Ep 3. Venice

Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa is a travel television series that explores different countries, cities, and cultures around the world. In season 1 episode 3, Rudy Maxa takes us on a journey to the stunning city of Venice, located in the northeastern region of Italy.

The episode begins with Rudy arriving in Venice by boat, a typical mode of transportation in this city of canals. He walks through the bustling streets and introduces us to the unique and captivating architecture that characterizes Venice. From Gothic buildings to palladian-style palazzi, Rudy showcases the various styles of building that have influenced Venice over the centuries.

Rudy then heads to the world-famous St. Mark's Square, where he marvels at the grandiosity of St. Mark's Basilica and the protruding clock tower. As we follow Rudy down the narrow alleyways, over the ornate bridges, and under the arched passageways, it's easy to be transported back in time and soak up the history that fills every corner of this city.

No trip to Venice would be complete without a gondola ride, and Rudy is no exception. He shares with us the history and role of the gondolas in Venetian life and takes a leisurely ride along the Grand Canal, passing by some of the city's most iconic sites. He also stops for a visit to one of the last remaining gondola workshops in the city, where we get an intimate look at the craftsmanship that goes into these vessels by skilled artisans who have been making them for generations.

Food is also a highlight of any trip to Italy, and Venice boasts some of the country's best seafood. Rudy visits a local fish market and gets a sense of the fresh catch that arrives daily before heading to a traditional bacaro, a small Venetian bar that serves a variety of small plates or cicchetti. He indulges in some of the local favorites such as baccala (salted cod), calamari fritti (fried squid), and sardines in saor, a sweet and sour marinade.

Throughout the episode, Rudy also shares with us some of the more impressive artworks in Venice. He visits the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, showcasing 20th-century art including works by Jackson Pollock and Max Ernst. He also heads to the Accademia Gallery, where we get an overview of Venetian art throughout the ages, from medieval mosaics to the Renaissance paintings of Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese.

One of the most impressive aspects of Venice is how the city has survived against all odds despite being built on a lagoon. Rudy visits the Venetian Arsenal, a complex of shipyards and armories that was once the largest industrial center in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was here that the ships that defended Venice were built and housed, and it's a reminder of the city's centuries-long maritime history.

The episode ends with Rudy taking one last stroll through the streets of Venice, admiring its beauty and soaking up its unique character. He reminds us of the importance of preserving the city's captivating historical and cultural legacy for future generations.

Overall, Smart Travels with Rudy Maxa season 1 episode 3 is a visually stunning and informative guide to the enchanting city of Venice, showcasing its art, food, architecture, and history in a way that will leave viewers longing to book a trip to this magical Italian city.