"Venice, it's temples and palaces, did seem like fabrics of enchantment piled to heaven." ~ Shelley

It's a funny thing, carrying two suitcases through Venice. Of course, there's the obstacle of cobblestone streets, much like any other, older European city. And of course, there's the onslaught of gondoliers at every corner, who offer you a great ride discount, but no hand to help you while you're toting more than your own body weight in luggage. And of course, there's the fact every 50 feet or so, there's another canal bridge, with no ramp, but uneven steps to lug each bag up and then down the other side.

That's when it hits you the hardest. Venice is a city of impracticalities. Winding labyrinth streets that make no logical sense. A weaving river that divides the city in perplexing ways. The uncanny ability to lose all track of time, until you find yourself randomly in the Piazza San Marco with pigeons begging you to feed them and no recollection of how you got there. It's like finding yourself in the most bizarre half dream -- a mad hatter world of alleyways that seem to lead nowhere and everywhere, where men rowing boats are akin to sea sirens, their song slowly fading in and out as they turn the next bend, and where the promise of romance always seems to be waiting at the next cafe.

And you know what? It's absolutely intoxicating.

Venice, you are a city of many contradicting beauties -- and I hope to return to you often, if only to get lost in your grips again.

Hope you enjoy these snaps of my recent visit! Have you guys been to Venice? What did you think?