Splashing Around Venice In Acqua Alta

January 13, 2011 by Hengul

Some things simply don't go with some particular phenomenons. Look into your own wardrobe- this shoe doesn't compliment that trouser; I have to get a pair of Converse to match my new tattered jeans; hell no, I can't don my cow boy hat with this jacket! This will need some reams of paper from here on! The same is the case with our holidays; it will take some epic insanity to welcome floods on a vacation. But like some people who transforms fashion disaster into style statement, some calamities, even floods look classy in some destinations of the world. Venice is surely one of them!

Venice, Italy stands witness to its own periodic flooding called Acqua Alta from September to April every year. The dream like land of Venice sees high tides and its water level rises to create an artificial flood scene with water swallowing the low points of the city. Under water goes the iconic St. Mark’s Square! But, quite interestingly, for reasons hard to define and explain, life in Venice seem to be least affected by this. The locals are used to it, but the real fun lies in travelling across Venice during this time with your high rubber Wellington boots searching for water logged corners to splash some water...after all they are from Venice!

Who gives a flying damn to the occasional siren in extreme floods when you are paving your way through the wooden planks drinking to your content the never before sights and scenes. Or do you bother about catching cold while sipping your cup of mocha in the café that is ankle deep in water? The tide ebbs by afternoon leaving the city dry, but the memories would get stubborn with times in your mind...