Venice- romance of a beautiful but dying city

Venice is certainly one of the most unique cities of the world. Settled over a lagoon and collection of small islands by the Romans running away from German nomads, it became a major trade center, and consequently the most cosmopolitan city in Italy. It survived many calamities, infact the population increased during second world war because of an  international treaty not to bomb it. And its the only city i know on this trip where population has dwindle over time, from 300k in the middle of 20th century to 60k now,  because even though it is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the world, it is also a difficult and expensive city to live. A lot of houses near the canals, which look so beautiful in pictures, are actually abandoned. Sadly, it is also a decaying city, with rising sea water levels caused by global warning threatening its very existence. Its unlikely to survive very long. Venice, in short, is like autumn leaves, beautiful but dying.  

Dead batteries, miscommunication and bad luck left me stranded for a few hours at the station till my host Francesca, an economy teacher who surfed with us few months ago, managed to find her phone and call me. Unfortunately, she has been fired from her job for fighting against the system, and her case is in the newspapers and tv channels. Consequently, she is more stressed, and more free than usual. She lives with a flat mate who stats and ends his day smoking pot. She was also my personal tourist guide, when not doing rounds of the various administrative buildings filling her petitions, and took me out for a fantastic walking tour of the city, showing me all the touristic, and not so touristic spots.   

Venice is full of beautiful and historic architectures, narrow and confusing lanes, and a very unique water ways system with public transport and gondolas plying side by side. Just sitting on the water taxies and traveling through the city is an experience in itself. It hasn't changed much over the centuries. I saw a map of Venice in Vatican drawn up in 16th century, and I was told you could still use it today to find your way around.

 I hop and skipped over few near by islands. Burano is famous for is very colorful houses with no two adjacent houses painted the same color. Murano is famous for its glass work. Back in San Marco square, i visited the Doges palace, from where Venice was governed for over a millennium. This was a model of venetian opulence, with gold carvings and paintings by 16th century venetian masters covering its walls. After all the walks, climbing up and down the bridges, and a few tourist filled boat rides later, it was time to find a McDonald for free wifi so i could finally upload the blogs.