blog. (by vanessa)

Weekend Trips. It is strange to be able to hop over to another country just for a weekend getaway. But that luxury comes with our “Central European” location (Side note: we learned in one of my classes that it is actually really offensive to the Czech people to say that the Czech Republic is in Eastern Europe. They would much prefer to be called Central Europeans). This past weekend found Dave and me in Venice, Italy. I have been waiting to visit the city of canals since The Venetian Hotel opened in Las Vegas and our family trip 4 years ago brought me as close as Florence… what a tease! We took a budget airline from Prague to Venice-Treviso (only a 70 minute flight) early Friday morning and hopped on a bus straight onto the island where we were promptly greeted by the glorious Grand Canal.

We immediately started exploring- hoping to eventually end up at our hotel. Of course, we headed in exactly the wrong direction. Every corner we turned took us to a dead end or water.

We eventually made it to our little hotel, which happened to be only steps from where we got off the bus. After dropping off our stuff, we sat down for a Cappuccino … the best in the world (but almost as good as my dad’s).

We eventually found our way to San Marco Square and to the southern side of the island

Apparently, Venice is sinking, so all of structures with any height are leaning as you can see in this next picture.

We decided to pick up a litre of wine from one of the many wine shops, where they serve the wine from big jugs into a bottle of your choice.

Our self-portrait:

Pretty sunset over the canal:

Venice at night, still gorgeous:

Self-portrait #2:

We then had an amazing pasta dinner and got brutally destroyed by the euro-us dollar exchange rate (about $1.50 = 1 EURO), it was still delicious regardless.

After dinner we were faced with the task of again finding our way to our hotel. A lot easier said than done. 40 minutes later we found ourselves at the complete opposite side of the island. This next picture sums up our evening experience: lost with a litre of wine and a map.

Day two we decided to explore the farther reaches of Venice. We happened upon the more residential areas which was really neat. The streets (or canals) were lined with clothing lines and the boats were of a more useful type than the gondola.

We happened upon a really neat architecture exhibit. I would tell you more about it, but the sign was in Italian.

We made it all the way to the eastern-most tip of the island where there was another leaning tower.

We flew home Sunday morning over the Alps and they were spectacular! I am so excited to be visiting the Swiss Alps in November. Someone told me a while ago that Venice was overrated and I entirely disagree! This is a city that everyone should visit at least once- there is no other place like it. It is so amazing to me that all of these amazing places are so close to me, here in Prague. As far as travel is concerned, the sky is the limit… or maybe my bank account is.

Well folks, for the first time since I have been here, I am leaving this lovely city and heading to Venice for the weekend. Expect a lengthy update upon my return. Ciao!

Prague Castle