Venice, Vol.3 – Where Venice Slows Down

In this final chapter of my Venice journey, I wandered through different neighborhoods at my own pace, capturing moments and scenes that stayed with me.

Arsenale

On our last morning, the sun was shining brightly—perfect weather for a walk. We decided to explore the Arsenale area, which we hadn’t visited yet.

The Arsenale was once the shipyard of the Venetian Republic and played a crucial role in supporting its powerful navy. At its peak, Venice held significant naval power in the Mediterranean, and standing here today, it’s easy to sense the strength and history that once defined this place.

Perhaps it has been renovated, but everything felt remarkably well preserved and elegant. In the quiet of the morning, the area was almost unexpectedly calm. Simply walking along the water had a soothing effect.

As we continued a little further, the atmosphere gradually shifted. The crowds faded, and we found ourselves in a more residential area, where laundry hung between buildings—small glimpses of everyday life. Even in such a famous destination, it was comforting to see that daily life still quietly exists.

We also noticed goods being transported by boat—daily necessities like food and supplies moving along the canals. It’s a uniquely Venetian scene, where cars are absent.

The absence of cars felt surprisingly refreshing.

A city where walking itself becomes a pleasure felt almost new to me. It made me realize how something as simple as being able to walk freely can feel so deeply satisfying.

As we made our way toward the waterfront, the view suddenly opened up, revealing yet another side of Venice. We stopped at a café along the way and enjoyed an Aperol. It was one of those slow, unhurried moments that make travel so special.

Libreria Acqua Alta

We then visited Libreria Acqua Alta, located a short distance from Piazza San Marco. It’s one of Venice’s most famous bookstores, known for storing books in bathtubs and boats to protect them from flooding.

Inside, books were stacked in a seemingly chaotic yet charming way. The space felt almost surreal, as if it existed in harmony with water.

A video showing past flooding was playing, and just seeing the height of the water-damaged books was enough to understand the scale of what had happened.

Fish Market

While walking near the Rialto Bridge, we came across a small market. Located in the heart of the city, it seemed to be used by locals as well. Though not large, the market was filled with fresh seafood, offering a vivid reminder that Venice is truly a city of the sea.

Looking at the fish lined up, I couldn’t help but think of markets in Japan. There was something familiar about the scene—it made me feel a little nostalgic.

Gondola

And of course, Venice wouldn’t be Venice without a gondola ride.

The last time, it was just my husband and me, enjoying a romantic moment. This time, we experienced it as a family, which brought a completely different kind of joy. The buildings, bridges, and winding canals each had their own unique atmosphere. Every view felt like a painting. It was truly a special experience, one that could only be found in Venice.

A Small Shop in Venice

Another thing that left an impression on me was the number of small boutiques scattered throughout the city.

We stepped into a small shop that sold watercolor sketches of Venetian scenery. The artworks were soft in tone and seemed to capture the essence of the city itself. There were also paper-crafted souvenirs, adding to the shop’s warm and humble atmosphere.

The shop owner was a gentle, refined man who spent quite some time talking with my husband. He carefully explained his techniques and shared that although younger generations may not use this style anymore, he has been painting in this way since his teenage years. There was something truly artisanal about him—someone who had devoted decades to his craft. He also mentioned how much he enjoys speaking with people from all over the world, even after living in Venice for so long. While we were there, he continued painting, and the space felt like both a workshop and a shop at the same time.

He was calm, kind, and left a lasting impression on me.

The Last Evening

On our final evening, we returned to a restaurant my husband and I had visited before.

I ordered squid ink pasta again—this time served with polenta, a traditional Italian dish made from cornmeal, with a gentle flavor that pairs beautifully with rich sauces. Our daughters chose Margherita pizza, and my husband, as always, went for his favorite: Quattro Formaggi.

There are many places in Italy—like Florence and Venice—that I would love to visit again and again. But Venice, somehow, feels especially unique.

Being able to casually speak with locals is also one of the true joys of traveling. It’s these small encounters that make a journey stay with you.

I hope to return someday, looking forward to more moments like these.

P.S.I’ve also shared my recipe for 👉Quattro Formaggi on my website *Umami*. It’s something you can easily recreate at home—feel free to check it out!