Venezia!

Ahh Venice, had to pinch myself after we arrived because it looks just like the pictures you've seen with all the canals, boats, gondolas, and palaces and no cars. We took a seven hour train ride down on Monday and enjoyed the ride through the Alps. They were spectacular and I will have to come back some day and spend more time in them.

Upon arrival in Venice we had to find our hotel, which is a little challenging for the rabbit warren of alley ways the island has. Daniel made all the reservations for the hotel and when we finally found it, they turned out to be pretty nice. We had a double for Mike and Tessa and a triple for Daniel, Scott, and I. The place was so great we actually had our own toilet and shower, and also a beday (sp?) of course. We were within a ten minute walk of the Rialto bridge (roughly in the middle of the island) so it was a great location.

The next day we all took a boat down the grand canal to enjoy Venice from the water. It was great and I must say the view from the water to San Marcos square was awesome with the Doges Palace and St. Mark's in view. The square was jam packed with tourists feeding pigeons and waiting in lines to see the sights.

We split up and wandered on our own for most of the two days we were there and it was funny how often we ran into each other throughout the town. We ate some great food and treats during our stay. In fact, just about any window I found that had some tasty looking treat I wanted I got it. Oh yeah, and more gelato of course.

We took the night train back to Munich. It wasn't the most comfortable night of rest but worth the extra day to spend in Venice.

Venice