Everything about the city of Venice is like walking through a lovely dream. Beautiful canals, breathtaking buildings and amazing food. The city hasn’t changed in decades and you can walk around and feel like the star of an Italian film from the 1960’s.
Venice has something for everyone, classic opera houses, authentic Italian food, and high-end shopping in the world famous Piazza San Marco.
Fantasy: Copacabana Beach, Brazil
Copacabana Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the worlds, with mountains in the distance, a sandy promenade and deep blue waters.
The strand is lined with beach kiosks, if you get hungry after your swimming and sunbathing, and all of this is located in the middle of the bustling city of Rio de Janeiro. It is truly a perfect getaway to relax and get into the Bossa Nova beat.
Reality: Copacabana Beach, Brazil
While lounging on this particular beach, it is important not to get too relaxed, because the neighborhoods in the area have a dodgy reputation.
Rio de Janeiro is known for gangs and crime, and it is important to keep an eye on your valuables and stay safe.
Reality: Venice, Italy
Like most modern cities, Venice has its share of traffic jams. However, these take place in the water and not on the road. Meaning your romantic gondola ride may quire literally bump into water taxis, other gondolas and even ambulances.
Also, the canals while lovely, have a bit of an odor problem, especially in the sweaty crowded tourist season. Making your trip along the water memorable in a different way than you may have expected.
Fantasy: The Taj Mahal, India
The Taj Mahal is another wonder of the world and is known both for its incredible architecture and the story behind its construction. The monument was commissioned by emperor Shah Jahan in 1632 in honor of his beloved late wife.
Locals say the palace changes colors with the different times of day according to the light from the sun and the moon, like the moods of the emperor’s late queen.