Venice, Italy: Water Taxi Ride

How to get ourselves (and our luggage) from our cruise ship to our hotel, in a city without streets? Our destination: The lovely Hotel Concordia, steps from San Marco Square in the heart of Venice.

I had reserved a water taxi for six. We waited for our launch, concerned, as small boats zipped in and out in front of us and waves rocked the dock beneath our feet. The tiny launch that finally pulled up was a moving target, and I worried she might sink once six robust Americans with suitcases climbed aboard.

Then we pulled out, and……

Ah, Venice. We instantly fell hard for this ancient, sinking city, as so many others have before us. I despair that as a tourist, I contribute to her eventual demise simply by coming here. She really is sinking, not only under the murky water but under the crush of tourists that washes ashore every day.

Even though we know we’re bad for her, we’ll probably return. How could we not?