Venice and Florence are two places in Italy that receive rave reviews from tourists from all over the world. They are listed as some of the top places to visit in Italy, let alone Europe, yet the experiences I had made me wonder why these locations were so special.
After one of my favorite meals of the trip in Treviso with authentic cuisine and a magic show from our Italian waiter (who reminded me of my dad), we had a visit at the most wonderful workshop tour at a typography studio. Treviso, a place I had little expectation for, was perfect in every light. From the running water through the canals, to dinner with our professor, it exceeded any and all of my expectations. Venice, one of the places I was most excited for, turned out to be quite different than the reviews that put it on a golden pedi stool. The people were quite rude and there were tourists everywhere. I spoke more English than I had the entire trip and it was slightly disappointing, however, our visits saved the day. From gazing in wonder at the hand blown and colorful glass chandeliers to observing architectural design surpass landscape and time, the time I spent observing the rich history of Venice was wonderful to say the least.
I will say that the Biennale had to have been the best part of the trip! The beauty of representation of different climate conversations through visual representation was both impressive and thought evoking. Germany had a captivating and moving exposition and I could have stayed there for an entire day and still want to explore more about the countries exhibitions. Therefore, while Venice did not meet expectations in terms of what an average tour guide would tell you is good to do, I did find great pleasure in the sinking city. The rich cultural influence and history displayed through art was a reality far greater and awe inspiring than I could have imagined.
Moving on to my weekend excursion, I went on a solo mission to meet up with one of my best friends, Katrina, in Florence, Italy. I was super excited about the leather markets, steak and wine ordering through a tiny window. My friends and family raved about the beauty of Florence and how it is one of their favorite places in the world. Yet, as I arrived I was completely disappointed. The leather market was utterly consumed by tourists and scam artists attempting to sell obviously fake leather goods to oblivious vacationers. I found myself disappointed, confused, and holding my nose from the foul smells coming from random corner passes. Reality was met again, and my hopes of beautiful Florence were squashed, until I decided to change the narrative. Rather than going in with expectations, I played the game. I bargained and played hard ball to get the cheapest “authentic” leather purse, and enjoyed the overpriced lemon desserts while gazing at the twinkling merry go round. Florence overall did not meet my high expectations for it, but it ended up not being terrible after I learned to go where the wind took me and let go of said expectations.
Ultimately, I have found so far that raving reviews can only get you so far, and it’s more likely that you will find hidden gems within the small Italian towns that are less heard of, less populated, and not touristy, but quietly waiting to be discovered. Aosta and Livorno, you have been so amazing and I can’t wait to have my expectations blown in my next small town, I know it will be perfecto!
