Venice

VENICE

    My first impression was a bunch of inappropriate words.  Since I’ve never been out of the United States, my mind was completely blown.  I’m used to “cookie-cutter” houses-- the ones that look the exact same across the entire neighborhood and probably built within the last ten years.  It amazed me that some of these buildings could have been built as far back as the 1100’s if not further back.  I don’t understand how such amazing and intricate architecture was built when there was barely any technology.  My favorite sight by far was St. Mark’s Basilica. Growing up Catholic, it was really a breath taking experience to see.  Again, I had no idea how it was built with the technology of the time-- but that makes all the more incredible; I was a little bummed out that I couldn’t have witnessed a service there. 
    I was actually really glad that we were caught in a storm in St. Mark’s square.  I honestly had the time of my life prancing around in flooded streets.  I don’t feel like that’s an experience that every tourist gets to experience, not saying that many actually want to. I thought it was unique.  I don’t understand how venders and shop owners deal with everything being flooded to the extent it was though.  I felt that the entire group had a great time though.  At the top of the bell tower-- whatever it was called-- felt like hurricane.  I bet the view would have been phenomenal if my eye lids weren’t being blown off when I opened them. 
    The rialto bridge was also spectacular to see simply because of all the history that was there.  Hell, I guess there was incredible history in the entire city so walking anywhere where geniuses that I’ve been learning about in school all my life were walking is an interesting thought. 
    I really enjoyed that there were no cars.  The boat was kind of sucky after a few glasses of vino, but it was really easy to get around the city.  I really got to practice my Italian when I got lost at two in the morning by myself when nobody still in the streets spoke Italian.  If it wasn’t for the boat taxis being easy to figure out, I would have been screwed.
    I never figured myself for an opera person.  Yet I actually really enjoyed the one that we saw.  I felt it was very well done; I couldn’t take my eyes off the performers who all had spectacular voices.  I felt that I got the luck of the draw with the seating as well: front and center.  It was also really interesting to me that Michael played the lead in the same opera at one point.  I definitely feel that the professors that came with us were amazing and the best people who could have possibly accompanied us on this trip.
    The locals were also fabulous.  I enjoyed one called Mateo’s company a lot.  I also learned an important life lesson besides the importance of understanding different cultures; bars= no money anywhere in the world.