Aria Pilgrimage: Day One.
Posted in Aria, Random Concepts on Jul 18th, 2008 By Runningkid
Just got back from Japan not too long ago and as much as I would like to show off my loot, I think I’ve delayed this post long enough.
Day One: Arrival
First thing upon arrival at the airport was to get a coach to Venice. The queue was long but I got there eventually. Before getting on the coach I needed to get my ticket “activated†by putting it through a stamping machine. Apparently even if you have a ticket but it hasn’t been activated it’s the same as not having one and will be subject to a fine. Obviously a scheme to bleed tourists dry of their cash.
Enjoying the scenery along the way, I couldn’t take many photos due to my inability to use a camera properly the reflection in the glass. Soon a vast sea stretched before me. Venice was near.
Next was to get a transport pass to use in Venice. In my case I went for a 72hours ticket which allowed me to ride vapourettos as much as I wanted. The day was hot and I thought it would be wise to stock up on snacks and water at a super market since being a tourist area, everywhere else would be charging at least 3 times as much.
On the way to the hotel I finally got my first taste of Venice. The narrow streets and historic buildings were fresh to me. I think this is perhaps an aspect of Venice that wasn’t emphasised enough in Aria. Definitely a pleasant surprise.
Took a while to actually locate the hotel since the check in point is actually not in the same building as the rooms. But once I got my bearings it was easy enough, after all it was pretty much right by Rialto bridge. For some reason I didn’t take a picture, silly me.
Dumping most of my luggage at the room I set off again. This time I headed towards a very special place. On the way I got lost a little and ran into some statues and buildings.
Turning left and right I finally found some directions.
Following the signs I knew I was getting close.
Entering a narrow alley, wide enough for one person to pass at a time, I saw a familiar scene, one to be found in Aria the Animation.
Then… as if someone threw me into a tank of ice water, I drowned in disapointment. I mean who the fuck thought it was a good idea to renew the place at that exact time. For those who don’t recognise this place, this is a scene which appeared in the Aria the Animation Ending. Although all the shots were referenced at the top of the tower looking down and across the roof tops of Venetian houses.
Since I don’t have any photos of the scenes taken from the top of the tower, here are a few I found at Amano Company. First destination was closed, not a good sign.
Weaving my way through the narrow streets of Venice once more, I headed towards my next destination. On the way there I came across a busy canal and it wasn’t until later I realised that it was probably a Gondola docking spot for gondoliers to find a few customers.
Although it wasn’t a long distance to walk, the sun didn’t make it easy. Soon I arrived at San Marco Square. It was a busy place but once again I saw something unsightly. It seems like there was some kind of construction around the Basilica. Just my luck…
Before proceeding towards the tower and other historic palaces, which is at the other end of the square, I took a few pictures. Instead of Akari, I got a bunch of tourists, great… this is so Aria like.
To my surprise the Campanile was in fact opened, the areas around it seemed to be fenced off but it looked like it didn’t stop the usual schedule of the tower. While I was happy that it was opened, the queue was longer than long cat and it wasn’t cheap to get up there. Saw some interesting posters and paintings while I was waiting too.
The view was bloody amazing. Up there I could see the whole of Venice stretching out before me. I do regret not rewatching the Aria OVA again before the trip since Akari does mention something about Aria company being in a certain direction. A wide angle shot is so useful up there, although I wish I had an even wider lens.
Down again, I walked around the square taking photos randomly. Sorry for the crappy photos, I am still learning how to use this camera.
Next I entered Doge’s Palace. Taking more pictures of gold coated ceilings and marble statues. While historic buildings in Italy are famous for it’s architecture I didn’t really find anything especially stunning. Everything was grand and at times it got repetitive, perhaps it’s my ignorance but I just couldn’t appreciate it enough to get that “wow†feeling. Unfortunately cameras are prohibited in most of the indoors area.
Proceeding further into the palace I found a surprise scene which looked familiar.
I didn’t quite get it right but I think that drawing was perhaps taken a few rooms across from where I took the photo. I tried to take a photo of where it should be but a guard stopped me from doing so since I am not supposed to be using a camera inside… 
That place was so big, my feet were so tired by the time I got towards the end. Before I knew it I was walking across the Bridge of Sigh and into the prison. Looking out I failed to see Akari and Akatsuki, T___T.
On the way out of the Palace I saw people decorating the courtyard, it seemed like there was going to be a concert that night. There were harps and everything, I should have hidden in the toilet untill the concert or something.
Surely I don’t need to say what bridge this is, sadly I dont have a screen shot or a page of the manga to compare at this moment.
When I watched Aria I always had the impression that Aria Company is somewhere along the coast by the square (to the right). This is because the direction Akari always arrives towards the San Marco Square after leaving the company. So I took my time to walk up the coast. Although I didn’t find Aria company I did see some interesting things and I even found a building with a revolving door. Hardcore Aria fans surely you know what that implies right? I went back on the third day to investigate so I guess you got to wait to find out if what I had suspected is correct!
The sky was starting to change colour so I hopped onto the number 2 vapouretto which travelled down the grand canal and towards Rialto where the hotel is situated. Again I saw several grand and famous buildings with scaffoldings around it, such a shame really. Palinas are awesome!
Back to the hotel for a nice hot shower and something to battle hunger. That’s right, first meal in Venice was pot noodles. I then, chilled out for a while to let my feet rest, what’s better than read while doing so? One of my favourite recent anime series came from this book, Seirei no Moribito. Only read a chapter or so, but I already noticed some differences between the anime adaptation and the original but I’ll save that for another time.
It was nearly time for the magic moment, sunset. So I headed out again, just a random stroll to get another feel of Venice. Was taking a look at narrow water ways and shops near by. It was then I felt something special, the buildings seems to have a slight glow of every colour like the rainbow, it must have been the lighting but it was truly a nice view. (Is this where Aika comes and stop me from saying any more embarrassing things?)
While I was around, I thought it was a good opportunity to visit Rialto Bridge as well. A few more reference photos taken there, one from Aria the Animation Ending and the other is the cover art for one of the volumes. Again, damn tourists (like myself)…. where is my Aria Sachou, Aika and Akira?
Amazing view. So perhaps Aria isn’t so exaggerated in terms of Venice’s beauty…
Thought I would go down the grand canal once more to see everything again but in the dark. On the way I saw six gondolas lining up, it must have been some sort of event. Six, just the right number. I just had to forget that they were muscly men. Jokes aside, it was a pleasant surprise since they began to sing and it seemed like everyone’s attention was captured by their performance. Unfortunately the vapouretto didn’t stop for this and soon I was much further down the grand canal.
The Venice I saw that night didn’t disappoint. The lighting made it especially gorgeous, however not all of the buildings by the grand canal were lit up by proper lighting which is a shame.
The rest of the day I spent walking around the San Marco Square and enjoying the atmosphere there. Musicians were performing and the whole area was filled with people. Needless to say the square was also lit up by decorations and the likes, however my inability to use a camera yielded nearly no decent looking photos (I blame the small aperture!)
Again on the vapouretto I headed back to the hotel and thus the first day came to an end.
Thoughts: Needless to say that it was my first time to Venice and the only impressions I had of the place was from some photos that I saw from my parent’s trip there a few years back and, of course, Aria. With it being a slice of life manga I knew very well alot of stuff would be exaggerated and perhaps even made up. When I got there at first I thought rather than the surroundings having a style or being historic, they were just old and tacky. In fact, they are old and some of them even have graffiti on them. But that was only at the entrance.
As I travelled deeper into the city I really felt how unique Venice is, the water compliments the buildings well, the narrow streets made me notice even minor details that surrounded me. Most importantly, it has this atmosphere which I cannot find from where I live, London. By night time I was really loving it, it’s a shame that during day one I couldn’t take many photos during the night due to the lack of a tripod and my inexperience with the camera.
Having said that, it’s weird that I didn’t find any of the palaces and architectural wonders especially stunning. What I enjoyed more was actually being there, may be it was due to the influence of Aria after all. I think one of the things which the manga failed to capture was that atmosphere I described, but then again Aria is set in Neo-Venezia not Venezia and it is a very heavily character driven series hence the story told through Akari and the others make the series alot more than just about Venice.
Anyways, the first day had it’s ups and downs with some places closed and others being amazingly beautiful. It was a tiring day, watch out for day two!
P.S – These photos are only a small fraction of the whole album, since I am on a computer which is slower than slow I will have to upload them when I get home… which isn’t any time soon. Sorry.
Preview: Where will the wonders of Venice take Ruki next? And what is that Revolving door? Will the Bovolo Palace reopen in time before he leaves? What about more reference photos from Aria… Okay that sounds gay… just look forward to day two’s entry.
Wonderful set of photos. I love the high angle photos, so spectacular. XD
Somebody is too good using the camera, I’ll have to agree with some of your thoughts with your trip. Have you come upon any high water over there? -has too much imagination lol-
Great post Ruki.
That’s pretty epic. Good to see that you’re having fun with this. :3
Wow. I almost cannot believe that you actually took pics just like how the animation does. It’s a really beautiful set of pictures and I will be eagerly anticipating the next entry on this.
I am a keen lover of medieval architecture and cultural influence in the construction of buildings. I can tell that Venice is pretty much an old city that is resisting and changing with the times as the buildings start to age a little. Nonetheless, that charm of the serenity is still there despite the influx of visitors.
Good job, I wish I can be there.
[...] The entry by Ruki is one of the most beautiful entries I have seen about Aria. For the many of us who has not been able to visit the true Venice, he brings us a glimpse of the place including making some picture-perfect shots of real life scenes that have appeared in the anime. [...]
omgggg Ruki PWNS!
Amazing.
Beautiful.
very beautiful.@!
Epic pictures man. I’m impressed by how you familiarized yourself so well with Aria that you were able to locate the real-life buildings that were used as reference.
Nice entry.
Aah, Venice. The thorn of the Papal States, the bulwark against the Ottoman expansion, masters of shipwright and their Arsenal. Adapting to European and Moorish architecture, San Marco Square would’ve made Arab merchants feel at home, yet would not alienate her European neighbours.
Indeed, it’s a picturesque location to take as many pictures as you can.
Beautiful Venice… My favorite Italian destination along with Naples and Florence. I wish I’m as artistic as you when I take photos. I took a lot of pictures when I was in Venice last time but none of them looked as good as yours. Maybe I’ll try again later this year. Making my fourth trip there. Couldn’t get enough of the place! ^^
@ Deranged, thanks. Hope this will urge you to get a DSLR quickly! I don’t want to be alone!
@ Reflect, unfortunately (or may be fortunately) I didn’t experience Venice during high water. I did see a poster during day 2 about Aqua Alta though, very imformative. And thanks.
@ BigN, wish I did more research before I went but I guess exams and shit comes first.
@ Impz, as I said, I wish I had more research material T__T. You make a very good point about the city resisting with changes technology brings about but already alot of things are spoilt because of tourist (like myself lol), like how a large proportion of buildings were being reconstructed or refurbished. Many thanks for the ping back.
@ Totali, /me punches totali in the FACE! I bet you miss that alot due to my absense on irc =P
@ Hei, Baka-raptor and Miden, it was indeed. The experience was enchanced when a slight breeze brushed past me while enjoying the view on Rialto Bridge.
@ Kyokii, haha I just did my “homework”. Speaking of which I think Nekosasu also went earlier this week, lets hope he did a better job than I did.
@ TP, very poetic. May I ask if you’ve been to Venice yourself?
@ Keiri, seems like we’ve got an expert here! I think if i get the chance I will also visit Venice again but before that I’ve got alot of other places I want to go first and the fact that I am poor now since I’ve gone so many places in the past 3 weeks doesn’t help xD. About the photos, they really aren’t that great, ask any photographers I am sure they will tell you how much they suck xD.
[...] The entry by Ruki is one of the most beautiful entries I have seen about Aria. For the many of us who has not been able to visit the true Venice, he brings us a glimpse of the place including making some picture-perfect shots of real life scenes that have appeared in the anime. [...]
You know I’m actually quite surprised that you remember a lot of the scenes from ARIA as I would definitely have a lot of trouble. Still I’m quite jealous that you got to go to Venice and it now makes me want to go even more. I may have to look at asking you for directions to many of the places.
it’s very rare for me to falter in my resolve to visit japan first and foremost when i get out of uni, but those pictures are beautiful. you underestimate your photography skills those shots look great
i haven;t been much of an aria fan, but i can see why they decided to base it here. the scenery is just breath taking. the absence urban landscapes is a refreshing view as well
Wow, another pilgrim! I love the city, ARIA and liked your post!
I’ve been gradually putting pieces together in my Venice blog since May.
http://veniceorigination.blogspot.com
p.s. Ironic that you live in London as well, and that I also had the same initial thought when I first arrived in Venice – that it was rather run-down and graffitied until the character of the place really sank in!
Those are awesome pictures, and I especially appreciate how they look so much like their ARIA parallel. 11/10 for you.
On a side note, you, good sir, have inspired me to go watch ARIA, and hopefully, one day, visit Venice.
Very very nice. This actually makes me yearn for an overseas trip and I HATE traveling.
@ Adun, I am sure I missed plenty of shots which I could have took but I guess most of it was luck xD. If you need info as to where to go just send me an email or find me on irc although it might be hard to get hold of me untill I get back to the UK since after today I won’t have access to a PC for another few days at least.
@ Pyoro, I think this trip was enjoyable not just becasue of Aria but because I treated as a holiday as well. I think just going there with the mind set to compare Aria and the real Venice could lead to disappointments since Aria is a manga after all and things are bound to be different.
Also thanks, I think my photography skills aren’t nearly enough to be honest perhaps it’s because my brother keeps on telling me how I could have made each shot better, he seems to be into photography alot more than I am xD, but I am improving… kind of…
@ X10A_Freedom, Holy Sh- . There’s another pilgrim! I am impressed, your comparisons are alot more indepth than mine, it looks like you made plenty of preparations, something I should have done. Kudos! I’ll take a longer look at your entries later when I get back to the UK. Watch out for Day 2 and 3 I made some pretty impressive discoveries, if I don’t say so myself =P.
@ C.I, thank you. I hope you enjoy Aria as much as I did. It certainly is worth the time. As for the reference shots, since I didn’t have much time to prepare for the trip due to my busy schedule (or just plain lazy lol) I just went onto Amano Company one or two hours before the flight to memorise as much as I could. Aria Banzai!
@ Os, Haha, I am not too fond of travelling either since I am taller than average which makes sitting on a plane very uncomfortable. But for I get in return, it’s worth it!
@ All who left a comment, sorry I am able to visit your blogs/sites in detail yet but I promise to visit them when I have time.
Awesome. I seriously have to do this if I have the money.
I’ve always wanted to visit Italy, and ARIA has definitely intensified my desire. As a cosplayer, I’m also planning an ARIA costume for next year. I don’t know how acceptable it would be to do so in Venice and I can’t afford it right now, so I’d probably only stick to the Venitian on the strip if anything as a good photoshoot.
Anyway, good job with the photos. A lot of these are really accurate! I look forward to your next ones.
Ah, reading this post was so nostalgic for me. I backpacked through Europe last summer and spent a few days in Venice. If I could go back to any of the places I visited it would definitely be Venice, especially since I didn’t find out about Aria until after I returned home.
Obviously this post was focused more on the actual city but did you get to try any good food? I remember that they had some bakeries with windows full of the most delicious looking pastries I’d ever seen. It was truly dangerous for someone trying to get by cheaply and not end up as chubby as Aria Shachou.
Came here from “THAT Anime Blog” and was so happy to see all your photos (and annotations), thank you!
I really miss Aria, now that all three series are over, and it was wonderful to compare the photos of Venice with the inset/accompanying sketches take from Aria- they *did* do their research well! 
Bookmarking this for future reference when I am able to take a pilgrimage from London too!
@ Zeroblade, I guess that is one of the advantages of living in Europe. It didn’t cost me much at all to fly over, what did cost alot was the hotel and the food there but if you are willing to eat bread all the time it should be okay xD.
@ Mei, Thanks. Who are you going to cosplay as? Remember to post photos when you do ^^.
@ Alex, Backpacked through Europe? In that case you’ve probably been to more places in Europe than me, haha. About the food there, I did go out for dinner the second day (the post will come soon… I swear lol), costed fair and the portions were small but it did taste good. I nearly popped into a certain cafe as well.
@ Flick, I guess I’ve got (or you’ve got) Impz to thank for linking me. Seems like Aria is attracting alot of Londoners to Venice, I wonder why that is… If you do any help as to where to find certain places in Venice just throw me an email.
[...] assigning Aria a monolithic cultural value of “Japanese” does not do justice to the global influences that have shaped its [...]
oh god so beautiful
…remind me to post about Venice as well, I’ve been procrastinating it away……
….help me sort my 900 photos……. T___T
Londoners to Venice…I know 6 people in my London social network (in RL and unrelated to ARIA) who’s been there!
Figured out what a “blogroll” is and promptly added your site. Can’t wait to see the Suteki that you’ve found!
[...] second line. Although… it might not be of any interest now that there are (at least) two people who covered their ARIA-inspired pilgrimage to Venice already. But I want my own share of popularity [...]
The thing that gets me is that the “A”’s on top of the buildings really exist. I remember seeing those in the manga and thinking it was rather odd. I figured they had to be, but seeing them in photos is still a trip.
[...] the last entry I complained about the amount of motor boats around and this time I’ll have to say it again. [...]
[...] assigning Aria a monolithic cultural value of “Japanese” does not do justice to the global influences that have shaped its [...]
[...] get people to watch Aria is to show them how passionate the fans are. For example, RunningKid did a series of posts about his “pilgrimmage” to [...]
[...] writing some of the posts during the year. A lot of Aria related posts, including diary entries of my pilgrimage to Venice, as well as my first proper editorial. These attracted more comments than any other posts that came [...]
[...] lol), I am back! To those who are new to the blog, please be patient and why not read about my Aria pilgrimage while you are here ? I mean after all I am the first to do an Aria Pilgima…. I am very [...]