I'm on a Boat!

We knew going into Saturday that this would be our last day together, so we had to savor every minute. The agenda had only 3 things on it: 1. Go see St Marks Square 2. Do a gondola ride and 3. Our Last Supper.

We spent most the morning on the Rialto Bridge taking pictures and bouncing in and out little shops. Things are repeated all thru Venice as in you seen one area of town, you've pretty much seen it all. All the shops on the bridge also carried this running theme of Murano glass pieces, theatre masks - the gorgeous glittered decorative ones, and elaborate jewelry. i picked up a few last minute gifts while Aubrey got the most gorgeous red and yellow mask perfect for next years Halloween (nudge nudge hint hint). Completely turned around and lost we headed back over the bridge and followed the street signs that lead us to St Marks. The square was massive with roman arches that lead into a thousand different stores - and the Basillica commands the most attention with its elaborate gold statues and mix between gothic and roman architecture. We went in the church only to gasp when I noticed the entire ceilings are covered in mosaic artwork detailing saints, angels, and christian figures. It was magnificent. We walked around for a little and mom got this awesome rosary thats beads were ladybugs in memory of my best friend Ali.

Our gondola adventure was to begin at 3:30 so we headed toward the dock and got there with about a half hour to wander the area. It started to get really cold so we huddled all together until it was time to get aboard. There was about 4 other gondolas on our trip and quite impressive how they manuever their way around each other weaving in and out the tiny water ways. Our tour lasted about an hour and we were seranded by the sweet sounds of a man in the middle gondola with an acordian singing in italian recognizable tunes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. It was so romantic and so peaceful for us to relax. And then Aubrey got drenched. No really, we got a little too close to this other boat that was bobbing in the water waiting to dock and one crash down on the water was just enough to spray water all over her :( It was really funny and she got a personal pat down by our gondolier.

We headed back to the hotel, fulfilled by our afternoon and got ready for dinner. Our sexy hotel attendant Luca made reservations are this seafood joint just behind the hotel. We got there right around 7 and were greated by the host, owner and 6 glasses of Prosecco. We feasted like true italian and shared all our plates with everyone. We each cleeeeared our plates. We all agreed that this trip was one of a lifetime and the only thing left to do was to decide where we should travle next. So far we are in a 2 way tie with Greece and Spain.

A little tipsy we saved just enough room for one more more trip to the gelateria and strolled the streets until it was dark. Our hearts and souls were content and we said farewells to this incredible country knowing full well one day we will all be back.

Viva L'italia!