The City of Gondolas

To sum up Venice in one word, I would say “unique.” I don’t think there is another place in the world like it. When you step out of the train station, you are confronted by water lapping at the steps. There aren’t taxis, there are water-taxis. There aren’t buses, there are ferries. And there aren’t ambulances, there are boats! Seeing water slamming into partially sunken, old front doors is quite strange. And each building is different. They have beautiful, ornate windows; and some even have paintings covering the front wall. We were staying at a budget hotel on one of the islands near the main part of town. Sadly, the ferry costs 6.50euros for each ride! There was some confusion getting to our hotel, but eventually we found it. Then we got BACK on the ferry and went to the main island to do the tourist thing. The Bridge of Sighs was almost completely covered by scaffolding and an advertisement. But St. Mark’s Square was luckily still visible. It was a beautiful place. Heather and I fed the pigeons and had some land on our hands. It was a bit freaky, but fun. While walking away, however, I had a pigeon fly at my face and try to land on my shoulder. Its feet got stuck in my sweater and I panicked a little. I think I gave the people around me some entertainment by yelling and flopping around trying to get it dislodged from my clothing. It eventually got free, but I didn’t feed the pigeons again. The girls and I did a lot of souvenir shopping. I bought a new Venitian glass ring, and we got presents for our family and friends. I’m glad we only stayed there one night, though. All of the sights can easily be seen in one afternoon, and the only other thing to do is shop. High-end shops are absolutely everywhere. I could only afford the gelato. Getting back to our hotel that night was wonderful. We were exhausted from traveling and walking all day. The only bad thing was the mosquitoes who found their way into our room that night. I woke up with ten bites, Heather had two, and Kahea had six. Now, it’s time for Munich!

The City of Gondolas

Venice, Italy