Venice, Italy

Before I get into Venice, I have a few thoughts since we only spent a day there and this post would be short else wise. A lot of backpacking is spending time traveling...on trains, boats, planes, buses... And during that time you have a lot of time in your own head. (and a lot of time without showering...good thing I'm not here to impress anyone). Anyways, I've noticed I really enjoy this "free time"..maybe it's because life back home is so hectic and non stop, but just thinking to myself about my life and life in general, and getting time to read and learn weird and interesting things about the places we are going and have been..I love it. I feel like I could do this forever. Don't get me wrong, you get a little bored. I'm currently holding my personal record in solitaire at  2:38 in 133 moves and in angry birds I'm attempting to get all 3 stars since I've already finished the game. You also have a lot of time to listen (really listen) to some great music. I'm on am Adele kick now, but have been all over the map along the trip. Anyways, what I'm getting at is that I'm getting a lot of good time to think about life, why I'm here, what I'm wanting to do while I'm here.. And really seeing how short of a time I have. 

Another thing I've really enjoyed is eating...whatever the heck I want. We are on a budget so I've gone days with not a ton of food and a lot of bread, cheese and peanut butter...but I'm really just spending 5 weeks of my life giving zero care to what I eat. I have no care for calories, nutrition, etc. It's really one of my favorite parts. P90x is gonna kick my ass come August, but until then it's live life with no cares.

So, onto Venice. As I'm all sure you know, Venice is actually 117 small islands connected by 400 bridges over 150 canals (thank you, lonely planet guidebook). Its also where Jews found refuge and work until they underwent mass deportation in 1943/44. Other fun facts, on the end of the 16th century it was known for it's irresistibly catchy music and over 12000 prostitutes. It also underwent massive flooding in 1966 and the water levels are currently rising (one reason they don't like all of the commercial ships coming in and out with there big wakes). last fact, 4 James bond films were shot here (and the tourist with my favorite, Angelina).. I feel like I need to re watch them and pick out stuff I recognize.

My guidebook told me Venice is best adventured by ignoring the songs and just exploring all the back alleys... Which we found to be somewhat true. One thing I loved about it (other than the obvious of getting to actually see the city on water) was that the main part of the city is all walking only. No crazy car or scooters whipping past threatening your life every time you want to cross the road. Also, it was entertaining to only see taxis in the water...yes, boats...labeled taxi... 

So we basically did a big loop from the train station (where we stored our bags for the day). It starts at Ponte (bridge) Della costituzione, a bridge that is pretty new and is apparently supposed to resemble the fin of a fish. The locals aren't happy with it because it was very pricey, took way over time, and was built like 4cm off and is now causing more trouble. Then we pass Ponte decli scalzi, a smaller but in my opinion more fitting bridge because it isn't as modern looking (and that's part of the charm here, things seem older and full of history). Pass a few churches, get lost (that happens a lot here...a lot of back alleys and not really any road signs), pass the casino (an old palace), stop and shop... Thats one thing Venice is great for. Cheap shopping. All the stores are really cute and they have amazing blown glass and tons of these masquerade masks... Needless to say we got a few souvenirs. Unfortunately we has to be careful (everything was very inexpensive but also fragile and we don't have much extra room). 

Then we hit Ponte Di Rialto, a huge bridge that kind of reminded me of the gold bridge in Florence because it had more shops on it. It was over crowded with tourist so we took a picture and ran. We then attempted to find the Pescaria (fish market) and Rialto Market (fruit and veggies...which are sold ALL over the city fresh). Unfortunately, I don't think the fish market was up and running so we didn't get to see that in action. A few churches, a snack, and a short walk later we were at the "signature landmark," Basilica di San Marco... Which really wasn't too spectacular after all the ridiculous churches we have seen in Rome, Siena and Florence. A walk back, with a stop for gelato and the famous Da Nico, and a stop to grab dinner..we were at the train station 3 hours before our departure.

We were able to schedule most of the rest of our trains so thats good. Only a few more things to plan out and reserve. And we got our amazing dinner for the train (bread, cheese and salami...what else?!). Then we just people watched and are now on our way to Milan. Don't get me wrong, Venice is something everyone should see first hand, but I now understand why people say one day is plenty. I would have seen more staying another day and maybe ventured further out, but Venice, in my opinion, was no Rome or Florence. Plus I've heard it's kinda dangerous at night so we had our day and if I make it back I'll have plenty to still see, especially since we really just did a walking tour and didn't go inside anywhere.

And that's that, I'm excited for our day trips we are trying to make from Milan...it will definitely make for a good time. I may even google George Clooneys house in Lake Como and see if I can get him to make us pizza too!  

Oh, also..we both have seemed to develop a little rash. Courts upper back/arms and my torso... We are paranoid about bed bugs (and sprayed our beds with the special bed bug spray I got).. But dunno what that looks like. So, we will have to see and I'll keep you posted.