Venice, Italy
October 4, 2007
N45°25.964
E012°19.076
The mystical city of Venice has put all of us in a daze for a few reasons. First, seeing family, Pat and Dad, for the first time in six months was exciting. We stayed up late, talked about home, drank lots of wine, and caught up on everything. Secondly, the city of Venice, with its canals, islands and beautiful buildings had an almost surreal feeling; almost like
Disneyland, or maybe Disneyland for adults. It was like stimulation overload!
After exploring the Italian ghetto in Venice we jumped on a vaporetto; the local Venetians primary mode of public transportation (a poor man’s gondola ride), to see some of the outer islands. The experience was definitely more real, with a mix of locals and tourists, coasting from one pier to the next and island to island. Little old Italian ladies climbed aboard with their groceries, mothers and children ran to catch the boat, and everyone just squeezed aboard always making room. It was snapshot of local culture. It would 
be the equivalent of riding the 30 Stockton MUNI circuit through San Francisco.
Against better judgment from some of our friends, we stopped at the island of Murano which is known for its glass blowing. The beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, plates, glasses and other souvenirs sucked me in—I had to splurge on a new piece of jewelry. Again we got lost on the island, strolling along the canals, across the bridges and occasionally stopping in the plazas for a break before we jumped back on another vaporetto back towards the main train station.
The majority of our time in Venice was spent walking aimlessly through the allies of San Marco, catching up with Dad and Pat and, overall, enjoying each other’s company; a good thing since we are with each other for a few weeks! It was really a great feeling
being back in the arms of family. Also, it gives Marc and me a slight break from each other and the requirements of trying to make conversation.
Tomorrow we’ll break out of our Venice trance and depart for Florence.
be the equivalent of riding the 30 Stockton MUNI circuit through 
being back in the arms of family. Also, it gives Marc and me a slight break from each other and the requirements of trying to make conversation. 
1 comment:
Did you guys ask where to get those Venetian blinds everyone is always talking about!!
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