Venice: The Diary of an Awestruck Traveller: Volume 1: From Swamp to La Serenissima

In Volume 1 (From Swamp to la Serenissima) of Venice: The Diary of an Awestruck Traveller, Gillian Angrave sets out on the first two of her six (so far!) visits to Venice, eager to explore this flamboyant city. She describes her initial impressions and experiences as she discovers ever more hidden gems in this jewel in the Mediterranean's crown. Her meanderings take her not only to the more popular tourist areas of Rialto and the Piazza San Marco, but also off the beaten track to the Ghetto and Dorsoduro, following in the footsteps of Julia Garnet in Salley Vickers captivating novel Miss Garnet's Angel. She explores the quieter areas of Castello as she visits San Zanipolo, the Arsenale, the Giardini Publicci and the Fondamente Nove. Glide with her too as she basks in the serenity (or so she thought!) of her first ride in a gondola; and, further afield, as an ex-mariner, she revels in a rather choppy vaporetto journey to discover Murano, Burano and Torcello. All along the way Gillian amasses a host of fascinating snippets of historical information, practical tips and stunning photographs, as well as amusing anecdotes, which she chronicles in her own lively, easily accessible, chatty style of writing. This is a shared experience of all that is best in this magical floating city and will evoke the happiest of memories for travellers who have already been and will captivate those who have this pleasure yet to come. See more