I enjoyed the privilege of a water taxi transfer from the train station to my hotel today, compliments of @SPG and because I love boats so very much, there couldn't have been a better introduction to Venice for me than to just get right out onto the Grand Canal in the midst of all the grandest buildings in the city. I learned the hard way later, when I was running late for a tour and took a water taxi on my own -- that this is the most expensive way to get around and a most unnecessary expense. Still, the joy it brings when I sit in the back, with the wind in my hair and the sun overhead, the gorgeous architecture on either side and the occasional gondolier passing by who is singing to his customers; well it's worth the money in the end. #spglife