Venice

Hey everyone!

I am officially in Venice after a long day of travel. Sadly, I said goodbye to Cera, Tara, and Michelle this morning. So bittersweet and it was hard for me. It is weird when people who become part of your everyday life just disappear. It almost feels like the tour was a dream that I woke up from, but it was a good one. Now, I am off on my own so I should have more time to post about what I am up to.

After my roommates left, I took the Roma metro to the Train station. European train stations are different in Italy. There is no security at all. You simply get on the train and the conductor checks your ticket once the train has departed. There was an adorable little Italian couple that sat across from me who lived in Padua. It took us about 4 hours to get to Venice so it was a very nice train ride. Once I arrived in Venice, I easily found my hotel and even mastered the boat system in Venice. Although, it really is not difficult at all. Venice is like Disney World for tourists. There are more Americans here than Venetians. The hotel is in a great location near the Rialto Bridge and the scenery couldn't be better. Today, I mostly just tried to understand the city as best I could. I wandered around the city in the back allies where there is nothing but peace and tranquility. I walked over the Rialto Bridge and took the boat to San Marco to see St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs. Wandering around the shops is always a fun pastime. Tomorrow, I am going to explore the lagoon of Venice. The islands of Murano and Burano are famous for glass and lace, so I am looking forward to that!

Last night

Venice

Grand Canal

St. Marks

Rialto

Annalee