Venice!

After the most beautiful train ride through the emerald green mountains of Switzerland, we made our way to Venice. I have been here two times before (twice with Becky and once with Dad) but I continue to fall more in love with this magical city every time. The walkways through the city are so enchanting and mysterious....they are like a giant maze that zig zag over the glistening canals...it is so picturesque.

We arrived around 4pm and were able to find an incredible room at a good rate. The room looked like Don Draper's bed room (from Mad Men)...it was so ornate with chandeliers and gold accents, it rocked.

We walked the city a bit and Niko LOVED it... it is so romantic and beautiful. At sunset, we found a local wine bar where everyone stands outside and gabs while sipping glasses of wine...it was so inexpensive (which was glorious after being in Switzerland) and such a nice way to get immersed into Italian culture. We then found a charming trattoria (typical Italian eatery) and ate the best pizza I've ever had and drank some Chianti (of course). We walked around hand-in-hand through gazing at the city and then eventually met a couple on their honeymoon. We had some drinks with them and enjoyed some great conversation about life, food, wine, politics, September 11th, etc. The woman was from Albania and he was a MIT grad working in finance from Puerto Rico, which made for some interesting dialog. It was fabulous.

We only stayed in Venice one night, which was perfect...short and sweet. The next morning we walked the city some more and went to Piazza San Marco and saw the basillica...it's so incredible. The entire interior is mosaics (Mom - you would've loved it!).

Niko and I both LOVED Venice and I'm so glad I got to return to the city that I adore so much.There is, of course, a ton of tourism, but it manages to maintain its unique character and charm. It is so romantic and beautiful...I hope to return again! Next stop.....Istria, Croatia!!! Love to all...xoxoxo