Venice is amazing! We took a day trip to Venice, just to get our feet wet (no pun intended).
It was our first excursion on the train and we were a bit nervous. With Payton and Addy in tow, and what we thought were comfortable shoes, we embarked on our adventure. We were blessed with timing and a gorgeous sunny day. We got to the bus stop and the bus was there in 5 minutes. Got to the train station and the train departed 10 minutes later. All of this was with no advance planning. Apparently, we don't blend in as natives, because when I questioned our seat mate as to which stop was next, with my best Italian....Venezia??? He replied, No, I think it's the last stop....in perfect English!
So, at the last stop, it was obvious we were in Venice....we had crossed over the bridge and were obviously in the land of the canals. Once out of the train station, we were like owls. Our heads couldn't spin around quickly enough. To say it was breathtaking, doesn't even do it justice. We would stop to take a photo, just drinking in the scenery, not wanting to miss a photo op. We quickly discovered that every step, every corner was a photo opportunity, each one stunning in it's own right.
The gondolas, the canals, the architecture...all the sights and smells were intoxicating. One of the places I was excited to see was St. Mark's Basilica. I just finished reading Dan Brown's Inferno which is set in Florence and Venice. The descriptions in the book, drew me to the Basilica, and it was even more breathtaking than I could have imagined. 
Upon entry, we were directed to the side, for what I believed was to leave my bag, but we were told to cover our legs. Apparently my skort was too short. Two euros later, we had cloths to tie around our waists. Ladies who had bare shoulders were told to cover too. Walking in the door, you are instructed for silence. Those instructions were not needed because I was speechless! The gold mosaics on the ceiling were beyond words. We definitely will go back for a more detailed tour....including a gondola!!
My feet were killing me. And my ankle was not too pleased with me either. A little ice and elevation and it was much happier.
Apart from Venice, we have been enjoying our surroundings. We walk everywhere, especially to the Gelateria! We have a lovely local restaurant that I have been trying bits of Italian on the waiter. Andrea was kind enough to tell me he understood everything I said....most importantly vino rosso!We have loved having Payton and Addy here. I keep trying to convince them both to stay!!!
This weekend, we take possession of our house. I am very excited and our HHG....army speak for Household Goods are here!! That means that we can unpack our stuff and not have to borrow furniture til ours arrives. We have done very well in our 2 room hotel room, all six of us (Lexie and Sadie included). We will miss the convenience of being on base, but are excited for our own home. Our landlord, Giovanni, was kind enough to invite us for pizza one evening and took us on a tour of the neighborhood. The important things are in walking distance....a bank, bakery, pizzeria, martini bar, gelateria, gym and supermercato (grocery store)! What else do we need....oh and a bus stop right out front!
I may not drive for 3 years! The house is beautiful. I will have a place to put my garden, relax outside, and it has a spanking cucina! There are 4 bedrooms & 2 1/2 baths, so we are quite lucky. And we have plenty of room for visitors, so get ready to plan your visit to Italia. I will post pics of the house once we get there.
Allora....Ciao for now!
