Venice (Days 4-6)

Bonjourno from Italia!

After an incredible first few days in Spain it was time to explore the next country, Italy! Our Italian stay will take us to Venice, Florence, and Rome with day trips to Cinque Terre, Tuscany, and (fingers crossed) Pisa. In 10 days. 

As we landed in Venice the plane violently shook and part of me was pretty positive we would crash either 1. Because we couldn't land or 2. Because we wouldn't be able to stop on the landing. When we were slowed down the plane erupted in applause. Great work pilot.

Unfortunately our time in Venice was plagued by rain. The first night it was literally downpouring as we walked from the bus station to our hotel and I had to change clothes after we had checked in because the rain had gone all the way through my layers. We went out for a traditional Italian dinner (pasta, wine, and tiramisu) and I was amazed by how flavorful the tomatoes were. 

Sites:

We only spent one whole day in Venice (partially because my dad literally HATES the city...quote "I'll never come back here again") and spent the majority of the day seeing the major sites and getting lost in the maze that is the Canal City. 

Rialto Bridge:

Literally just a big bridge with an incredible view of the city!

St. Mark's Square & Basillica

We didn't take the time to go inside since we spent SO MUCH time in churches in Barcelona/will be spending SO MUCH time at churches in Rome. But it was pretty to look at and anchored the square nicely.

Doge's Palace

The only museum we went to in Venice. Mildly overpriced, but a great break from the rain, and a nice way to see some Venetian history. It appeared to be a miniature Versailles but a few hundred years earlier and with way more politics entwined in its walls.

Food Highlights:

Great pasta and pizza. No one place really stood out but everything was better than what I usually consume back at home.

Tuna pizza (so yummy!!)

Tuna pasta

Off to Florence for the next 6 days! On the plan are some sights recommended by my good friend Mackenzie who studied abroad there, a day trip to Cinque Terre, and a wine tour.

Here's to more great food and times!