Venezia

View from the Rialto Bridge

My week in Venice, Italy is coming to a close and what a week it has been. Venice is so different than any other place I have been. It is so nice to not have cars. There are no cars on the island. Everyone walks or takes a boat by canal. It is a very nice change. Venice thrives on tourism so of course there are shops everywhere. I was amazed to find how many specialty stores there are. There are hundreds of mask stores. It was very difficult to pick what kind of mask I wanted to buy but I finally found, not one but two masks. Each mask is different and has its own personality. Venice is also known for its Murano glass. Everywhere I look, I see beautiful Murano glass. The architecture and atmosphere of Venice is incredible. It is hard not to get hooked. I love everything about Venice.


Sierra and I by San Marco Square

On Sunday evening we left Paris for Venice. We took an overnight train and arrived in Venice Monday morning. After carrying our luggage across 5 bridges we finally made it to our apartment. It is so nice to have an apartment and not live in a hotel for a week. We actually have a kitchen. Woo Hoo! It is extremely nice to cook meals instead of eating at a café or out to dinner. We have had class every morning and then go exploring in the afternoon. The best thing about Venice is that you always get lost but it is really easy to find your way… eventually. There is always something new to see and it is fun to get lost.


This is what you find throughout Venice

Friday, Jen came to visit. After I picked her up at the train station, I had class and in the afternoon we took the water taxi to the Lido. We had class on the beach and then spent a few hours walking on the beach, swimming in the cold water, finding sea shells, and playing volleyball and soccer. After we had our fill of beach fun we all rented bikes to ride. We loved riding the bikes around while trying not to get hit by cars passing by. We found some beautiful houses and scenic views.


Jen and I

My first week in Italy has been incredible. I am sad to be leaving Venice but I am looking forward to seeing Florence. I can’t believe a week has gone by already. I don’t feel like I have been gone from Paris for more than a few days. Well I am off to Florence.

Ciao!