The city of canals

Thursday March 20th

It was our last day in Florence so we got up early to do some last minute shopping. But before we could do anything we had to go to the train station to get our tickets to Venice. We hadn't bought them yet and we wanted to make sure that there would be seats. And there was, for the 1240 train, perfect. We walked around for a little bit, taking in our last sights of Florence. We ate at the restaurant where we Jess and I ate the first day and had the "tri pasta" once again. I just couldn't resist, it was just so good the first time. At 12 we headed over to the train station and boarded the train, this time with plenty of time to spare. We were all so excited because we were on our way to Venice!



Before we knew it we were walking out of the train station to this beautiful city called Venice. It was gorgeous out and there were people everywhere catching water taxis and gondolas along the canals. We had a little difficulty finding out where the bust station was and ended up having to trek our suitcases up and down bridges over many canals until we found it. Well after a good half hour we found our way and to our "hostel."



Well our hostel ended up being a campsite (half hour by boat to the main part of Venice), which was a little shocking for all of us, and some weren't in the best mood after that. I definitely embraced it and just looked at it as an experience. The campsite was off in a little lagoon and surrounded by green grass and trees. We stayed at our campsite that night because it was a little too difficult to make it back to Venice, so we all got some pizza and camped in our double wides, which actually were quite nice with a bathroom even! We got some good sleep because we only had one full day in Venice and we were going to make the best of it!



Friday March 21st


Jess and I woke up bright and early at 8am in our warm, cozy bungalows and got ready for the day. We caught the water taxi from our campsite to the main part of Venice and got off ready to explore this magical place. We all hadn't ate yet so we walked around and found the cutest cafe ( I know I say that everyone is cute but it really was) and had some cappuccinos and sandwiches. Our waiter was pretty cute too! he had dark hair and the brightest blue eyes that we all just stared at. Not so bad to look at in the morning!



We really didn't have any plans while we were in Venice, other than a nice dinner for Dionne's birthday and of course a gondola ride, so we just roamed the city. We walked up and down bridges, in and out of tiny alleyways and took many gorgeous pictures. Since being here, I have definitely rekindled my love for photography. I have always loved taking pictures but it is when you are in a new place with so many pretty sights, that has you snapping pictures again left and right. Venice was definitely my heaven for that.



Venice is known for its hand-blown glass, so we walked in store after store of the most fragile and gorgeous pieces of glass. I got some presents while there and also got myself a really pretty necklace and ring that I have been showing off ever since. It was really nice to go into these little shops because most of them are family owned and some of them even have their workshops next to their shops. It makes everything I bought just a little more special knowing that the family works hard to make and sell these pieces of art.


After some walking around the city we ended up in the famous St. Mark's square. It is in a lot of commercials in the US and is known for all the pigeons everywhere. We all bought some corn to give the birds and in about 1 minute we were all surrounded by birds. It was hilarious and we took a lot of pictures of us screaming and birds sitting all over us. The birds definitely liked Ashley, so we called her the bird lady, it was great! I just couldn't believe that I was actually there, in St. Marks Square, doing the very thing I have seen so many others do and so many pictures of. It was definitely a very memorable moment.



 We were once again hungry so we stumbled along a place to eat and drink some wine. It ended up being a very lively and crowded place with people from all over and a waiter that was running back and forth getting orders. We all got some pizzas and salad a long with some wine and filled our tummies. All this walking around we just always build up the biggest appetite.


Our goal for the Gondola ride was to find the perfect person to take us on it. He had to be cute, nice and dressed up in the traditional outfit. Well we of course found him, his name was Antoni, and we all loved him! We all boarded the gondola, sharing a bottle of wine while we rode a long the beautiful Grand Canal. I can't even explain to you how fun and exciting it was to be riding in that Gondola. I think we all felt like little kids in a candy shop, it was great! Antoni let us all have turns driving the gondola and of course let us take pictures to capture such a classic moment. At times we went through some narrow canals and I got a little nervous we might tip over, but he was a great driver and made sure we were dry the entire time. After the ride he invited us for some cappuccinos and for a gondola ride later that night. He made sure that we had a table a long the grand canal and we all sipped our cappuccinos as we all sat in awe at this beautiful place we were at. I just loved it!



Earlier that night we had made reservations at a really nice restaurant along the Grand Canal, so after our cappuccinos we headed over there for some delicious dinner. It was a little more on the upscale side, but since it was our last night in Italy we had to go out with a bang. We all had the best food and the best wine, and were all in heaven. After an amazing last dinner and night in Italy we took the water taxi back to our campsite and said goodbye to Venice.



We got back to the campsite and Jess and I bought a bottle of Champagne to drink at midnight for Dionne's birthday. Well atleast we were planning on staying up until midnight, well it ended up being a celebration a few hours early. We were all in bed by 10pm, exhausted from a long day. Our trip to Italy was over and I was actually really sad to leave. But... I knew that I was going back home to my favorite place, Barcelona, and couldn't wait to get back!



Saturday March 22nd


We said our goodbyes to Italy and headed to the Venice airport. My plane left at 4pm, later than the other girls, but I left with them anyway to wait for their plane. Well there plane ended up being delayed for hours and hours and my plane actually left for home before them! I made it home safely and prepared the house and our night to celebrate D's birthday, the big 21!



Italy was such a learning experience and couldn't have asked for a better spring break. It was stressful at times, but what vacation isn't. I learned that I am a lot more independent than I thought and that I CAN actually travel by myself if I really needed to. I learned to find my way around a new city, catch a train, talk in a new language, and to ultimately just enjoy the life I am living. As the italians say... CIAO BELLA!!