7.9.09 VENICE!!

BEST DAY EVER! Reason number one was we got two free hours this morning to go do whatever we wanted in Florence. So we decided to go over to the Piazza outside the Duomo and sketch, which turned out to be my favorite sketch I have done thus far. Then, in regular fashion we hit up Grom’s one last time for some gelato.

Gelato numero 7

Sweet nectar from the gods, I love that stuff. I have been way more partial to the fruity flavors, probably because its hot here and that always sounds more appealing. The limone by far has been my favorite. After that we met back up with everyone and headed to the train station, snaking through the streets single file with all our luggage. At the train station we had run in numero three with the Italian police force. Number one was traveling to Florence when two of them started running up behind me, terrifying Ashley, but to our relief, were only coming to return Ali’s neck pillow that fell. Number two was when for some reason the courtyard to the Duomo was barricaded off, which made no sense because there were tons of people in it. Everyone in front of us were bending under a railing going into the courtyard, so we followed. However, conveniently right when we were going through, some joe decided to just move the barricade right by us. The police saw, started yelling and ran over right when we were going through. But, we dodged them fast and weren’t involved in the tussle. Today though seemed to take the cake. As we were all sitting in the middle of the train station with all our luggage, in walk three very concerned looking policemen walking straight towards us. They demanded to see our passports, which about ten of us got out and gave to them.

We had no clue what was going down...

One began to copy down our information, one comparing pictures and the third reading off passport numbers and names on a walkie-talkie. Dazed and confused, we sat there for about fifteen minuets wondering what they were doing when they eventually started calling out our last names to come get them. They said it was a normal check that they do apparently, but still sketched us out. The train ride to Venice was about three hours which we decided goes by way faster on a train then in a car or a plane.

Katelyn and I on the Eurostar

Its was great and I got a killer water color done and watched about half of school of rock on my ipod. We arrived in Venice and encountered everything I imaged. The train depot opens right up to the canal. Remember, no roads or cars in Venice and I love that! The air is pure, crisp and clean. Thus, Venice is to doing a good job to minimize her carbon footprint. I want to live here. All 30 of us hopped on a boat taxi mabob, that has a real Italian name that I just cant remember. Its SO surreal being here, and is incredible. This is the Italy I envisioned. We wandered in and out of alleyways and over a bridge to come upon the UNA Hotel, the gem of Venice. But before we went in we glanced over to the canal literally feet away from our hotel to see what? Yes, JELLYFISH! Jellyfish just…doing whatever jellyfish do. That was weird event of the day. Back to our hotel; this place is AMAZING!

The UNA Hotel. Its the white one closest on the right.

One of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in. It’s only a year old and is like I said, amazing. We all felt underdressed showing up here. Everything about Venice is great. The temperature is perfect, the sun feels great, there is always a breeze, the buildings are incredible, the people are nice and attractive and everywhere you look there is just goodness. We got settled in and then headed out as a group for Darrin (aka, D-man) to take us on a little walking tour to some big famous bridge that has shops all along it called Ponte de Rialto which has amazing views. We decided that I looked photoshopped into this pic.

There on the bridge I heard a Filipino couple talking and asked them if they wanted me take the picture with both of them in it. They laughed and were SHOCKED that I could speak Tagalog and immediately started inquiring why. It was so fun to chat it up with them.

We love this place

From there we went and had a great meal at a little outside restaurant then went to find crepes. Oh the crepes. Not only were they mind-blowing, but also the crepe maker fulfilled one of Ashley’s life long dreams. She has always wanted to kiss an Italian man and she was smitten when she saw him. After we got our crepes I went back and talked it up to him, explaining the situation. He was flattered and said he would love to help her out, so back we went. It was so funny as he leaned over the glass and let Ashley kiss him on the cheek. From there it only got funnier as we were walking and started hearing screams from Ali as she began limping as if severely wounded. Little did we know, the terror was caused by chocolate dripping from her crepe on her ankle, which resemblance was just too close to blood for her and she began panicking.

Face of sheer terror.

All five of us died laughing as she retreated into an alleyway and crippled to the ground. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. From there, yes, its just kept getting better. We saw a whole herd of Filipinos on a bench eating some pizza so I went up and asked them how it tasted, and again it was shock and awe on their faces. This time I snagged a picture with them.

This could be one of my favorite pics of the trip!

We then headed on home; I took one amazing shower and now am enjoy perfectly clear, fast, wireless Internet in our GORGEOUS hotel. I have a private courtyard off my room and the window opens directly over the water on a canal. It’s just too perfect. Too perfect! Again, thank you USU study abroad and your pricey price tag cause you were worth every penny! Ciao!