Venice and then Back to Work
Trip Start
May 19, 2008
1
8
20
Trip End
Jul 21, 2008
Venice,
Veneto,
Italy
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
On Sunday, Amber and I had a chance to take a day trip to Venice. We were supposed to meet up with a bunch of friends from our classes, but the meeting place happened to be the busiest place in Venice, and we didn't find them. Instead, Amber and I enjoyed the day in Venice on our own. We started out walking through San Marco Plaza and then down some of the side streets where there are tons of stores and restaurants. We bought some pizza for lunch which was delicious. Then, on our way back, we found a nice little gelato store to get some ice cream. Ohmygoodness, it was the best ice cream that I've had in Italy so far. It was delicious!!! After that, we walked around the city a little across bridges and just enjoying the view. We took the water taxi to some small islands across from the tourist areas and just enjoyed the waterway and the relaxing city
Amber and I in Venice!
. We ate dinner on a restaurant right on the water and got it really cheap because it was far away from tourist land. I got a little sunburn but overall had one of the best days over here just enjoying the scenery and taking it easy.On the way home, Amber and I realized that the tickets that we bought in Florence were not going to get us home. Through all kinds of hectic wheeling and dealing with the ticket agent, Amber and I exchanged our tickets for ones that actually existed. Apparently they sold us tickets for a train ride that did not exist. Very stupid, but we got home anyway. We got split up on the train, becuase the ticket agent had to put us on trains that were an hour apart. It worked out well though because Amber met up with the rest of our group that we were supposed to meet up earlier that day. I had the chance to meet some very nice people on the way home. I made friends with another student that was studying in Florence that was a PhD student from India that is going to school in the UK. She was super nice and we happened to be visiting all of the same cities. She kept me company on my train ride home, and on the layover. On the second train, she happened to be assigned to the seat right behind me. It was very cool how everything worked out.
There are many times that I am reminded of everyone praying for me
the waterway
. So many things just keep working out that could turn out very badly. This train ride could have been bad, but was actually a blessing. Every trip has had perfect weather, even when the weather report called for rain storms. This trip is really turning out great, and I appreciate everyone's prayers for me. I miss everyone at home and at church, but it definitely a great experience being over here.The last two days, I've just been attending classes and doing regular chores, like laundry, dishes, and going to the grocery store. We've had so much homework lately, so I'm trying to keep up with doing everything and save some time for fun every once in awhile. Tomorrow we get up early to go to an Art Museum, and this weekend, we're planning Pompei and Capri. Can't wait to hang out on the beach!!!
