The Venice I Know

By: Margie Miklas

Narrated by: Margie Miklas

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

The Venice I Know is not your typical travel guide. With an emphasis on actual issues facing the Venetian people today, Margie Miklas delivers an illuminating and honest look at Venice, a real place where everyday people live and work. In her characteristic conversational, storytelling approach, she shares essential insider details about accommodations, food, transportation, shopping, artisan experiences, and iconic sights in the city of romance. You’ll feel like you’re along for the ride as she shares conversations with chefs, artists, tour guides, and artisans, all of whom are true Venetians. Humorous personal anecdotes and travel tips are interspersed with researched facts and current concerns facing Venice and its people.

An award-winning author and travel blogger, Margie has traveled to Venice five times, and has fallen in love with the resilient people, their passion, and their beautiful city. Whether you’re considering a trip to Venice, have been there before, or just want to learn more, The Venice I Know will guide you in the right direction.

“Margie Miklas has captured the heart and soul of this city. The Venice I Know is a must-read for first time and seasoned visitors because it gives you an insight to the people, the culture and the history of Venice. Also be sure to bring it along when you go. It’s a great reference and it can help you further plan your visit once you arrive." (M.A. Maggiano, author of Roman Interlude and London Waiting)

©2021 Margie Miklas (P)2021 Margie Miklas

Excellent book

Great read and great listening too. I read several books by this author and I enjoyed every single one of them. I am Italian and I've been to Venice. Her description of the city is spot on. I strongly encourage the audience to try this and the other books by Margie Miklas.

Like being there

I can’t wait to take a real trip to Venice! Even though I feel like I’ve already been there after listening to this great book!

Such an interesting and information filled story.

So many interesting things and stories. I've made notes of places I need to see and experience after following along with Margie through Venice. Good narration and fantastic stories. Thank you for this adventure!

GREAT Travel Story

This story exposed you the exotic location of Venice Italy. It was very much like being there yourself. You had the feel of what the city is like and how it might be to visit there.

A Must for a First-time Trip to Venice!

Margie Miklas' carefully-constructed audiobook, "The Venice I Know," is a must for first-time travelers to the floating city. Shaped like a fish, Venice is manmade and comprised of 118 islands connected by footbridges. In her own soothing voice, Ms. Miklas covers every aspect of the canals, including transportation, accommodations, sights, and customs. She also discloses tips concerning everything from visiting shops to making masks. She conveys realistic advice, explaining how to most enjoy the charm of the vicinity while avoiding problems. 

As Margie describes the Venetian neighborhoods, she encourages tourists to wander over to the less congested areas and smaller islands. Murano is known for glass blowing and a beautiful sculpture of a blue star, and Burano is famous for lace making and small, colorful houses. It's not unusual for visitors to get lost in Venice, but Margie doesn't see that as much of a problem, since there are so many canals and alleys to explore. Some may equate all of Italy with pizza, but Margie says Venetians don't eat it! However, she did find a tiny, out-of-the-way place with a friendly proprietor and delicious pizza. She describes it as an enjoyable experience. 

One difficulty which occurs several times a year in Venice is the aqua alta. That's when heavy rain causes the canals to rise above their banks and spill onto the cement, flooding the area. Businesses and livelihoods are threatened, and the event can cause great damage, as happened in 2019. The city was shut down for weeks. Anyone in the area should hear a siren up to three hours before this might occur.  

A lover of romantic movies, Margie alludes to several which have been made in the islands, including background information and landmarks involved. She also mentions a secret underground canal and Carnevale--the biggest celebration of the year--as well as other festivals. Venice is like an open-air museum with unique gifts, but it sometimes attracts too many tourists. And while they're necessary for the well-being of the islands, they sometimes cause problems. It helps if people are considerate and careful, remembering that there are also permanent residents. Living on the canals isn't easy, since only groceries which can be carried are usually bought at one time, and nearly everything is done by boat--including moving from one apartment to another. And, while gondolas are a big tourist attraction, it's definitely more practical to take a waterbus. Margie also speaks about the history of Venice and the reason it was founded on water. 

All in all, Margie Miklas' audiobook, "The Venice I Know," is an excellent guide for anyone hoping to traverse to this enchanting place. Restaurants, coffee houses and orchestras are just a few of the treats waiting for visitors to the  floating city, although the prices may occasionally surprise some, especially when diners are charged for the music!