Just your typical day in Venice

*** It's worth noting beforehand that I awoke at 4:30 am with no chance of falling back to sleep. With a dead phone and no company, I ended up sitting in the hostel lobby reading and then had to continue with the rest of this fine day on 4 hours of sleep ***

This was a fabulous Venetian day. We started the day with a trip to the beach. Heading to Lido was such a different experience than that of the main island of Venice. We saw cars and grass; both of which have no use in inner Venice. Most importantly, we got to the beach on a sweltering hot day. We sunbathed and took a dip in water much warmer than what we're used to in Lake Michigan. 

After a fine day of relaxing horizontally and socially (a delicacy not experienced in hostel shared rooms), we got back to the hostel and I took my daily nap. 

That evening, we searched the water for a decently priced gondola ride. When we heard that the trip would cost €100 split between Jamie, Aussie Nicole, and myself, we were discouraged. Just when we were about to give up, we found three more people looking to split a ride. They were fabulous and we finally got to see Venice as it's meant to be seen. 

The three of us ended the night with dinner and a walk through the square before calling it a night and making our way back to our island. 

Nicole taught us how to make an egg with oil and vinegar. Our new tradition. 

Arrived! Day 1

After 15 hours of traveling to Venice, and accidentally taking the "scenic route" alone to the hostel... I MADE IT! I was thrilled to see Jamie's familiar face and finally get some rest. Unfortunately, it was 11am local time. I pushed myself for as long as I could, but ultimately was forced to lie down for a few hours and make up for my lack of sleep. I awoke ready to take on what was left of the day and we took to the main island to wander and eat dinner. I had one of the best meals of my entire flipping existence -- fresh caprese and four cheese gnocchi. Wowza. I highly recommend Ostaria al Garanghelo in Venezia. Just don't let them charge you for the bread you didn't ask for!! Then we had the most delicious mint gelato and made our way back to the hostel. Currently, we're making plans for our next destination and fighting off the food coma. 

Ciao

This is ACTUALLY the view from our hostel. 

Layover: Philly

Delicious food at reading terminal market. Best layover of all time. Xoxo

Ciao, Chicago!

At the airport and ready to go! I was lucky to see my brother off to his bachelor party before I left. 

After a night of feverishly packing and re-packing and a very long angry phone call to Verizon, I'm now here and ready to go!!

Can't wait. 

sulla mia strada

Thanks, Google Translate!

In 12 hours, I'll be on my way to Italia! First stop: Philly for a 5 hour layover and lunch with babe (Alex).

On our last night in London

Then straight to Venice to meet Ja'mie.

Destination Goals:

1. Venice 
2. The Dolomites
3. Tuscany
4. Abruzzo 
5. Orvieto
6. Tivoli
7. Rome

Reach Destination: Amalfi Coast

I'll try and update as often as I can while away. But if I don't, this is Jamie's blog. Actually, check it out either way. 

Ciao!