Italia: Venezia

Venezia, romantic, mysterious, enchanting Venezia.  This was second to last stop before coming home.  I had about 36 hours in the city (which was really just a big tease), but can say I enjoyed the city to the fullest even with the short time I had within city limits.  There are a LOT of tourists in Venice though I was so enthralled with the colors and romantic views I almost blocked out the constant stream of people while exploring the first day I got there.  I wandered around the city all afternoon mesmerized by the bridges, colorful art shops, unique art displays, fancy clothing stores, jewelry and glass stores.  My exploration culminated in a quaint little bookstore, which was full of old books, a friendly & quite flirty older Italian man, and cats, lots & lots of cats.  I spent over an hour in this special little bookstore and finally found some treasures to take back with me: a children's book about a mouse and a gondola, and a novel about some explorers from Venice who claim to have discovered the Netherlands in the 1500's.  

I relaxed with my new books in a wine bar across the street. This turned out to be a very wise decision as I met a group of Venetians who I spent the next few hours with, talking world politics, indulging in Venetian wine and Asiatic Sea shellfish, and laughing and sharing life and travel stories.   We went to some local bars and got a feel for the late-night vibe amongst the old buildings and web of canals, and wandered through the abandoned streets in the wee hours of the morning soaking in the unique vibe lurking in the air.  

Before heading to Milan the next day I was invited for aperitivo and authentic Italian cuisine at the immaculate Venitian apartment belonging to my friends from the night before.  I have included some photos of the interior of this special home in the blog.  It was so beautifully decorated, every wall was painted, old Baroque paintings hung on the walls, the windows and balconies were so romantic with views overlooking the canal.  I felt as if I were in some kind of dreamland.  There is no doubt I will be back to this amazing city when the opportunity presents itself.  Though I have a feeling next time I will be visiting with a special someone by my side.  And if not, I may just have to stay until I find a special someone!  Romance is certainly in the air in this special Italian gem of a city and I am glad I got to indulge in the feeling of it if only for a moment in time.