lost bag within two hours, and then we celebrated by getting Pizza at Piazza San Marco. When we reached the bill, there were Four euros extra bills, and I told them that their menu rate was less and asked why they were charging extra. The waiter nicely replied Sir, its table tax is Euro 2 per person. Then we realised why most tourists were getting their food in hand, taking in the parks, and nearly sitting places.
When we arrived in Venice, it was a warm and sunny day, and the city’s beauty immediately struck us. The canals, gondolas, and colourful buildings blended seamlessly, creating a breathtaking sight. We were also delighted to discover that Venice is a very walkable city, and we spent many hours exploring its winding streets and hidden alleyways.
One of our first stops was Piazza San Marco, considered Venice’s heart. The square is surrounded by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including the Basilica di San Marco and the Campanile, or bell tower. We spent several hours wandering around the square, admiring the intricate architecture and enjoying the vibrant energy of the crowds.
Another highlight of our trip was taking a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. It was a romantic and peaceful experience as we glided past historic buildings and under picturesque bridges. Our gondolier was very friendly and knowledgeable, and he pointed out several landmarks and interesting sights along the way.
One of the things we loved most about Venice was the food. We had some of the best meals of our lives during our stay in the city, from simple but delicious pizzas and pasta to more elaborate seafood dishes.
Throughout our trip, we were struck by the unique character of Venice. Despite being a major tourist destination, the city has retained its authenticity and charm. We loved exploring the town’s quieter, more residential areas, where we could observe the everyday life of Venetians and see how they adapted to living in such a unique environment.
Our trip to Venice was a fantastic experience we will never forget. The city is a true gem, and we feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit. We hope to return someday and continue exploring all this magical place offers.
