Venezia

After what seemed like an eternity to our young hearts Colin and I were set to reunite in Venice. I would fly back from Boston to Madrid, where I had a 12 hour layover, then from Madrid to Rome, where I would sleep in a hostel near the train station, then take the train from Rome to Venice, where I would have to endure another 6 hours of waiting for Colin to arrive. Colin would fly from Provo to Milan (I can't imagine that was direct, but I don't know where he pivoted), then take a train Milan to Venice. Obviously I met him at the station. It was a movie scene reunion. Luggage fell to the ground. We ran into each others arms, and to the romantic Italians we were just another happy couple.

We stayed with two architects (a la Air BnB) who lived 20 minutes outside the city. Federica was blond with the personality of carefree fairy. Paolo was dark and solid with a 2 lb race bike and dolphin shorts from a couple decades ago. Her artwork gracefully swathed the walls. I am saving the link to their apartment for when we build our dream home: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/556812

We stared at the ceiling of St. Marks Basilica, proud of ourselves for being able to identify some of the bible depictions. We marveled in Doge's Palace, and wondered at the watery walkways. One evening we stumbled on the prison after wandering through what we mistakenly thought was the Jewish quarter. Who knew Venice had an underbelly.

Courtyard of Doge's Palace

St. Mark's Basilica

Basilica in the background Doge's palace on the left

Doge's Palace

Doge's Palace

Venice is beautiful, but the seasoned restaurateurs, shop owners, and gelato gods, know all too well that you can't take your business elsewhere and still be in Venice. And you want to be in Venice. For the purple flowers that beautify the city walls. For the blue azure water that glistens under countless footbridges. For the experience of walking on dry streets that have been submerged under water and lived to tell the tale.