EXPLORING ALLEYS - VENICE

Of all cities in the world, Venice is commonly listed as among the most beautiful and unique. Both are fitting descriptions.

One of the primary charms is that the vast majority of thoroughfares in Venice are alleys. This makes the city imminently walkable, and the virtue of being entirely surrounded by water means you can only get so lost before you encounter the sea. (You can get very, very lost, but there's ultimately going to be a line of water you cannot cross.)

But the magic of Venice is readily found down just about any interesting corridor you chose to take.

To finish our weeklong exploration of alleys we visit Venice, the grandest Alley lady of them all.

EXPLORING ALLEYS - OLD TOWN NICE, FRANCE

One of the most charming aspects of the French Riviera is the cosmopolitan city of Nice. One of my favorite spots on the planet if I am to be honest about it. 

And among Nice's highlights, perhaps its best, is the wonderful old town section: Vieux Nice.

Occupying a central spot along Nice's impressive and expensive waterfront, the old town section is filled with alleyways and town squares featuring a variety of restaurants, nightlife and bohemian shops begging to be explored. 

Daytime or night.

Or best yet, instead of wearing out your shoes, pull up an alley side table at one of the dozens of sidewalk family-owned establishments. Order a fabulous meal and sit sipping coffee 

while you people watch and absorb the local "atmosphere".

VENICE, ITALY - BACK ALLEYS, MAIN STREETS

Venice is famously known for its waterways. The lagoon and the myriad of canals
which carve their way through the city.

But equally fascinating are the narrow alleys and walkways which wind "behind the scenes". If ever there was a city designed for exploring on foot it may surprise you that Venice is one of the very best. It's easy to get lost, and equally easy to get found again.

Pic of the Day: Damp in Oxfordshire

Alleyway in Oxford, England, UK. Into every life a little rain must fall.