For the people of Venice, daily life has been slowly deteriorating by the constant floods and visitors exploring the city. However, according to a Venetian tourism website, Venezia Unica, Venice is "one of the most livable cities in the world." Since everything is closely packed, foot traffic is abundant, as it is the primary mode of transportation. Foot traffic can be seen especially in the Rialto market, where residents go to purchase seafood and other groceries, primarily on Saturdays ("Venetian Lifestyle"). The city is split into six sections, with many residents opting to live not on the actual island, but instead across the Grand Canal to avoid the bustle of tourism, and because acquiring property in the city is difficult (Flint). A lot of the economy is devoted to tourism, so there are many employment opportunities in that field, such as restaurants, shops and tour guides. A significant holiday for Venetians is one called Carnevale, consisting on masquerading along pathways, and this occurs preceding the season of Lent ("Customs"). Main meals in Italy consist of three sections: one dedicated to pasta, another fish, and finally vegetables ("Customs"). These customs are important to Venetians and ones that are still upheld, even with the constant tourism.
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Venice faces several challenges on a daily basis. Venice is plagued by frequent flooding due to the "acqua alta" phenomenon. This flooding occurs with high tides and happens several times a year. These floods have a profound impact on the daily life of citizens and also on the sustainabilty of the island. The city itself is lowering, as it has "lost 23 centimeters of land" in the course of the last century ("The Gates"). Tourism is another problem to the cultural beauty of Venice, as tourists flood the pathways and have completely restructured the lifestyle of the citizens of the city. This tourism poses a threat to Venice's population, as many residents have moved to the mainland. Venice's tourism industry is fast-paced and usually composed of day-trippers visiting the city, which hurts the economy to some extent. Cruise ships and tour groups make their way through the city, resulting in long-term negative effects to the city. Pollution and environmental concerns for the water and from the mass tourism also pose a huge threat to the long-term sustainability of the city ("Venice Confronts").
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Part of Venice's beauty stems from the long-lasting nature of the city, as it has been around since its founding in the fifth century ("What Makes"). Due to the ancient backgrounds, there is so much history waiting to be seen. When walking through St. Mark's Basilica, beautiful architecture and art are readily seen. Merchants across the city sell gorgeous handmade glass, and glass-blowing demonstrations are available to witness. These art and architectural works are just a few reasons why the city of Venice is beautiful. The geographical situation also makes for Venice's spectacular scenery, with abundant canals flowing through the city. This beauty is what makes Venice a sought after tourist destination, as people come from thousands of miles to experience these incredible sights. Gondola rides through the narrow canals, surrounded by all of the houses and the sights of Venice, are breathtaking. Due to its geographical location and abundant historical relevance, Venice is full of wonder and beauty to amaze all who come to see it.
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