Venice 2013 - Pick-Pocketed in Milan

We took the high speed train from Milan to Venice. It is the Frecciabianca service operated by Trenitalia. This train achieves top speed of 200 kmh and the journey from Milan to Venice would take around 2.5 hours.

After a short wait at the Milan Central, we were ready to depart. 5 minutes before departure I was already settled comfortably in my assigned seat, when 3 young Italian girls came up to me and claimed I was sitting on their seat. I should have sensed something was amiss, but they were young and innocent and dressed liked travelers. I got up to check my ticket - it was correct. They stood around me - one in front, one at the side and one behind. I showed them my seat number, after which they apologized and left. Still not suspecting anything was wrong, the train started moving and I was happily on the way to Venice.

About half an hour later, I was going to buy a drink from the dining car. It was only then that I realized my wallet in my front trouser pocket - with all my money and credit cards inside, was gone ! I had no money, no credit cards, and just a few euros in my left pocket. Luckily I was traveling with a friend and he had enough cash to tie us over.

By the time we arrived in Venice, I had almost left the pick-pocket incident behind - but I still had to make a police report in order to claim on my insurance. One look at beautiful Venice however, all my worries just melted away !

The train station in Venice is not much to look at. 

But the view from the Station is stunning. This is the first temple you see when you come out of the Station - San Simeone Piccolo.

The Grand Canal runs right in front of the Train Station. Our first views of Venice in the evening sun were spectacular.

If you walk right after you come out of the Station, you will reach the Ponte della Costituzione which connects Stazione di Santa Lucia to Piazzale Roma. It is the 4th bridge over the Grand Canal and was constructed quite recently in 2008. Designed by Spanish Architect Santiago Calatrava - the design is more restrained compared to most of his other works. Perhaps he was also intimidated by the location - how do you top what is already there ?