Venezia

Hi everyone!

So...our most recent adventure- Venezia!  Venice was very hot and humid, which made the city smell a little, but it was fun nonetheless.  Kyle and I stayed in a little town outside of Venice called Mogliano Veneto, in a villa called Villa Foscarini.  It was a pretty little town very reminiscent of Sausalito, Napa, etc.  The villa was charming, and everyone was very nice.  No one really spoke English, which made the experience even better!

On the first night we explored Venice a little bit, but only San Marco square.  We took the water taxi, which was very cool.  The second day we decided to forgo the taxi and walk Venice.  ALL OF IT.  TWICE.  Not kidding.  We started from Ferrovia station, walked across to San Polo, crossed over to San Marco and Zaccharia area, then walked back up to Ferrovia.  We then walked all the way back to San Marco area because we wanted to go on a Gondola ride, but when we found out it was 100 Euros, we definitely decided to forgo it.  There is a lot more we can do for 100 Euros than a measly 35 minute ride in the dark.  Anyway, along the way we saw a lot of different churches, encountered a ridiculous amount of touristy vendors, and of course visited the famous San Marco Basilica.  We were also able to buy masks from a fantastic shop.  The masks are popular for Carnivale, which is held every February, and the whole of Venice comes out in costumes and masks for 10 days.  Everywhere you go in Venice you will see these masks for sale.  Kyle and I saw an amazing one for 600 Euros.  Imagine that!  All in all, it was a very good experience walking on almost every single bridge in Venice and weaving around the city.  

- Kristen :)

Venice Day 1

Gondolas and the Grand Canal, with the San Marcos square to my back.  Beautiful.  

On the Water-Bus.  Who knew public transportation could be so enjoyable.  

Down one of the alley ways not under water.  Lots of cute shops.  Apparently, Venice is well known for their glass blowing, lace, and masks (as in masquerade balls).  

Just a great picture.

Same thing, except the guy on the Gondola looks pissed.  

Venice Day 2

“Policia on a mission!”  Watch out, I think they are pulling 30 knots!!! Woah.

On a bridge…. One of the seven thousand we crossed!

Kyle opened up his own Hotel in Venice as well… just changed the last letter.  (Note the sign above his head).  

Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!  Kristen’s worst nighmare.  A cluster of pigeons.  

On top of San Marco Basilica

Masquerade Ball…. except no Ball.  Venice is known for Carnivale, in which the whole city dresses up like this.  It’s tradition.  During tourist season, almost always “no photo allowed,” but the owner of the store asked us to do this and took a picture himself/the store.  

Venice at Night.  Again, thanks to Gevork for letting me use this lens.  The quality is undeniably great.  

Gondolas 

The Gondola ride would have been an awesome 30 minutes.  But here is the 100 Euros we saved by taking a picture in lieu of riding them.  Haha.  That’s 100 Euro of souvenirs that will last a lifetime.