Venice and Beyond

On Thursday, we were in Venice, the city of canals, colorful masks, and sparkling glass. Where Rome was alight at night, with it's free flowing fountains and music booming youth, Venice truly shines by day.

The sunlight is captured in this place. It's as though the sun only exists there, and must be savored. It reflects off the blue-green water in each canal. It bounces from old windows to glass souvenirs. Even the buildings, worn and faded at first glance, illuminate in the light of the sun as it steadily grows brighter.

Venice was the first and only city where we arrived with no agenda. There wasn't a 'must see' list for us here. Rather, we decided that a good wandering was in order. And that's just what we did. We got lost in the maze, savored gelato, and even saw the city from the tallest tower. It was a sunny day, but by no means was the sky empty like it is so often at home. Big, white puffy clouds surrounded the city. The city was full of water, the sky was no exception.

Speaking of water, I have another water bottle story. The day we left to visit Brian's old friend, we stopped for lunch before the train ride. Lunch was amazing (what food isn't in Italy?) and the staff was lively as any of the places here, although they were more theatrical. Since we were the only people in the restaurant for an early lunch, they must have been bored, because every movement they made was designed to make is laugh. They wiggled their fingers before taking plates, reminded me that I'm supposed to make Brian pay, and joked about excessive tipping when I handed them a fifty. Even when we left, one of them cried out, 'I'll miss you!'

Ok, I'll admit, they joked their way into excessive tipping. What can I say? We're suckers for good humored people.

Well, we did leave the water bottle yet again. But didn't realize it until we were long gone down the street. I heard a voice like a child's sound effects, 'buurrish!' and a red water bottle poke me in my side. I looked up to see a bright smile and the waiter waving our water bottle. We thanked him, and with a quick pat on the shoulder, he walked away.

Well, we were off again. The train ride was relatively short, and when we arrived, we were greeted by Brian's friend. After that, we never stopped moving. We drove to the top of a huge mountain and ski resort to overlook the villages below. We swam in a pool on base with those very mountains in the background. We met people and saw sights. It was an exhilarating time.

Now, we are aboard a seven hour train to Munich. One of our last stops. I am horribly sad to say goodbye to Italy. It was beautiful, lively, green but warm, and so much fun! Language didn't seem like much of a barrier, since either they spoke English, or Brian's hidden talent (quick and freaky adaptability to the Italian language) kept communication open, and made me feel a little less like an idiot tourist.

All in all, it was just amazing.

I can't wait to come back someday for much much longer!