Venice

2/4/22- 2/5/22

Thinking back to this trip I feel like such a baby even though it only happened a few months ago. Venice was my first trip in Italy and one that will live on in my heart forever. I’m so proud of myself and my companions on this trip for how far we have come and how much we have experienced since this first time together.

The trip started off with high hopes that quickly dwindled as the reality of a slow moving and un-airconditioned train car set in. Some people (me) might have felt their hope plumet and disintegrate as we watched the status of our connecting train change from on schedule to departed without us on board. For the record, this was not our fault. For real. Our only other option was to get on an even slower train that was heading to Venice. So, we climbed our fugitive asses on board and settled in for a four-hour ride.

Stepping out of the train station to see the quaint little lights of Venice reflecting along the canal made the whole process worth it. Being in that moment did not feel like real life.

Celebrations were in order! What’s the best thing to do? Boxed red wine. It must be good if it’s made in Italy, right? What’s the next best thing to do? Pasta. After that, St. Mark’s square. Seeing it lit up at night was beyond breathtaking. We had ourselves one fun, silly night. Pizza may have landed face first on the cobblestone. It may have also been eaten afterwards. Idk.

Day number two was the true Venetian experience. I got to ride a gondola, walk the tiny streets that wind through buildings and over canals, visit Giardini Reali, and my favorite part of all, eat Venetian toasts! Away from the touristy area we stumbled upon a tiny wine bar and observed as everyone was leaving with Aperol spritzes and plates full of tiny toasts. Following the local’s lead, we did the same and this experience totally made the trip for me. I highly highly recommend paying a visit to Cantine del Vino Già Schiavi if you’re ever in Venice. It was a really neat experience to feel immersed in the local way of life. Follow it up with some chocolate gelato and homemade whipped cream from Gelateria Nico and you’ve practically had the best day of your life!

The charm of Venice is unbelievable and an amazing location for those people who like to explore by foot. More than half of the beautiful things we saw were complete coincidence. So grateful to say that the people who went on this trip have been some of my best friends and travel buddies throughout this entire experience.

Saluti!