Bonjourno, grazie, prego, and arrivederci are some of the words that I picked up in Venice. A few months ago, I posted about how my friend Cristina was getting married in Venice. How I was the Matron of Honor and would be going to Venice for her wedding. Well, it came so fast. On Tuesday, January 19th, I left from Phoenix to London, Heathrow. I should have had a seven hour layover in London, but our flight from Phoenix left two hours behind schedule. I had planned on paying a short visit to Henry and William, but no such luck. There was plenty to see at Heathrow though....Plenty.
From London, Heathrow, we transferred to London, Gatwick and then flew into Marco Polo airport. Once we arrived at Marco Polo airport, we were taken to Venice in a water taxi. At which point, I had been traveling for what seemed like forever. I had left Phoenix at 11:00 p.m., and had arrived in Venice at 11:00 p.m. the next day. Not really 24 hours, but pretty close.
Once checked in, I wanted to explore, I wanted to do so much. Yet, the city was asleep. Yes, unlike NYC, Venice does indeed sleep. Me however; could not sleep. I was on Arizona time, and I was more than awake. I tried to force myself to sleep, but nothing. I tried to watch t.v., but it was all in Italian except for MTV. Then by the time they played Lady Gaga for what seemed like the hundredth time, I shut it off. As much as I like her, it was to much.
The next morning, we all met downstairs for Breakfast. It was a small little dining room, and the Breakfast was included in the price of the hotel. The coffee was so good. Better than any Starbucks, or any coffee I've had for that matter. Then, we were off to explore this beautiful city. I can honestly say that being in Venice was surreal. As you look around, you want to pinch yourself. You've seen it on t.v. and in pictures, but when you are there, it is breathtaking. For five days we walked the streets and every turn turned into a new adventure.
The shopping in Venice was fabulous! Lots of beautiful Venetian masks and Murano glass jewelry. And of course lots of upscale shopping (window shopping for me). Prada, Versace, Hermes, Valentino, Feragamo etc. etc. All to expensive, especially with the Euro conversion. I did manage to do some damage, just not in any of those stores. Kai was probably the one that benefited the most. Everywhere I looked, I found her something. I bought her the cutest Wellies from the most adorable little Italian shoe shop owner. I bought her a cashmina wrap, a pink jacket that says Italia, a black and pink venetian mask to match her room, Italian fashion magazines and the list goes on and on. Nachito also got a jacket, but other than that, there was not much for him. Unless of course I bought him Transformers that were just like the ones at Target.
By the time Monday came around, I was sad to go, but ready at the same time. Venice is very slow paced, and it was good for me for about that many days. Had I stayed any longer, I would have driven myself crazy. To much time on my hands. I like the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities. I also slept more than I have ever slept in my life. For the most part, I slept on the plane going and then again coming back. There isn't much to do on 13 hour flights except watch movies and sleep.
It is definitely a trip that I will make again. I definitely want to go back to London soon. I've added some pictures, but I took so many that I'm just going to have to create an album out of them.
My Hot Pink Passport cover to hide the ugly Blue Passport
See....Hot Pink cover much better. Found it at Nordies.
Gondola's waiting for their tourists.
My bouquet on Wedding day.
Cristina's bouquet.
Don Aldo, the Priest that married Cristina and Ray looking out his window when we arrived.
Me and Cristina at Cafe Florian, the oldest Cafe in Venice. It was opened in 1720. They had the best deserts there.
Cute little shop that reminded me of the Italian version of Anthropology.
The Rialto Bridge
On top of the Rialto Bridge.
St. Marks Square with a view of St. Marks Basilica
Not sure where this was exactly.
Another beautiful church.
Over looking another bridge.
As you know, there are absolutely no cars in Venice, just boats. Even packages are delivered in boats. It's all very interesting.
From London, Heathrow, we transferred to London, Gatwick and then flew into Marco Polo airport. Once we arrived at Marco Polo airport, we were taken to Venice in a water taxi. At which point, I had been traveling for what seemed like forever. I had left Phoenix at 11:00 p.m., and had arrived in Venice at 11:00 p.m. the next day. Not really 24 hours, but pretty close.
Once checked in, I wanted to explore, I wanted to do so much. Yet, the city was asleep. Yes, unlike NYC, Venice does indeed sleep. Me however; could not sleep. I was on Arizona time, and I was more than awake. I tried to force myself to sleep, but nothing. I tried to watch t.v., but it was all in Italian except for MTV. Then by the time they played Lady Gaga for what seemed like the hundredth time, I shut it off. As much as I like her, it was to much.
The next morning, we all met downstairs for Breakfast. It was a small little dining room, and the Breakfast was included in the price of the hotel. The coffee was so good. Better than any Starbucks, or any coffee I've had for that matter. Then, we were off to explore this beautiful city. I can honestly say that being in Venice was surreal. As you look around, you want to pinch yourself. You've seen it on t.v. and in pictures, but when you are there, it is breathtaking. For five days we walked the streets and every turn turned into a new adventure.
The shopping in Venice was fabulous! Lots of beautiful Venetian masks and Murano glass jewelry. And of course lots of upscale shopping (window shopping for me). Prada, Versace, Hermes, Valentino, Feragamo etc. etc. All to expensive, especially with the Euro conversion. I did manage to do some damage, just not in any of those stores. Kai was probably the one that benefited the most. Everywhere I looked, I found her something. I bought her the cutest Wellies from the most adorable little Italian shoe shop owner. I bought her a cashmina wrap, a pink jacket that says Italia, a black and pink venetian mask to match her room, Italian fashion magazines and the list goes on and on. Nachito also got a jacket, but other than that, there was not much for him. Unless of course I bought him Transformers that were just like the ones at Target.
By the time Monday came around, I was sad to go, but ready at the same time. Venice is very slow paced, and it was good for me for about that many days. Had I stayed any longer, I would have driven myself crazy. To much time on my hands. I like the hustle and bustle of metropolitan cities. I also slept more than I have ever slept in my life. For the most part, I slept on the plane going and then again coming back. There isn't much to do on 13 hour flights except watch movies and sleep.
It is definitely a trip that I will make again. I definitely want to go back to London soon. I've added some pictures, but I took so many that I'm just going to have to create an album out of them.
My Hot Pink Passport cover to hide the ugly Blue Passport
See....Hot Pink cover much better. Found it at Nordies. 
Gondola's waiting for their tourists.
My bouquet on Wedding day.
Cristina's bouquet.
Don Aldo, the Priest that married Cristina and Ray looking out his window when we arrived.
Me and Cristina at Cafe Florian, the oldest Cafe in Venice. It was opened in 1720. They had the best deserts there. 
Cute little shop that reminded me of the Italian version of Anthropology. 
The Rialto Bridge
On top of the Rialto Bridge.
St. Marks Square with a view of St. Marks Basilica
Not sure where this was exactly.
Another beautiful church.
Over looking another bridge.
As you know, there are absolutely no cars in Venice, just boats. Even packages are delivered in boats. It's all very interesting. Such an amazing experience, and one that I would do over and over again.
Once Cristina has seen and approved all of her Wedding photos, I will make a new post about the wedding, because it was just beautiful. It took place in the oldest church in Venice. Just gorgeous.
Comments
But, her pictures (just like yours) are just breathtaking! What a blessing that you were able to go!
Oh, I'm lovin your Hot Pink Passport cover!
To answer your question, my niece lives in Hereford (S.V.), but learned her clogging solo in Mesa at Higher Ground Dance Studio from a former Cinderella girl! I wish you would have come to the Queen Creek prelim last month. I think Kai should compete not watch the pageant!