My wife and I are thinking about a trip to Venice in early November. We had coffee wfriends and they mentioned that they'd heard Venice was falling apart (understandable for such an old city) and very dirty. <BR> <BR>While if all goes according to plan we'll go to Venice, I'm wondering, those of you who have been to Venice recently what were your impressions? <BR> <BR>Thanks <BR>MJ

Venice, being a very old city built on stilts on top of mud, is sinking, but there is work being done to arrest the problem. I didn't find the city to be very dirty, just old and full of charm and interest. Probably the most beautiful city I've ever been to!

Venice is magical. Venice is wonderful...Believe me, Venice is not falling apart. And, when you go in November, you'll not have to buck the crowds either. We were there last November and it indeed was magical and wonderful....and uncrowded.

We went to Venice 3 years ago and LOVED it!!! It was a bit chilly in late March, but it was great regardless! We're going back this June!

Venice is the most unusual and interesting city I have ever been to. I loved it. Easy to get lost in the alley/streets but all roads lead to St Mark's Square. Just beware, some merchants can get grumpy!

We heard the same thing too. So we went in September for only 2 nights. Mistake! We loved it! We slept in a hotel on the Grand Canal, it was never smelly like we were told. We were fortunate to have sun but the beauty is in its age. Right now we are planning a trip to OZ/NZ and it is not as fun. They only have about 200 years of history. From Murano to San Marco, with just walking around enjoy it for what it is not what others expect it to be.

I'm with the above posters, Venice is magic. <BR>The water and the passage of time does play havoc with some of the buildings, and you will see peeling plaster and <BR>bridges worn by the centuries. On the other hand, I did not find it to be dirty at all, especially compared to the large city I live in at home. <BR>Yes, Venice needs to be "saved" for posterity which is why there are so many groups dedicated to preserving it, but at the present moment it also has modern people living modern lives, visiting modern shops and businesses. <BR>For every centuries-old building or bridge, there is a new souvenir shop or designer clothing shop. <BR>People who have only "heard" that Venice is falling apart perhaps should not influence you too much. <BR>I have sightseeing notes and suggestions on Venice; if you wold like them, please feel free to email me. <BR>good luck

Mark-Last year we went on family trip to Italy(I have been several times but never to Venice-thought the same thing about the dirt,too touristy,etc.).Our family decided to head up to Venice from Florence at the last minute for just a day.Well....the whole family voted to stay longer and wished that we had planned to go there from the beginning.The <BR>history,buildings,people,FOOD,etc. were fabulous.Those public water taxis are the best deal to get around(buy the pass) and the ride over to Murano and Burano are great for lunch and sightseeing.Rent the movie that was filmed totally in Venice in the 60's with Katherine Hepburn and Rosanno Brazzi and you will be ready to leave immediately.I need more coffee this morning as the title escapes me but it has September in the title.(Have a glass of chianti and some calamari for me!)Debbie <BR>

The movie is "Summertime" and the poster is right. Venice is one of those places no-one is indifferent to--you either love it or you hate it. If you love her, as I do, you find a certain degree of decrepitude part of her mystique and charm. Read "Venice Observed" by Mary McCarthy for a warts and all, loving depiction of the contemporary city.

Oh, my gosh, don't listen to these so-called "friends"! I visited Venice for the first time a month ago and just fell in love. Yes, it does have an aura of faded glory and it's kind of crumbling around the edges, but it is glorious and romantic and I can't wait to go again. The light there is amazing, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Good evening. Mark <BR>Have stayed in Venice about 72 days <BR>since 1971 and of all the places in the <BR>world, it is the one I most desire to <BR>return too. Nuf said... <BR>Richard of Hickory Hills, Il... <BR>Hasn't been many negative comments!! <BR>rjv

Let me guess. These "friends" have never been to Venice, right? Ignore them. It is like no other city on earth --not necessarily my favorite, but so truly unique, how could you not love it?? <BR>

Look, Venice is NOT the place you want to go. The canals are awful, full of dead cats. And the streets are always flooded. You cannot get out of your hotel (and the lobbies are perpetually wet). There's no way to see anything because there's no bus or taxi transportation, nothing except those damned boats on those awful canals. And what about those alligators (or is that the NYC sewers?) And there's nothing but seafood to eat. And people sing all the time and wear silly hats and row boats. And cobblestone streets are hard on the shoes. No, don't see Venice, the light's too strange. Maybe if we spread the "truth" about Venice, people will stop asking if they should go there. And we'll have that nifty place to ourselves.

I went to Venice last Jan. and loved it. It is definitely not a scrubbed-up Disney-looking place. I LIKED it because it is old, but it most certainly was not dirty! <BR> <BR>I particularly recommend getting lost in the side streets - you can see tiny courtyards, churches, lovely archways, mysterious alleys, etc. The great thing is, since Vehice is relatively small and self-contained, you won't get horribly lost. <BR> <BR>Venice is magical - I hope to go back some day. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

People say that Venice smells because they go in a hot month. It's a water town!!! Of course it smells!!! And those who don't like it or think it's falling apart, I'm sure they'd be more comfortable at an all inclusive resort where you never have to leave, never have to speak any Italian, everything is in US money, and it's basically like the United States but with different architecture. Leave the truly exquisite locales to us that love culture, art, romance, and ecelecticism. Send your friends to Disneyland

I guess it can't be said too many times: Venice is pure magic! Ignore your friends and go - you'll never see anything else like it. November is perfect, too, because you'll have the place to yourselves. My first trip was in September but I am SO GLAD I went back in November to experience the quiet that the locals enjoy. GO!