The last time I visited Venice was early Spring in 2015. Since that time, I always had a gut feeling that I would be back because to me, Venice was as captivating as a first love

Before heading to Venice in the peaked-tourist summertime, I was mentally prepared for all of the things Venice was known for in these sweltering months, overcrowded with tourist, humid temperatures and unbearable stenches from the water in the canal. In the back of my head, I knew that if I could love Venice even through all of these things that I hate most on travels, Venice would forever be my own little happy place.

Wearing: Urban Outfitters checkered top, RAEY slip dress, Common Projects sneakers and Proenza Schouler PS11 bag.

Wearing: T by Alexander Wang striped top, Aritzia skirt (similar), and Common Projects sneakers.

Wearing: Maison Du Soir kimono, Common Projects sneakers and J.W Anderson Mini Pierce bag (full post here).

Wearing: Style Mafia top, GRLFRND denim, Common Projects sneakers and J.W Anderson Mini Pierce bag.

We stayed in Venice for 5 nights and 4 days this time and that still felt quite short. Tucked away from the touristy areas, we stayed in a hotel that was more like a bed and breakfast (Ca' Amadi) and had a window that opened right out to the canal. It made taking naps so easy and leaving our bed so hard.

Every day, we got up at 7 am, to do what we love doing most in Venice (yes, even when the place was empty when were there off-peak season) —walk around to catch the sunrise over the Rialto bridge. If you ever get a chance to visit this magical place, I can promise you that this will be one of the things you must do. Watching Venice wake up is even more enchanting than the gondola ride for sure. Of course, I also made sure I had all the gelato I could.

We discovered some new lovely restaurants like Antico Pizzo and Osteria All Staffa— and revisited a couple of our favorites, Taverna Al Remer and Estro Vino & Cucina.

Two years ago, I left a huge chunk of my heart in Venice even without having to experience all of the romantic charms it had to offer. A part of me was always hopeful that not being able to ride the gondola will somehow bring me back one day, and it did! I woke up on my birthday, a little grumpy at Shun actually (because yes, it's not always sunshine and butterflies), but he somehow convinces me to get on the gondola and got the gondolier to sing happy birthday in Italian. Silly enough, that did the trick and I forgot why I was even upset that morning. I suck with words, but it was quite a ride and it’ll be a birthday experience that I won’t be able to top for a long long time. 

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Venezia, Italy

There are so many ways that Venice makes me feel that I can't describe in words. I guess it's why I can genuinely say that I love this place. From the moment that I stepped outside of Venice's train station, I was swept off my feet and away. It must be this feeling that some people are firm believers in 'love at first sight.'

Some say that this is one of the most romantic cities in the world, and I can totally understand why now.

It's been quite some time now since my last gelato in Venice, but I still can't speak much about it although the thought of it is always at the top of my head and edge of my tongue. I think about it everyday, and I want to talk about it to everyone that it's actually quite annoying. 

It all happened so quickly, yet I felt like I've known the place for years. I've always seen it in photos, and dreamed about what it would be like when I finally get the chance to visit.

I imagined how beautiful the sunrise and sunset would be as it lights up the city reflecting over all the streams of water. I knew it would be beautiful -- I just couldn't imagine it being beyond that. Looking back at all of the moments that I was able to save from Venice through these photos, I can't help but feel touched, moved, motivated and content.

I was able to visit this amazing place with my bestest friend and partner in (adventure)-crime. Although Venice isn't known for having amazing food, our tastebuds led us to Estro Vino e Cucina and Taverna Al Remer- where we had some of the best Italian foods throughout out entire trip. Estro is a wine bar, that I highly recommend. The selection of wine is amazing, and if you ever need help, you can really count on the people there to give you a recommendation because they definitely know their stuff. I was even able to try a glass of a 2009 Barolo for just 9 euro (which is a great deal since you usually have to buy them by bottles). I stumbled upon Taverna Al Remer after a prior meet up location with a friend who was also in Venice too, failed. Although the tavern was a restaurant filled with locals, many of the bartenders spoke English, and I even met one that worked at a speakeasy in New York for a short time. Aside from the great food and atmosphere, we were entertained by lovely live jazz musicians all night long. We laughed so much that night, and the word "twin-soul" will forever remind me of the good times that night.

To me, Venice is like a first love that I'll never get over. It makes me sad, happy, and so many feelings all at the same time. I'm not sure if I'll ever get over it, or find somewhere else that will make me forget about it -- but at the same time, I'm just glad that it happened.

Photos by Shun S.

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