Back in 2009 I did one interrail around Europe for about one month. Back then having been to very few cities I was excited to go everywhere, but of course the iconic, most famous places were a bit higher on that list. Among a few there was Venice.

The simple idea of Venice with the beautiful canals and that oh-so-amazing Italian charm just immediately makes you dream and romanticized about what your stay there will be like.

The amazing light and reflections, Venice

The highly romanticized idea of the city also means high expectations – and maybe a higher budget.

My first trip to Venice was mostly spent sweating (it is not even a joke) as I carried my heavy bag through the crowds – trying to find my way through the narrow streets that somehow just were able to take in all that august sun.

Amazing iews all over the city

After that I was still with three very good friends and have to say no tall handsome stranger to make my time there oh-so-perfect.

Despite all of that – the part I didn’t like about Venice was something else. Not the lack of rom-com quality to my time there – simply the lack of something else – the feeling of the city was just off. Somehow I didn’t connect with it. Only tourists no Venetians.

Four years later one of my best friends from University decides to do her Erasmus exactly on my least favourite Italian city. But that could never stop me from imposing myself on her little house.

The best Pizza in Town

I packed my bags and went to Italy – flights are cheap, no need to pay hostel what more can a girl want.

I was prepared to be disappointed. I knew what to expect. And then I started to like Venice.

The simpy breathtaking details

Don’t get me wrong – it is still not my favourite city at all. But I kind of saw a new side of the labyrinthique city.

On the first few days I couldn’t really see it – my sceptic mind knew I wouldn’t really like it, as it didn’t before, but somehow it grew on me. And now I would like to return.

The beautiful canal in Venice

Maybe it was my friends sence of place – she knew where to take us. Maybe it was the discovery of a great pizzeria, that was actually cheap. Maybe it was because of our funny nights – with great cocktails and the city just to ourselves.

Somehow the second experience makes me want to go back to all the cities I didn’t love and try them again.

But what I discovered is that it is great to have someone show you around.

– Carlota

Have you ever given a city a second chance?

You like what you read? Check out more on Carlota’s blog  (Pre)concept – Break your Journey

The pink lamps in Venice

Walking around the narrow streets in Venice