Continuing my time in Italy- Venezia (Venice)

Ciao!

As much as I loved Paris and London, it was time for me to return back to Italy and check out some new places! We ventured to Venezia, we know it as Venice, for a couple of days before our Fall Break ended. The only transportation to get to the different islands as well as through the islands is on a boat. There are only few cars around and buses, but basically everyone has their own boat- SO COOL! Unfortunately it absolutely down poured both days we had in the city, but we still made the best of it! Venice is known for its Murano glass, which, if you've never seen before, is awesome. Everywhere you looked was a store filled with these glass gifts. The islands of Venice were all so incredibly small, you could walk from end to end in about 20 minutes, which was great for us considering the amount of time we had there. Of course we went on a gondola tour- what is Venice without one?! It was great fun! I absolutely loved talking to the driver who was impeccably interesting. He showed us everything there was to see: the school, the library, the old casino, Marco Polo's house, and so much more. He also explained the water levels; for about 6 hours in the day, the water rises so high that transportation is nearly impossible (because you can't go under the bridges). At this time everyone has their rain boots on and even plastic bags over their feet!! Floods there are definitely not unheard of! The driver also told me that there was a marathon the following week-- A MARATHON 26.2 MILES in VENICE! That was so great to hear, who would ever think there would be a marathon in Venice?! Coincidently the following weekend while I was at the airport, I met a guy from New York who ran in the Venice marathon! He said he had a great time traveling, but the actual race itself was pretty rough (which makes sense because running in the rain or all around water would not be all that great). I think I covered the major points of Venice, so here are some pictures: ENJOY!

Gondola Tour! Woo!

Venice was such a small city compared to Paris and London, but it was a great way to end fall break. Even though it was not my favorite, Venice is definitely a "must see" while in Italy. It has so much to offer that the other cities don't have. Getting around strictly on boats was frustrating at times because it took forever to do anything (and yes, it did make me nauseous) but it's all part of the experience! 

We got home late saturday night, just in time for the Pope's mass on Sunday morning. Even before I made it to my room, though, I got a FLAT STANLEY in the mail!!!!!! Woo! I was so incredibly excited! For those of you who don't know Flat Stanley, it's a book where Stanley gets flattened and ends up traveling the world. Many elementary schools have a project to learn about geography; they make their own Stanley and send it out to people, which in theory keeps getting sent to different people,  but also a postcard and goods get sent back to the elementary school. I still have Stanley, but he is getting ready to get shipped off to another person! It was great fun. Anyways, mass on Sunday with the Pope was by far one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed. He first was in St. Peter's Basilica with all different priests, bishops, cardinals, and just very important people. As they came outside for mass, the Pope went upstairs to his window from where he spoke. Pope Benedict did each part of mass in a different language; when he would start a new language all of the people from that country would cheer! Almost every language he spoke was perfect, well his English was kind of mumbled- I still understood it though. After he was done, he simply waved and went back into his room. The massive amounts of people was incredible, but not fun to deal with after mass! I hope to get back to another mass or blessing before I leave, because it was just so magical! Oh! While we were waiting outside, there was a nasty ginormous black cloud, but just as Pope Benny was coming out, it went away! It was just amazing!

Hanging at St. Peter's Basilica

The Pope's Window!

I was not even home for a full five days before I departed again for the weekend. Thursday morning I left for Barcelona-- Ayeyeyeye! I can't wait to write all about it!

Molto Amore,

Ky xx