So we experienced our first night train to Venice a couple days ago. And subsequently decided, that there is no way we will be taking another. Honestly one of the most uncomfortable experiences I've ever had, right up there with sleeping in my car on May long. I was sitting beside some surly Italian boy, maybe about 14, who wouldn't say a word to us. And later we were joined by two chatty females, utterly moronic, who decided that it's a great idea to start chattering loudly at 6 in the morning. Super impressed. I ended up half spooning the surly Italian boy, because he was taking up so much room. So, an interesting and tiring trip to Venice!
Venice, however, was exactly what I pictured it to be. The canals, the beautiful old buildings that look so haphazard, seeming to be tilting into the water. Venezia is a place of romance (not that we actually experienced any- hah!) ; the small passageways between the buildings, the reflections in the water in the moonlight. A quite indescribable city, and whatever your visual is of Venice, you will most likely find it there. Our first day we walked around, getting utterly lost in the small streets and adjoining canals. Tasted our first gelato (amazing!) and had our first Italian dinner. Robyn had pasta, and I had pizza, both of us drinking Italian wine- so delicious! The second day we met up with a travel buddy from Canada, named Kevin. We then explored the other side of Venice, right on the coast line. We saw San Marco square, went up in this tower which had an amazing view of Venice and all the waterways, then walked around on the Malicon to a park on the edge of town. A park with no grass. Apparently the park was hosting an art show that cost €12 to get into, and there was no way we were spending that money on art instead of food. So we go and walk around the local side of Venice and see how the Italians live. Very quaint. We got lost of course but stumbled upon a quite island with a very leaning tower and a charming square. Robyn and I wanted to get a gondola ride through the canals- this was, however ludicrously expensive. €100 for a half hour. Insane. So that did not happen.
Another very neat thing about Venice are these masks that are sold everywhere, ornate and beautiful, meant for masquerades. Robyn and I went to try one on, wanting to actually buy one. And then the guy sitting on his ass watching us yelled at us, saying, 'You touch it, you buy it.' Naturally, I get all haughty and leave immediately- jackass. Really? Not a fan. So no masks for us, thanks to grumpy gills.
The only things to do in Venice, it seemed, were shop and eat. And take lots of siesta time (yay siesta time!). So...that's what we did. I'm glad to be moving on to another place though, to be doing things again. I'm getting sick of seeing pretty churches- I don't think any of them could compare to Westminster or St. Paul's. All the damn pretty churches...Oi.
So I went to this pharmacia to get something for this wicked cough I have. I have had it for about a month now, and I am inclined to believe it is a mild case of bronchitis. Sadly, I don't speak Italian, so I don't really know what medication they gave me. I'm quite certain it's just a cough suppressant- I NEED ANTIBIOTICS! I have yet to figure out what I'm going to do about that. Crazy Italians.
I can't say I particularly enjoy how loud the general population is. Everyone seems to be yelling here...all the time. HELLO, HOW ARE YOU, DEAR FRIEND? Quiet, you! The children are demons here- so whiny, and wild! Do people not discipline their offspring here? Wild, wild demon children! I much prefer the quiet regards of a Brit. So polite...so quiet.
The males here are nothing to write home about. Nor the females. I would rate Venice on my scale of general attractiveness at a 5.5/10. Boring.
Robyn and I have both gotten these strange red bumps on our arms...I really have no idea what they are, if they are bed bugs (oh my god...-dies-), or some type of reaction to the water here. Every time I see someone drink the water I die inside a little. Do you know all the bacteria in this water?! So unclean! I absolutely despise any kind of skin irritation...it is driving me nuts. I hope they just go away.
Yesterday was our last day in Venice. In the morning we went to this little cafe. I got a piece of tiramisu (which I hadn't tried yet), and what I thought was a cafe mocha. Turns out it was just a cup of melted chocolate. Amazing, but really?! I won't make that mistake again. We spent the day wandering around, getting lost, having siesta time, and having a final supper. We both got calzoni's. Mine came out and was literally the size of my face- I could have worn it as a hat. When it was delivered to me I just started laughing. I still have half left! It is so, so so good though. You can taste that the dough was home made. The most amazing food!
Now we are on our way to Rome. I'm quite excited, we're staying at a little B&B (which, hopefully, we can actually find). After Rome we will be heading off to Naples for a night, and then a little town between Chianti and Firenze. Italy is wonderful!
Just an afterthought- it's incredible that the Italian economy is crashing. They charge you for absolutely everything. I wouldn't be surprised if I receive a bill for breathing.
Blog again soon. Ciao!
-Jessiker
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