Venetian Adventures

Although one super amazing thing in particular happened in Venice (see earlier post), we also had a few other noteworthy adventures in the city of canals.

On our first day in Venice we took a walk in search of a McDonald's. I know, I know, we are in the land of delicious pizza and Italian cooking but sometimes ya just want some comfort food when you're traveling and McDonald's is the closest thing in Italy where there things like Kraft mac and cheese and Campbell's chicken noodle soup don't exist. So we saw a sign  for McDonald's which said it was 5 minutes away by car. Long story short-- 5 minutes by car ended up meaning about 6 long miles walking under the beating hot sun so we abandoned our trip halfway and settled for the closest thing at that point that would settle our grumbling tummies-- a very expensive restaurant. There I ordered Spaghetti alle vognolle, and then learned that all vognolle means 'with clams.' Gross, but now I know!

 The next day we went to historic downtown Venice, where all the famous canals are, and we learned that shopkeepers aren't very observant. Which is good because I dropped a Venetian mask on the ground on accident and it broke. Oops!

Speaking of masks, they were all soooo beautiful in Venice. We learned that Venice, despite being known for having canals instead of streets, is actually known as the City of Masks. All the street vendors and many of the shops sold gorgeous, hand-made face masks. We couldn't help but pick up a pair-- our first real souvenirs in Europe!

Venetian Masks

March 28

Then we wandered around the streets and sat down along the Grand Canal to watch some gondolas float by. It was a beautiful day in Venice.

Gondolas on the Grand Canal

March 28

All the gondola guys have to wear those striped shirts as their uniform. There was a lot of gondola traffic! We were happy that we opted for the moonlight gondola ride. It was a lot more intimate. 

The canals were really cool. They made the whole city seem small, however it is not! We got completely lost several times. There were maps for 2 euros at the tourist office, but, being cheap campers and all, we decided to rough it. Luckily we made it out eventually. 

Venice Canal

March 28

The train ride to France was also really pretty. We were treated to beautiful Italian hillsides and green rural farm country for the first half, and then beautifully scenic Mediterranean ocean waters for the second half.

View from the Train to France

March 29

This part of Europe is soo damn pretty! Everything is just beginning to turn green and bloom since spring is starting. 

Today is Phil's birthday and tonight we are celebrating tonight with presents and dinner and a cake that I hope I translated the french recipe correctly for. 

Happy Birthday, new fiance!!!!!

My new fiance feeding pigeons while we wait for the train

March 29