Venice

Convinced there is nowhere in the world more dreamy than Venice.

NOWHERE.



We took the train from Rome to Venice, and upon walking out of the train terminal,

there.

it.

was.



Views like this

 and this

People going on with their lives like living on the water is normal.

But I guess it is for them.


As we water taxied- to our AirBnb through the Grand Canal, we were like kids in a candy shop.

Gaping at the views and taking pictures of e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g.


Because you don't see this sort of stuff every day.

Our AirBnb was one of the best we've stayed in.

Tucked away in a maze of cobblestoned alleyways with towering apartments, bridges arching over the canals and gelato on every corner.

DREAMY.

While waiting for my parents to arrive, we took in a few of the sights.

The Bridge of Sighs.... the famous corridor from the free world and into the Venice prison.

St. Marks square home of the clock tower, Doges Political Palace and of course... pigeons.

Aar was a bird whisperer.

He LOVED it.

Just spread out your arms.

Cup your hands so it looks like you have food.

And wait for the birds to flock to you.


He only got pooped on once.


Finally my parents arrived in a rainy night and it was straight to dinner.


Pruscetto, melon and lasagna.

Solid Italian meal.


And then in the morning we woke up to this.

Sunny skies.

Green canals.

And all day to explore.


So it was off to Doges Palace.

Rooms and rooms full of ornate sculptures, wood carvings and paintings where in the early days of Venice all the politicians would meet to discuss important matters.

And then onto the famous Acqua Alta bookstore.

Jokes on you, we don't really read....

Because of flooding in Venice in the winter months this bookstore keeps most of its books in bathtubs and up on high shelves.

For the books that get wet and ruined, they add it to the stair stack for tourists.

Gelato break.

Aaaand you can't go to Venice without taking a gondola ride.

It's a requirement.

It was a blast.

And gave us a break from walking through the crowded corridors.

We saw Marco Polo's house.

And enjoyed the quiet, peacefulness while gliding along the water.


After we walked along the eastern, less crowded part of the island. Through parks and along the water.

One of my absolute favorite things was ending the night and a canalside restaurant.

Outside, next to a waterway.

Perfect weather.

Caprese salad.

Ravoli.

Lava Cake.

And most importantly, good company.