Piazza San Marco, Gondola, and Pizza

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO50
“Espresso” Venice, 2026

Today was a good day. We started with espresso and cappuccino at a nearby cafe, grabbed a light breakfast, and then made our way to Piazza San Marco to meet up with our walking tour. Just stepping into the square kind of stopped me in my tracks.

Back in university I took a class on Venetian Art, so I had seen the photos and studied the architecture. But seeing the Doge’s Palace in person was a completely different thing. It was one of those moments where you realize no photo really does it justice. 😊

The guided tour took us through the palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. The artwork inside the palace was stunning. I could have spent hours just staring at the ceilings.

After the tour we grabbed a drink at one of the cafes right on the square. Yes, it was expensive. Yes, it was worth every euro. Hey, you pay for the view and the ambience! We walked to lunch at Antiche Carampane after that, which was really delicious. The seafood carpaccio was excellent. Definitely recommended.

A little stroll, a rest back at the hotel, and then out again for tiramisu. We then decided to hop on one of the classic gondolas, and went for a sunset cruise. It was awesome! Then small canals were so peaceful and quiet. And then we made our way onto the Grand Canal to finish the outing. Amazing!

One the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a restaurant for some seafood and pizza. Super-delicious. Venice, you did not disappoint today! 🇮🇹

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/100 sec, ISO50
“Cappuccino” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/10000 sec, ISO80
“Saint Mark’s Basilica” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/15000 sec, ISO64
“Piazza San Marco” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/29000 sec, ISO64
“St Mark’s Campanile” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/1500 sec, ISO80
“Doge’s Palace” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/140 sec, ISO40
“Doge’s Palace” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/60 sec, ISO640
“Doge’s Palace” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/1500 sec, ISO50
“Refreshments” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/10500 sec, ISO80
“Grand Canal” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/220 sec, ISO64
“Carpaccio” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/25 sec, ISO1600
“Gondola Ride” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/45 sec, ISO800
“Gondola Ride” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/35 sec, ISO1000
“Rialto Bridge” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/25 sec, ISO1250
“Grand Canal” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/50 sec, ISO160
“Pizza Rustica” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/50 sec, ISO250
“Mixed Seafood” Venice, 2026

Arrival and First Day in Venice

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 2.2200000286119mm, f/2.2, 1/1400 sec, ISO50
“Water Bus Tickets” Venice, 2026

We made it to Venice! The flight landed around 9:30 am and customs was surprisingly smooth. I had no idea you could take a water bus straight from the airport, but for 18 euro a ticket it dropped us right off at Rialto on the Grand Canal. What a way to arrive. 🚢

After checking in we grabbed a drink and a snack at a nearby bar. It was mostly locals on their lunch break, and everyone was so warm and welcoming toward us. Later in the evening we did a sunset walking tour focused on the food and history of Venice, and it did not disappoint. We ate and drank so much, and learned a ton along the way. Our guide Lorenzo was fantastic. By the time we got back to the hotel we were happily exhausted. What a first day. 😊

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/50 sec, ISO500
“First Snacks” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/570 sec, ISO80
“Fountain” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/100 sec, ISO64
“Desserts” Venice, 2026
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/550 sec, ISO12800
“Fried Goodness” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/210 sec, ISO64
“Street” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/2 sec, ISO400
“Gondola” Venice, 2026
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/5 sec, ISO1600
“Canal” Venice, 2026

Martina Franca

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/9, 1/2900 sec, ISO640
“Old Town” Martina Franca, 2024

Here are some images from our day in Martina Franca.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/3200 sec, ISO640
“Old Town” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/4, 1/4700 sec, ISO640
“Wine Tasting” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/1500 sec, ISO640
“Breakfast” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/50 sec, ISO250
“Aperol Spritz” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/290 sec, ISO80
“Wall Art” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/2500 sec, ISO80
“Breakfast” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/600 sec, ISO80
“Breakfast” Martina Franca, 2024

Bari Walk and Dinner at Locorotondo

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5, 1/1250 sec, ISO640
“Street Scene” Bari, 2024

Today, we rendezvoused with our group in Bari to kick off our gastronomy tour. Comprising approximately 10 Japanese food enthusiasts, our group is under the guidance of a native Japanese expert in Italian cuisine. This gives me a chance to brush up on my Japanese language skills! After a bit of wandering around the city, we indulged in some street delicacies such as fried cornmeal, focaccia, and, of course, Peroni beer. Adding to the excitement, there was a vintage car race happening in the city, providing a thrilling (and loud) backdrop as we strolled around.

Later in the day, we hopped into our tour vans and made our way to our bed and breakfast accommodations. Mariko and I are sharing a delightful little cottage, complete with a charming cat to welcome us! He was absolutely adorable.

In the evening, we ventured to the historic district of Locorotondo for a delicious dinner featuring an array of pasta dishes and grilled meats. Accompanied by several bottles of wine and limoncello, the meal served as a delightful introduction to our culinary adventure in Puglia.

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/5.6, 1/5000 sec, ISO640
“Vintage Race” Bari, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/5.6, 1/900 sec, ISO640
“Wall Art” Bari, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/380 sec, ISO80
“Salumeria” Bari, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/6.4, 1/3800 sec, ISO640
“Pallino” Locorotondo, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/100 sec, ISO200
“Seafood Pasta” Locorotondo, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/120 sec, ISO160
“Long Pasta” Martina Franca, 2024
Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/100 sec, ISO200
“Mixed Meats” Locorotondo, 2024
Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 27mm, f/2.8, 1/100 sec, ISO1000
“Night Scene” Locorotondo, 2024

Arrival in Italy

Photo info: Apple iPhone 15 Pro, 6.7649998656528mm, f/1.8, 1/20000 sec, ISO50
“Hello Puglia” Italy, 2024

After a challenging day of travel (delayed flights, Uber from Heathrow to Gatwick and running to the gate), we have arrived in Italy! The weather is gorgeous… the plan is to catch the train to Bari Centrale, find our Airbnb, then grab some dinner. We meet up with our tour group tomorrow. Can’t wait!

Photo info: FUJIFILM X-E4, 35mm, f/2, 1/250 sec, ISO640
“Bari Airport Station” Bari, 2024