Venice

March 16-18, 2012.

This trip started with a 4-5 hour drive after work to the ferry station, then we took the ferry boat to Lido, an island of Venice.  As soon as we checked into our hotel/hostel, we went down to the pizzeria for a late dinner...which didn't disappoint!

Saturday morning came early, as we wanted to get as much done in two days as possible!  We first went to Piazza San Marco and just walked around taking pictures.  The first place we actually went in was Palazzo Ducale (Doge's Palace), but the best part of that (for me anyways) was walking across the Ponte dei Sospiri (bridge of sighs) which connects the Doge's palace to the old prisons - apparently the prisoners would "sigh" as they got their last view of Venice from this bridge as they walked from the Doge's Palace to their prison cell (but that is most likely untrue...I like the story though).

After that, I met up with a friend that lives an hour train ride away and she took me all around Venice.  We walked through the tourist parts and the off-beaten track as well.  She took me to a small, wonderful place for lunch where we snacked on appetizer-like food and prosecco.  While wandering around we stopped by the Rialto Bridge and the Jewish Ghetto (which is much better to walk around when you are with someone that knows the history...thank you Deanna!).  While in the Jewish Ghetto we stopped in a cafe to have a glass of wine...Brunello (my new favorite).  After more wandering around, catching up, and a GONDOLA RIDE!, we met up with my roommates for dinner, and then parted ways.

Sunday morning started off gloomy, but like Saturday, cleared as the day progressed.  We all had our own agenda and split up when we reached Piazza San Marco.  I really wanted to visit Basilica di San Marco before 1:30pm when it opened for visitors, so I went to the 10:30am service (surprisingly and lucky for everyone, the place didn't burn down when I sat down for mass!).  It was so beautiful, but the best part was the floor...an uneven terrain of tile and stone.  After that I just walked all around, shopped, and ate until I met up with my roommates to climb to the top of the campanile of San Giorgio Maggiore to see the "best" view of Venice.  The view was spectacular (a little windy and cold, but totally worth it).

Then, sadly, it was time to drive back to Laghi di Faldo.  Pictures to come...somehow...I promise :)