bardo1

Interesting first post, Albert.

annhig

julia - FYI - on our trip to venice about 2 years ago, we noticed that many of the bridges have newly fitted whelchair lifts. I expect there are even more now.

it wouldn't be quick, but it would help a bit, I think.

julia_t

Thanks ann, it was a few years ago when we were there, and I got a key at the airport so we could use them.

BUT... they don't work very well. Any sort of humidity affects them. Sometimes you could go up one side of the bridge, but it wouldn't work coming down the other side. And they are very s-l-o-w.

It was quicker and easier too for DS to get out, hop up and over while I and/or one of his siblings heaved the chair over. We became very good at devising routes using the least number of bridges, and used the vaporetti constantly.

Using crutches was also not the easiest thing around Venice, but did work for short trips, like to the gelateria in the evenings.

We saw one very elegant gentleman in a wheelchair, which was electric and had caterpillar tracks to get across the bridges. Probably the best solution if you have to live there.

annhig

julia,

I never saw even one in operation and saw very few disabled people. Venice must be one of the most disabled unfriendly cities in europe, if not in the world. i hope your DS appreciated your efforts!

J62

Funny how gelato can be a great motivator...

ladycartel

1) Don't use water taxis, too expensive
2) Kids ride under 6 ride free on the waterbus so that saves you a bit
3) choose an apartment rental in the San Polo or Santa Croce district (which are both dead in the center of the city) so you can take advantage of living like a local yet within walking distance to Piazzale Roma and the attractions.

Here are two such apartments: http://www.travelforrookies.com/accommodation/

Mimar

This post dates from 2009. I wonder if ladycartel is advertising?

annhig

so young, so cynical.