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| Venice,
Italy |
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Rating:
 (3.5) (186 Votes)
Venice, Italy
August 02, 2002
Pros:
Stunning scenery
Cons: none
I arrived into Venice at 8am and stored my pack in the train station
baggage storage before heading off to explore Venice. It was absolutely
stunning. The sun was shining and I was feeling so happy. I got
lost (which I would recommend everyone do in Venice...its the only
way) and ran into the cutest little mom and pop grocery store. I
bought a .20 Euro banana and a .50 euro apple. I must have looked
hilarious walking along eating my banana with this huge grin on
my face. It was the best banana I have eaten in a very long time.
Then I followed the signs (which are everywhere) to San Marco. As
things started getting more crowded, I realized that I must be getting
closer. I decided that I needed a gelato and tryed Sour Cherry.
Good choice. It was delicious. I had to eat it as fast as I could
because it was melting all over it was just so hot out. I stumbled
upon a Supermarket (which are quickly becoming a great source of
entertainment for me) and just had to go in. I found some cheap
pop and some raisens which I heard are a very healthy travelling
snack (thanks Mom). There would be NO MORE overpriced chocolate
bars for me! I also tried to buy an apple but apparently I didnt
do it right (you are supposed to weigh it or something) so I couldn't
buy it. That was ok. It was only insurance on the apple I already
had in my purse. I walked along and admired the intricate glass
works in the tiny shops. As well, they showcase masks in Venice.
It was so hard not to buy one but imagining it in pieces on arrival
in canada helped curb my desire. Finally I came upon the highly
acclaimed San Marco. It was grand, as I am realizing much of the
architecture in Europe is. But what really caught my eye was a little
girl of about 3 with curly blond hair twirling in the center of
hundreds and hundreds of pigeons. You could feel her wonderment
and delight from accross the courtyard. Picture to follow. I checked
my watch and it was time to head back to the train station to catch
my train. I got onto the train and found my seat as I relaxed and
enjoyed the scenery passing me by while enyoying my crustless mozzerella
and proscuitto sandwich that I picked up in a tiny deli in Venice.
I had a great conversation with Renessa who gave me some wonderful
travel tips about Cinque Terre. She also gave me the idea to start
sketching when I could. It really gives you a different appreciation
for things when you are looking at them in such a way. We changed
trains and then practiced German with each other for a while before
she nodded off and I took in the stunning Austrian countryside.
There are green tree covered mountains and fields of thousands of
sunflowers. There were sheep grazing on hilly pastures. The towns
are made up of historical little buildings and houses with red flowers
tumbling off the balconies. There is always a tall church tower
in every town no matter how small. There are not one but many garden
knomes adorning the gardens of the locals homes. I half expected
a little toy train to come around the mountain as I gazed at the
beauty of Austria...then I realized, I was in that toy train. |
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