Tag: piazza san marco

The Best Hot Chocolate I’ve Ever Had

We’re coming up on old man winter, but every coffee chain in town has already released their annual holiday drink menu.

Now, I’m not really a tea or coffee drinker – though I will admit, I lived on 1 euro cappuccinos in Tivoli… but vacations don’t count! And so my go to hot beverage is hot chocolate. After falling in love with the frozen mint hot chocolates from Serendipity 3 in NYC, I’ve been on the hunt for a truly delicious and tummy warming experience.

And I think I found my new favourite spot.

And it’s only an 8 hour plane ride from home – lucky me!

While in Venice earlier this year, we made our way to Piazza San Marco and decided to treat ourselves on our final night there – and let me tell you it was totally worth it! Caffé Florian was a place I had always walked by, but never paid attention to for fear of tourist prices. Because everyone knows things are more expensive at main attractions. And since this café has been around since 1720 and offers a front row seat to Saint Mark’s Cathedral, I wasn’t expecting anything reasonable. Then after stopping to take a look at their display menu and seeing hot chocolates for 10 – 12.50 euros, we thought – ‘why the heck not?’

So we returned in the evening and were seated in a room of complete opulence.

I love world history and there’s always something that leaves me in awe, knowing and wondering who could have sat in the exact same spot as me, some time, hundreds of years ago. Thinking about the conversations or realizations various people had in this very seat. And going through the photos of Caffé Florian, more recently, it could have been anyone from Charlie Chaplin to Andy Warhol, to Ernest Hemingway and Claude Monet, sitting where my own bum sat, drinking this delicious hot chocolate.

At the end of any trip, I’m always left with that feeling of not wanting to go home and get back to my daily reality and routine, but this was the perfect way to end the night. Sitting in Caffé Florian, listening to the live classical music, taking a sip of my hot chocolate with my fiancé by my side. Perfetto.

And then the bill came and you forget that most places charge a sit down fee. So being there in the evening with the live music, plus hot chocolate for 4 people, now turns into just over 71 euros… which is converted to about $110 CAD.

Again, totally worth it.

Would I go back? Of course! I got a mint hot chocolate which was perfectly layered into liquid chocolate with mint cream and chocolate shavings. At first glance, the glass looked extremely small for 12.50 euros, but coming from North America we’re used to bigger sizes. So I thought I was going to be disappointed and unsatisfied, but in the end it was the perfect amount for me to drink. I didn’t want any more, and I didn’t want any less.

And not only was the hot chocolate delicious on its own, but the whole experience together with the atmosphere was truly priceless, and is now added to my happy memories.

Counting down the days until I can visit again.

xo

Stephanie

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December 6, 2017
(Playing) Fashionista in Venezia

A major reason I was uber excited to take this trip to Italy was so I could get new pictures and content for Instagram. We live in a time and age where updating social media and creating great content is absolutely vital when trying to gain or maintain a following. I mean, do it for the gram, right?

Now, I don’t usually plan complete looks when I go on vacation. I kind of throw pieces into my luggage and hope for the best. Most of the time it doesn’t work out – which is the perfect excuse for a shopping break! Though, depending on the itinerary and if there is a special site I’m visiting or activity I’m doing, I may have a special outfit in mind.

For Venice, I had this one unworn floral blouse that’s been sitting in my closet for at least a year – story of my life. And when packing I knew, that was the blouse I wanted to wear for taking pictures in front of San Marco. It just has the perfect flow and aesthetic to match the beauty of the piazza. Pigeons and all.

On our last day there bae and I woke up bright and early and were out the door by 7am. Mission: to get some nice pictures at San Marco while avoiding the loads of tourists that may block my perfect shot.

So it was only fitting that wear my floral blouse and take some OOTD pics.

xo
Stephanie

San Marco

Blouse: Forever 21
Shorts: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21
Sunglasses: Givenchy

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October 1, 2017
Venice Steals My Heart

There’s something in the air that makes me fall more in love with Venice every time I visit.

Maybe it’s the history. Maybe it’s the culture. Maybe it’s the art or luxury. Or, maybe it’s the sense of mystery you come across as you walk through the narrow streets.

Whatever the reason is, my heart belongs in Venice.

Early morning by the Rialto

I had never stayed there overnight until this past trip. I usually lodge in nearby cities, like Padova or Mestre, but this time around we spent three nights in this beautiful city and I only wish I had done so earlier.

We rented an apartment which was walking distance to the train and bus terminal, so carrying luggage wasn’t such a hassle. Though, going up and down all those bridges, can get annoying. So it was good to have some man power – thanks bae!

It was also very affordable. Three nights split amongst two couples brought the total to around $380 per couple. Which is a steal, since some hotels can charge that a night! Plus, it gave me a chance to pretend I lived there, even if it was for that short period of time.

Morning views ♥

Waking up every morning to a ringing bell tower and terracotta rooftops was a dream. There was a grocery store around the corner from our apartment so we were able to make breakfast in our straight out of IKEA catalogue kitchen. And with the all day outings, it was convenient to be able to walk home instead of racing against time because you had catch a train back to your hotel.

Saving Venice for last was the perfect way to end our trip. It is inevitably one of my favourite cities I’ve visited and continues to steal a piece of my heart every time I go.

Check below for a few pics I snapped!

xo

Stephanie

Venetian masks

Venetian masks

The Rialto

Piazza San Marco

San Marco

Piazza San Marco

Views of the Gran Canale from the Rialto Bridge

My spirit animal. If only I had room in my luggage to bring you home!

Tip: If you want to capture moments with as few people as possible, then go early mornings. We made our way over the Rialto to Piazza San Marco before 8am. There were already people there, but most tour groups were present by 9am. So I was able to to get some nice solo shots and OOTD photos which you will see in an upcoming post. Stay tuned!

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September 5, 2017