Venice+Kayak

Paddling in Venice after midnight we pause by the entrance to the Arsenale, the Navy's docks and quarters.

Thanks to a close friend I made my first trip to Europe (outside of work) and spent last week camping in Italy and exploring the city of Venice by kayak. It was an intense and unique experience; a week I will never forget. I will be posting more images of course and doing my best to document what I saw and what we did.

The history of the city of Venice and the surrounding lagoon stretches back to Roman times. Over the past 2000 years, the region grew into a republic and major power in world history and then went into decline when attention and trade shifted to the new world. Today there are still many hints to be seen of that former glory. Three days on the water, which is the only way to see the real city, revealed a Venice that may forever slip beyond our reach if we do not soon find a balance between modern technology & practise and the natural environment that shaped this city’s history and culture.

For those who would like to visit Venice as we did I offer a caution, some suggestions, and an endorsement. Anyone who loves the sea and boats is aware that the water can also catch the unwary. This is definitely an outdoor adventure: to get the most out of it, you will need to be comfortable with some physical exertion, with water & being wet, and with boats. If you already have some basic kayak handling skills you will be ahead of the game and more able to appreciate the Venice you will be immersing yourself in. Finally, the entire adventure would not have been what it was without the excellent services and knowledge of René Seindal, historian and our kayak guide – VeniceKayak.com. Both Michael and I owe our thanks to him for a very memorable vacation.