Last updated on May 5th, 2024 at 02:02 pm
We are back in Venice for part two of my mother and my trip for her 60th birthday celebrations. If you have read part one you will know that the weather turned horrible for us the first official day we were there and it was there to stay. We had no other choice but to make the most of it and continue with our plans for sightseeing and shopping, come rain or shine. 
After breakfast that first morning, I had to take a few minutes to vent on my twitter and get over that my vision of sunny Venice was never going to happen. So my mother did what every parent does, she let me have my five minutes of tantrums then told me to “Poncho Up!” both literally and figuratively.
We headed first to the Rialto bridge to check out the little shops and cafes that surround it. It’s famous for being the first bridge built over the grand canal. I am sure on a hot summer’s day the views are stunning. We pushed our way through hundreds of umbrellas to lean out and take a photo of the grand canal anyways. Above, you can even see the rain coming down it was raining that hard. 
In Venice when it rains it pours and the vendors are prepared for it. They sell ponchos and plastic shoe bags for your feet too! The canal rises very quickly with the rain and it’s not long before you are trucking through the streets soaked to your knees. If you are sightseeing I would highly recommend a poncho, or waterproof windbreaker and wellies. It is NOT fun trying to attempt holding and walking with an umbrella through tiny, tiny streets with hundreds of others holding and walking with umbrellas. We got whacked a few times with them and it’s like moving through a sea of umbrellas everywhere. The positive side is there is so many umbrellas around you, it’s like a covering for you.
Once you get wet you don’t really care anymore so we trucked through the city and walked in and out of high designer shops with our crazy colored ponchos on and dripping wet. The locals are used to it and have umbrella stands and covers at every entrance. I was a bit nervous to be shopping in Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton in a five euro wet poncho but they were never going to see us again, so we did! The shopping was amazing and I was blown away how many shops there were down every single side street. 
We explored the city and took breaks in coverings when the rain and wind picked up. It was almost nice to give in to mother nature. I was puzzled how the entire city doesn’t flood completely since it’s below sea level and when the water rises you can see in the photo below, it literally is right at the edge of the sidewalk.
Here it is almost just pouring over near my feet! I would be so petrified to bring my children here and them be so very close to the water. There is never any gates or side rails to prevent jumping in. Although for adults it makes it lovely to walk along the grand canal watching the boats and gondolas go by. I could have people watched from this point, all day. 
The coffee was amazing. I loved how the entire canal is full mini cafes and places to eat right on the water. Literally on the other side of these lights and flowers is the edge of the water. We sat underneath warm heaters from above and sipped hot frothy coffee that was just delicious. I think I could live off the coffee there, so rich and creamy! 
After stuffing our faces with (amazing) pizza like you do in Italy for lunch, we headed on the other side of Venice to Doge’s Palace. There is a tower, and a few museums connected to the Palace and the prison. We used our rainy day up seeing art and viewing the old prison cells underneath the Palace and the offices of past rich and politic reigns. The building had amazing architecture and detail that a photo doesn’t do it justice. There was gold everywhere and paintings on every wall and ceiling. I love learning about history and going to museums. My mother and I are both the same in this sense so we took our time through each one. I wish we could have taken more photos in each one but sometimes it’s just best to take it all in and appreciate it all for what it is. 
Here I am in the square of the Palace where most people are hiding in the corner with umbrellas as the wind and rain pick up. I didn’t care by then we were seeing some amazing views below from the tower and walking through halls of history.
We listened away to the history of the people of Venice and how things were built and the way of the Venetian life. It always makes me grateful for the era and life that I lead. As a society we don’t suffer like they used to do (obviously still in some places) but technology really has changed everything. It amazes me how the buildings are made and why we don’t build things like this anymore. For the most part there are a lot of run down old buildings in Venice but the churches and palace are truly something to not take your eyes off of. 
I could lay on the floors of the museum and just stare at all the ceilings, each one telling various stories. I wonder how the ceilings can even hold such artwork. This is one of the many things I love about traveling around the world, seeing other cultures, the different ways we all lived and went about life. Each one of our worlds has similarities and differences in our histories. It’s amazing that I love it so much now as an adult but hated history class in high school maybe that always comes with maturity. 
We made the most of our trip with the tourist attractions and trying to stay indoors from the rain. Our ponchos for five euros did us proud in the end.
We were watching the weather closely and waiting for our gondola experience to the very last minute. It turns out the rain just wasn’t going to stop. So we preparing ourselves for a very wet but amazing gondola experience so much so I am saving it for my last Venice post because it truly does deserve it’s own post.
Before we got the courage to get soaked in a gondola, in the canals of Venice, we opted to have a hot ice coffee to warm us from the inside out and maybe a little liquid courage too. It’s one of my favorite moments with my mom sitting there looking out onto the canal and sipping our very alcoholic coffees. We chatted about all the places we wanted to see, and life in general. I love talks like this with my mother. I wish I could have them more often with her. It’s just not the same talking to a computer screen on FaceTime. 
We had our liquid courage and braved the rough waters of the canal of Venice and survived to tell our tale. We packed our bags to leave rainy Venice, said goodbye to our amazing hotel room, and made our ways through the narrow streets one last time for our watertaxi ride back to the airport. 
When going to Venice one cannot leave without some “gelato”. We scooped these ones up right in front of our watertaxi stop and it may have been cold and raining but ice cream is the way to my heart and it was a must.
So we spent our last hour in Venice hiding under an umbrella on the docks eating ice cream. Laughing about “Ponchoing it up” and our adventures. That’s a holiday to remember, thank you Momma!
Did you miss “Traveling to Venice: Part One?”
Linking up with #PoCoLo & #BrilliantBlogPosts
You look like you had a fab time, despite the weather! How grim! Poor you. However you still manage to look amazing, even in a rain mac! Lovely post and photo’s. I have never been but would like to visit one day. looks lovely 🙂 Jess x
I’m glad you made the most of it despite the rain. Looks like you did so much and the ponchos were definitely worth it! x
Oh I adore Venice, you and your Mum look gorgeous too. We are going away to Venice this summer with the kids, it will be the first time for Peter and them and I can’t wait to show them around x
Wow Venice looks so gorgeous! Even in the rain! I’d love to go for a weekend away with my hubby. Love the ponchos! Good on you for going into the designer shops rocking them! Xx
Sounds like you had an amazing time, Jenny, despite the rain. Gorgeous photographs!
Looks like you had a great time despite the rain. Sign that you’re becoming more British – dealing with the (British type) weather.
It does look like you had an amazing time, despite the rain. I would love to visit one day and your photos are amazing! I can see that it doesn’t look at all kid-friendly though, like you say, my heart would be in my mouth the entire time I think.
I haven’t been to Venice but I did spend a summer in Southern Italy and I agree about the coffee – amazing. What a trip you and your mummy had – and like you said, it will be remembered! So glad you two had that amazing time together. Not long til summer xxx
Wow honey, it looks like you and your mum had an amazing time. What a lovely relationship you have and I am so glad you had this time together. Venice does look wonderful, if a little soggy 🙂 x
Looks like you made the most of it after all 🙂 What a beautiful place and such a great idea to have a holiday with your Mom. Love the photos!
Well done for making the most of it despite the weather! It must be wonderful to have such a lovely time with your mom. x
Such a shame about the weather but a great excuse to go back! Sounds like you had a fab time! Xx
Ah I feel so bad for you that the weather was so rubbish. We had one day of rain then the rest sun but it was all flooded when we were there, it looked crazy! You’ve made me desperate to go back! x
It looks like you had a fab time, despite the weather. Venice really is beautiful, and if it makes you feel any better we had a bit of rain too when we went (and it was August) xx
Aaah Jenny!! What a LOVELY post!! So fantastic that you had a trip away with your mom — and Venice is such a beautiful place too! My husband absolutely loves Italy and, incredibly, I’ve never been!! Note to self: must rectify this situation!!! 🙂 Thanks for hosting lovely 🙂 #ShareWithMe
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Thanks Caro! Glad you liked it. I wish the photos were brighter and better but I did the best I could with what we had. lol I do love some many amazing places in Italy.
It looks like a gorgeous city, even through the rain! Looks like a you had a fab time and some quality Mother Daughter time! 🙂 xx #sharewithme
Sounds like you had an amazing time in spite of the rain and you and your mom look so very happy in all the photos – enjoying your time together. Those ponchos sound like they were a very good purchase! I can’t get over how high the water in the canal is in the rain either! Italian coffee is the best and gelato is definitely a must! 🙂
It looks like you had a lovely trip, despite the weather, and like you were able to spend some precious time with your Mum, which I know can be difficult when there’s a big geographical distance between you normally. I love Venice, but also feel the same about the easy access to water with no fences – wouldn’t trust my daughter near it either – and me, for that matter, way too clumsy! 🙂 x
Thank you Isabella. The rain upset me a bit but I got over it and made the most of it since we were there and had to. We still had fun and made great memories.
Despite the weather, you and your mom looked like you had a fabulous time! It’s been a dream of mine to go to Venice and both your posts just confirm how beautiful and wonderful it is! That’s a great experience to have with your mom, and despite the torrential rain, I bet you and her will remember it for a long while. Thanks so much for sharing and for hosting #sharewithme this week!
How wonderful – looks amazing, special times! #sharewithme
Venice looks gorgeous and it sure looks like you had a ball once you got used to hos much it rains there! #sharewithme
Thank you! It really is a beautiful place and I bet the sunsetting is even moreso! We made the most of it after I tantrumed a little bit. lol But that’s to be expected after all the prep and planning for a perfect getaway.
Despite the rain, your pictures are great. I so concur with you on how finding out about historical events and times makes you grateful for the time we live in. I so often think to myself ‘Thank goodness I live in the time and place I do’ when I read of how tough life has been in the past. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I was a little disappointed that it was dark and rainy. It would have made gorgeous photos raining with some sunshine. lol Me too completely I am so grateful for the era and where I live and how we live now.
What a shame it was so wet. Still looked lovely though. Definitely on my list.
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Amazing pictures even in the rain. What a lovely break and a lovely place. It’s definitely on my list of must-go places, but perhaps without the baby, for risk or drowning!
I don’t think the weather matters too much when you haven’t got the children with you, although I can imagine that in Venice, the rise of water level in the street is pretty scary. When we went, it was hot and extremely busy, which spoiled it for me and also, it can be a bit smelly!
Looks like you had a great time despite the weather. I was about 10 when I went to Venice so have always wanted to go back, especially after we went to Lake Garda for our Honeymoon, it really inspired me to want to go back again #Sharewithme
So sorry to hear about he rain Jennie but looks like (once you’d donned your poncho!) you had an amazing time. Love all the photos, particular of the one of you by the river and of course those gelatos. Yummy! x
It’s such a shame that it rained but I love the rain and I think that cities like Venice always looks so beautiful when it’s really wet!
You love the rain oh dear me I wish I did coming from Seattle the rainiest city in the states to the UK the rainiest country I am dog tired of the rain following me. lol haha You are lucky to love it. venice was still beautiful in the rain too.
This is just the most amazing place to travel with your Mom. Love the architecture too. Thanks for sharing!
The architecture was mind blowing for sure and I think Venice can be romantic but way better to go with your mom on a shopping, dining girlie weekend!
Looks a lovely place, even in the rain! It’s great that you got to spend some quality time with your mother as we all lead such a busy lifestyle and don’t necessarily live close to our parent/s. #sharewithme
Yes so true and it was nice to have her all to myself and not sharing her with my kids, lets face it when we have kids we lose our parents attention to them for sure. lol We had a good time in spite of the weather.
Such a fab, detailed post. I am now dreaming of a trip to Venice…It just looks so beautiful.
Sorry that It was raining but it looks like you and your momma made the most of it, what a lovely think to do together
Becky xx
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Thanks Becky. It’s small but a small gem! You should go! I was so upset about the rain it kinda put a little damper on things.
Love Venice! Your pictures bring back so many wonderful memories. Glad to be part of your Linky party!
Oh glad you have so many great memories there. i really would love to go if I could guarantee some sunny weather!!! lol
Lovely pictures. So sorry it rained but seems like you powered through. It looked so beautiful despite the rain and you and your Mum are so alike! xxx
Oh thanks she will love to hear that as she always got her sister being mistaken as my mother instead as she is lighter than my mom. lol We still made the most of it for sure. Thanks.
Venice! I’ve always wanted to go there. Shame about the weather, but it gives you a perfect excuse for a return trip! #sharewithme
Oh yes definitely got to make up for it someday! Might be when the kids are fully grown and it’s just Mr P and I!!!
I can’t believe how high the water was Jenny, but your photos and beautiful despite the rain and that Irish coffee looks amazing x
I know me neither. I was slightly worried one night we would all wake up to a major flood and the city sinking. lol Extreme but you had to be there to see how close the water was coming into the hotel!!!
I guess the important thing was spending time with your mum, but I can imagine how disappointed you were with the weather. still looks like you had a nice time though. I’m with you on the child safety thing, the local children must be good swimmers!
I actually never saw any children not sure where the local children hide! lol It was almost weird not seeing families and children around. lol Oh yes my mother and I left with great memories! Thank you.
Ah what a shame that the weather was so bad! It certainly made it even more of an experience for you though I guess! It sounds like a lovely break with your mum though xx
Thanks Ali. It really was a lovely break to have her all to myself. We always have fun traveling together no matter what.
Poncho up is my new mantra!
I am glad that you had a lovely time with your mum – as ever your words and pics are great x
I love it and I want to get it up on the wall for my momma she would love it as art. lol It’s a great saying. Thanks Megan that means a lot as I was a little disappointment in the photos so wasn’t going to share them.
Jenny I think this is in my top 3 fave posts of yours! I got all weepy seeing and reading how much you love being with your mom, and you live so far apart! At least you made the most of the time you had. You cracked me up with your “poncho up” talk! I’ve never been to Venice and this has made me desperate to go. I really love how you kept your sense of humour about the rain after getting it out of your system with a mini-tantrum. I think we’re all allowed one of those now and then! Love the pictures, it’s a great travel piece. xxx
Thank you so much Jess. I almost didnt’ share part two because my photos were that great and dark and rainy! I didn’t want to despress everyone. lol Oh yes got to get the tantrum out first and than man up and enjoy it while we could. I am so grateful to be so close to her even though we live so very far apart.
Even with the rain it looks like you had an amazing trip with your mother. Gorgeous pictures by the way. Venice is so beautiful. Thanks for the sneak peek!
Thank you Yanique! We always have a great time together and make the best of a bad situation. Although being in Venice helped.
What a lovely post with great pictures despite the Rain! Your hair looked gorgeous by the way in the cafe 🙂 I went to Venice a few years ago in the summer, it was so beautiful and I’d love to go back one day.
Carolyn xx
http://stylishmemories.com
I would love to take my husband someday or best friend but not kids. Lol thanks I usually wear it curly if I am not being lazy. Lol
What a shame about the weather! It certainly was a wet Venice! I have never been but you photos make it look lovely…even in the rain and it is certainly on my list of places to visit one day. I can see why you would be scared taking little kids there…the canal is very open isn’t it?!
Yes I was shocked how open the canal is and close to the water we were. Never taking small kids there. I would be way too paranoid. Thanks though we had a good trip.
Venice is Gorgeous!!! I am living vicariously through you 🙂
Hahaha oh I wouldn’t do that. You might get all our illnesses and rain curses too. Hahah thanks hunny.
Oh, I would so love to visit Venice, it’s on my must-see list. It looks like you had a wonderful time, despite the rain, lovely photos x
Thanks hunny. It was lovely to see and explore. Rain didn’t help but we ignored it eventually.
The Mother says – Well, despite the weather, it looks like an amazing trip. Venice is stunning. I love museums and history and the prisons cells would’ve been particular interest for me (please don’t judge me for that!). Lovely photos x #sharewithme
No judging we thought they rocked too!!! Thanks.
I just love those pics of you and your mum in the bright ponchos. You still look so fab and happy and you obviously still had a good trip. You are certainly never going to forget it! I haven’t been to Venice in years so has made me want to visit it all over again! #sharewithme
Oh glad you have been and hope you saw sun while you were there. We are hoping to go back someday to enjoy some coffee on the grand canal without our ponchos. Lol
It still looks beautiful despite the rain, nothing a good old poncho can’t handle! Also you can’t beat Italian gelato and pizza, reading this reminded me of our honeymoon to Milan and Lake Como. #sharewithme
Oh two places I really want to go. No you are so right gelato and pizza win every time.
Venice is so beautiful, (even in the rain) I really want to go back there.. Ah the ice cream is amazing.
Oh yes I could have ate a bucket of gelato. So scrumptious!!! Venice was a great experience rain or not.
We’re hoping to go back to Venice when the kids are a bit older. We went about 15 years ago pre-kids during a cold, wet October and it’s fair to say that the weather put a bit of a downer on our trip. But we will be back! Glad to see you had a good time with your mum.
Wow, what a beautiful trip. I’ve always wanted to go to Venice as it looks so gorgeous 🙂
xxx
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Venice is somewhere I really want to go. It’s a shame you had such rubbish weather, but I love your Mom’s attitude and you are rocking that poncho lady Zx
Thanks Zena you are too kind to the poncho!!!! Lol and me!!! I don’t think anyone can pull of a poncho really but we had a good laugh about it.
It’s a shame the weather wasn’t great for you, but it looks like you had a fun time with your mum. Your smiles tell it all!
I love Italy and I have travelled around a bit, but I haven’t been to Venice yet. It’s still on the bucket list!
Oh you should rain or shine it’s still a great city. Thanks hunny we have fun wherever we are. Lol
I love mummy daughter trips and funnily enough my mom and I did Venice together back in 2009. We were lucky with scorching hot weather although it doesn’t look like the rain dampened your trip too much, sounds like you still had a fab time 🙂 xx
We made the most of it while we were there for sure. I love mother daughter trips and can’t wait until my daughter is old enough to one day come with us. Three generation trips would be great too.
Hello there, I am so pleased you had a great time despite the weather! I love Venice and could never go there enough, such a wonderful city-and with wonderful gelato! x #sharewithme
Oh yes it really is a wonderful city and great visit. Wish we had the pleasure of at least one nice sunny day. Hahaha greedy I know. Thanks.
Gorgeous pics Jenny – despite the weather! As photographers’ always tell brides disappointed with the weather, rain/clouds = good light! x
So true but this rain was beyond my skills for photography. It was black gloomy and raining sideways. Lol not good. Cloudy or a sprinkle would have been ok. Hahaha glad some came out though. Haha
Looks like you had an fantastic time even despite the weather. I love time with my mum and wish we had more time to do so. Venice is somewhere I would love to go one day #sharewithme xx
Thanks Hun. I think Venice is a great place for mom trips! You both should go together. I love time with her too and I just don’t get enough of it.